Manuscript Swap: Queer Frankenstein Retelling (Gothic Horror)

[B. Hart]

Hey there!

I'm looking for either a manuscript swap or general beta readers (if you don't have a finished manuscript but are still interested). 

The story

Ought to Be Thy Adam is a 106K~ trans/queer gothic horror novel that takes place in the 1890s/late Victorian era—mostly in Germany during their Imperial era. It is a Frankenstein retelling (vs. a reimagining), in that it follows a similar core structure to the original. You do not have to have read the original novel to understand it, but if you have then we’re officially best friends.

"In 1897, after studying corpses and toying with electricity, medical student Viktor has created a man from his darkest desires. Except shame forces him to make one final adjustment: "female parts". As his new creation gains sentience while vivisected during Viktor's university tour and begins to chafe under Viktor's thumb, a violent death and disobedience leads the monster to make himself into the man he was always meant to be."

Comps include: A Dowry of Blood, NBC's Hannibal and Interview with the Vampire.

I will provide a complete list of content warnings and full beta package if we seem like we'd be a good match, but this is a gothic horror piece that deals heavily with trans/homophobia and has elements of dub con.

Me as a beta partner

For a manuscript swap, you'd have someone with 10+ years of critique group/editing experience. I'm an old hand at providing feedback and can give solid critiques in pacing/prose/characterization...though I am not eagle-eyed with grammar.

I'll read most kinds of romance, fantasy, and/or horror. I am happy to read almost anything in terms of content warnings—it takes a lot to scare me off! One of my fave queer series is C.S. Pacat's Captive Prince, so that should give some context.

I am only looking to beta swap with either another queer writer or someone writing queer content. I'm sure you or your work is incredible but please do not reach out if you do not meet these requirements.

My goal is to wrap up beta reading at the end of June. If we do a manuscript swap, I would be able to complete a similar timeline. Realistically, I'd likely only be able to do 1 or 2 manuscript swaps during this time as I already have 1 in the wings during that time.

You can also find me as well on Bluesky if you want to follow along the journey or see more about the novel: @bhartwrites.bsky.social

Looking forward to hearing back from y'all,

B. Hart