JAMES P MERRETT

Experienced beta readers: volunteer

Would you like to help shape The Wardenclyffe Signal, a historical science-fiction novel connecting Nikola Tesla in 1895 with researchers in 2035?

The manuscript is being prepared for beta readers. We are seeking thoughtful, independent feedback before final editing, not praise or a public review.

Length: approximately 77,000 words. Please allow time to read the complete novel and prepare your feedback.

Tell us a little about yourself

  1. What name would you like us to use?
  2. What beta-reading experience do you have? Please describe it without sharing anyone else's private manuscript.
  3. What historical fiction or science fiction do you enjoy? Name two recent reads.
  4. When could you start, and how long would you need to read this approximately 77,000-word novel and provide feedback?
  5. What file format and feedback method suit you?
  6. Are you comfortable keeping the draft private, not forwarding or uploading it (including to AI tools), and offering candid, constructive feedback?

Email my volunteer answers

This opens your email app with the questions ready to answer. Nothing is sent until you send it. Alternatively, copy the questions into an email to jamespmerrett@gmail.com.

What we would ask after reading

  • Did the opening make you want to continue? Where did your attention grow or fade?
  • Were Tesla, Mary Lou and Daniel convincing? Which relationships or choices did you believe, or question?
  • Could you follow the two time periods and the technology without rereading? Identify confusing passages.
  • Did you notice contradictions, implausible actions or historical details that need checking? Please give the chapter or passage.
  • Did the stakes and ending feel earned? What remained unresolved or disappointing?
  • What are the three most important changes you would recommend, and what should we preserve?

This is an unpaid volunteer role. We will agree the scope and timing individually. Applying does not guarantee selection or access to the manuscript, and does not subscribe you to marketing emails. Please do not send identity documents, your address or confidential material.

We use your answers to assess suitability and correspond about beta reading. You may ask us to delete your enquiry.

Back to the book

Reader Privacy Notice (expand to read)

Reader Privacy Notice

Last updated: 27 September 2026

This notice covers the James P Merrett author website and reader mailing list.

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If you volunteer as a beta reader, we use your email and answers to assess suitability and correspond with you. Applying does not subscribe you to the newsletter. Please provide only the information requested. You may ask us to delete your enquiry.

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Questions and requests

For access, correction or deletion requests, or a privacy concern, email jamespmerrett@gmail.com. We will consider your request and explain any information we need to retain or limits that apply.

James P Merrett
Suite 1913
8 Collingwood St
Osborne Park WA 6017
Australia

We may update this notice as our reader services develop. The latest version will be available here.