Beta Reading Opportunity
APPLICATIONS CLOSED DUE TO HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICANTS
Beta reading window: June 8–30, 2026 (3 weeks)
Lost Island Press is seeking beta readers for Below, a YA dystopian novel by Fiona Holland.
If this window doesn’t fit your schedule, stay tuned for future opportunities.
Please read the information below before applying.
What is the book about?
In Nether, most people aren’t born—they Fall from the sky with no recollection of who they are or where they came from. Thankfully, a woman called the Prime helps these newly Fallen assimilate into her beautifully organized society. Years ago, she fell first, and Nether is her creation.
June was the youngest to Fall, and the Prime has labeled her Deviant ever since. There are many Deviant things about June, such as her mysterious flashes of pre-Fallen memories, and her impeccable aim with a blade. Her only job is to eliminate all suspicion about the unknown world Above.
That is, until she strikes a deal with Lord Garnet, son of the Prime. In exchange for a massive favor, Lord requests an account of everything June can recall from her flashbacks. But why he wants what his mother fights to hide—she has yet to discover.
Who is eligible to beta read?
For this project, all readers are welcome. This project is a standalone, and no context from prior Lost Island books is necessary.
What do beta readers have to do?
- Read an in-progress draft of the book
- Leave comments along the way (optional)
- Fill out a survey at the end (required)
How long will this take?
- Read time: 7 hours
- Survey time: 10–45 minutes
How will I read the book?
As of June 2026, we’ve transitioned from Google Docs to a private section of our website. If you’re selected, our team will email you instructions on how to access the book and read it online.
What will I get in return?
- A direct role in shaping the final version of the book
- Your name featured in the acknowledgments (if you want)
- A free ebook of the published version upon launch
- Ticket to the invite-only launch party (via Zoom)
- Chance to win a free BlueBound of the published version
Do I need to review the book too?
Please do not post public reviews of the beta draft, as it is not a finished book. Beta reading is for internal feedback, not marketing. If you read the published version later, you’re welcome to review it then.
Do you have any content warnings?
- Occasional strong language
- Depiction of recreational drinking, drugs, & smoking
- Violence with blood
When will the official version launch?
- Early release: January 9, 2027
The book will be available in ebook and paperback via Lost Island Press (website only) - Official publication: February 6, 2027
The book will be available through major retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others)