THE PRESENT DAD · PRIVATE BETA READING

The Present Dad isn’t for sale yet. But you could read it before it’s published.

I’ve spent months working on Jake’s story. And before I publish the final edition, there’s something I want to know: what does someone reading it for the first time see that I might have missed?

I don’t need you to tell me every page is wonderful. I want to know what pulled you in, where you lost interest, and what stayed with you after you put the book down.

Applications opening soon

Apply for a beta reading spot

The application is short. Participation is by invitation, and a spot is not guaranteed.

Cover of The Present Dad — Beta manuscript · Private access for selected readers

BEFORE YOU GO FURTHER

Looking for the Buy button?

You didn’t miss it. The finished edition isn’t on sale yet.

I know. I wrote a story about a dad who keeps saying “almost done,” and now I’m saying the same thing about my own book.

Not exactly helping my case. But this time I want to hear from someone before I call it finished.

THE STORY

Jake did make it to his daughter’s school play.

For the last seven minutes of a thirty-minute show.

He had his reasons for being late. Work. Responsibilities. The future he was trying to build for his family.

The Present Dad is a novel about what happens when a father begins to notice that building a good future for his kids and being there while they grow up aren’t always the same thing.

It’s not a story about a dad who doesn’t love his family. That would be the easy story.

07OF 30 MINUTES

What Jake managed to see

YOUR READING CAN HELP

So what does a beta reader actually do?

Mostly, read. Like you would any other novel. Only this time, I want to hear what the experience was like for you.

01

What I’m asking

Tell me what kept you turning pages, where you lost interest, and which conversation didn’t quite ring true.

And if there was a stretch when you would rather clean out the fridge than read another page, please tell me. That’s useful, too.

You don’t need to correct every comma or force yourself to finish if the story doesn’t hold your attention.

02

What you’ll receive

Early access to the full story, chapter by chapter, through a private reader portal.
An audio edition available during your beta reading.
A voice in the editing process: I’ll consider your feedback before I finish the final edition.

You’ll have 21 days from receiving access to read and share your thoughts. This copy is confidential, may change, and isn’t offered as a downloadable PDF. The public beta is voluntary and unpaid. You don’t have to be a dad: I also welcome moms, caregivers, and other adult readers who connect with the story.

BETA READING APPLICATION

If that sounds interesting, this is where you come in.

You don’t have to convince me you’re the perfect reader. I’d just like to know a little about you and whether this experience feels like a good fit.

BETA APPLICATIONS

Participation is by invitation and a spot is not guaranteed. The public call is voluntary and unpaid.

If you’d rather wait for the finished book, leave your email for the publication notice.

ANOTHER WAY TO FOLLOW THE STORY

Rather wait until the book is finished?

That’s perfectly fine too. You don’t have to take part in the editing process to enjoy the story. Leave your email and I’ll let you know when The Present Dad is available to buy.

This notification is separate from the beta application and the newsletter. No purchase or automatic weekly subscription.