Megan Macmanus

A writer.

For monstrous girls and restless boys.

Books

Do you like free books? Are you interested in joining my Street Team?
I would love to have you!

Currently seeking: Beta Readers
Adult Cozy Romantasy: LOVE & OTHER COMMON TOXINS
(writing as Isolde McCann)

Aerulia Onoye can confidently handle magical plants and mythological creatures, but allowing Devlin Barit, one of her investor’s hired goons, to assist with her research? That's asking too much—especially because the menagerie she’s concealing behind her greenhouse isn’t exactly permitted.Unfortunately, Dev controls Aerulia’s funding, and he’s grown suspicious of her activities. If Aerulia wants to prove her theory of magical symbiosis, hatch a powerful, believed-to-be-extinct creature, and cure her parents of their mysterious magic-borne illness, she’ll have to let Dev in on a few secrets.But Dev has secrets of his own: One more failed investment, and Dev is not only out of a job, he and his siblings are out on the streets. Dev didn’t come to help. He came to shut Aerulia down. And if he keeps falling for her, it's going to make ruining her life really, really difficult.LOVE & OTHER COMMON TOXINS is a cozy romantasy for fans of slow-burn yearning, hilarious plant-based shenanigans, and adorable magical accomplices.Similar titles: The Spellshop, Hemlock & Silver, The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy

Currently seeking: Beta Readers
YA/Adult Crossover Historical Fantasy: SHIELD SWORN
(writing as Cait Monroe)

An abandoned warrior taken captive. A conscript-slave hoping to buy his own freedom. The only way to survive is to trust each other—or sell the other one out first.
One last raid. Then Revni and her family will sail upriver, joining the rest of her warrior clan who have traded in shields and axes for plows and farms. A new life in a new land.One last summer. Then Eavus can finally buy his freedom—not just from the Aleterian army whose empire he helped build, but from the well-connected family that’s owned him all his life.But the monastery that’s the target of Revni’s raid turns out to be an encampment for Eavus’ regiment. In the aftermath of the battle, hoping for glory and a reward, Eavus borrows a sword to chase the fleeing Revni down.Now Eavus and his captive are lost in the wilds of territory their two peoples have been carving up for themselves. If Eavus doesn’t report in to his commander soon, he’ll be declared a thief and a deserter. If Revni doesn’t provide proof she’s still alive, her inheritance will be forfeit. She’ll be sold; he’ll be executed.To survive, Revni and Eavus are going to have to decide who to trust, who to fight, and how to tell if you’re on the winning side—because they are both slaves and conquerors in a foreign land, and everyone they meet along the way wants them dead.

What's the difference between a beta reader and an ARC reader?
Both get you free books! But they are different roles.Beta readers receive a book after edits, but before publication. As a beta reader, you get an advance look at upcoming works and the chance to help in their creation! Your vital feedback might be used to make changes to characters or plots, and helps me see what readers like. Beta readers need to be avid readers in the genre, be able to read a whole book pretty quickly, and be able to keep secrets! You'll also get your name in the acknowledgments, so that's always very cool.ARC readers receive a copy of a book just before it's published. By the time an ARC reader gets the book, the cover and content is pretty well set. ARC readers should NOT be able to keep secrets! ARC readers leave reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, or wherever else they want, share the book on social media, and tell all their friends, libraries, and local bookstores how great it is! (hopefully)Basically, beta readers help the author. ARC readers help future readers (and of course if they like the book, that helps the author, too!)
Interested?
Apply for beta reader
Apply for ARC reader

Editing

Do you have an article, story, screenplay, or manuscript in need of beta read or edits? Please reach out to see if we'd be a good fit to work together!

Screenplays: I worked as a script doctor, ghostwriter, and screenwriter for several years. I am the co-writer of Killer Piñata and its sequel Bride of Killer Piñata, and have placed highly in several screenwriting contests, including a semi-finalist in the Academy Awards' Nicholls Screenwriting competition. I am a graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in Theater, where I worked on screenwriting with John Logan and Delle Chatman.I offer screenplay assessments with notes on structure, character, plot, and dialogue, along with suggestions for revisions. Screenplay critiques are available for completed drafts only.

Books: I have served as a developemental editor, line editor, copy editor, beta reader, and critique partner. I have written multiple works, including picture books, middle grade, YA, and adult, and love helping other authors find what's working and what's not.I offer manuscript critiques for completed drafts, beta reading and developmental editing for partial and completed drafts, and line editing for works on their way to publication.My preferred genres:
YA/NA/Adult: fantasy, romantasy, historical fiction, contemporary romance, select contemporary and literary fiction.
MG: fantasy, action-adventure, historical fiction, books with a "classic" feel, select contemporary.I am NOT the best fit for sci-fi, heavily epic fantasy, horror, mystery/thriller, or erotica. I am also not the best fit for gross-out MG or graphic on-page abuse. I do not take on every client that contacts me, as finding a good fit for your story is as important as getting feedback! Please contact me so we can discuss what you're looking for.

Articles and short works: I am the former Editor-in-Chief of Los Angeles Family Magazine Group, and have won awards from Parenting Publications of America for editing and personal essay. I currently teach personal essay/personal narrative through the Admissions Academy at NC State University, and am a certified college counselor specializing in essay writing.For articles for literary publications and short stories, I offer beta reads/assessments and line editing. If you are interested in college essay work, please contact me through Honors Educational Services.

Contact

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