Read before publication

Read Before Publication

We are assembling the first group of readers who will encounter Before It Was a Diet before publication. Some will help test the manuscript as it develops. Others may receive the finished advance edition ahead of the September 2027 release.

Selection is limited. An application is a request, not a place in the group.

Test readers

Test readers may receive a bounded piece of the manuscript and a short set of questions: where the narrative is clear, where it rushes, where a passage explains more than it needs to, and what the book seems to be about.

Only a small number of people will be asked.

Advance readers

Advance readers may receive an edition after the manuscript is substantially complete, ahead of the September 2027 publication.

Their role is to read early. A review is welcome if they want to write one. It is not a condition of receiving the book.

Professional readers

Journalists, reviewers, podcasters, newsletter writers, booksellers, librarians, and academics can request consideration for an advance review copy.

Receipt of a copy is never conditioned on favorable coverage or a positive review.

Apply to read early

Tell us enough to understand the fit. Applying does not add you to the investigation email list unless you ask for that separately.

Name

Country

What draws you to the book

Why this book interests you

Ways to take partI am interested in test reading while the manuscript develops.I am interested in reading an advance edition.

Professional role

Publication, platform, or organization (optional)

Preferred reading format

If selectedI am willing to answer structured questions about the reading.I may want to write about the book around publication.

Where did you hear about the book (optional)

I understand this is a request to be considered, that selection is limited, and that applying does not subscribe me to a mailing list.Also send me investigation updates by email. This is separate from the application.