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Beta Reader Program

Read the book before anyone else.

I am selecting up to 220 readers to read my debut novel in English or Spanish, provide honest feedback, and shape the final version.

Every reader selected will receive a signed first edition when the book is published, and your name will appear on a special acknowledgements page.

Prizes for the most helpful feedback

1st $3,000 + lunch with the author

2nd $2,000

3rd $1,000

Feedback is judged on three criteria, weighted equally:

Specificity. Point to exact passages, chapters, or moments. "The pacing slowed" is generic. "I almost stopped reading in Chapter 14 when the Templar history was explained for the third time" is specific.

Honesty. Tell me what didn't work, not just what did. Criticism I can act on is worth more than praise.

Insight. See something no one else saw. A pattern across chapters. A character inconsistency. A moment where the book assumed knowledge you didn't have.

As you read, you can highlight passages in yellow, leave comments on specific sections, react to each chapter, and complete a reader survey at the end. All of it counts toward the prizes.

Timeline

September 10 — Applications close

September 11 — Selected readers notified and given access

October 11 — Deadline to finish reading and submit all feedback

1About You

1Full name

2Email address

3Age range

Under 25 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

4What country are you in?

5What is your faith background? (select all that apply)

Christian Muslim Jewish Hindu Buddhist Other faith Spiritual but not religious Agnostic Atheist Prefer not to say

6How important is your faith in your daily life?

Central Important Somewhat Not very Not at all

2Your Reading Life

7How many books do you typically finish per month?

0-1 2-3 4-5 6+

8What is your favorite work of fiction? Why?

9Who are your favorite authors? (up to 5)

10Which genres do you read most? (select all that apply)

Thrillers Literary Fiction Historical Fiction Sci-Fi Mystery / Crime Fantasy Romance YA Crossover Nonfiction Other

11Have you read The Da Vinci Code?

Yes, loved it Yes, liked it Yes, didn't like it No

12When you read fiction, what do you notice first?

Plot Characters Writing style & voice Setting & atmosphere

13Name a book that changed how you read (not just one you enjoyed). Why?

14Name a popular book you didn't finish. What pushed you away?

15Have you enjoyed a novel with a teenage protagonist written for adult audiences? Which one?

3Relevant Background

16How familiar are you with Bitcoin or cryptocurrency?

Very familiar Somewhat familiar Heard of it Not at all

17Do you own or have you ever owned Bitcoin or any cryptocurrency?

Yes, I currently own crypto Yes, I have in the past No

18Do you have professional experience in any of these? (select all that apply)

Military Intelligence Law Enforcement Cybersecurity Finance Software / Tech None of these

19Are you comfortable reading fiction that challenges your beliefs, depicts graphic violence, or explores controversial religious ideas?

Yes, bring it on Depends on execution Probably not No

20Do you review books on any platform? (select all that apply)

Goodreads Amazon BookTok Bookstagram Blog Podcast None Other

We will review every application and notify you by email.

✓

Application received.

Thank you. We will review your application and notify you by email if you are selected. This may take a few weeks.

If you have questions, reach out through Capital Mischief.