The meaning of masterworks
I have had many loves over the course of my life, and a thankfully few hates. First and foremost, this site is a monument to my greatest nonliving loves. The books and the numbers that have kept me sane all these years.
A play on the word masterwork, I wanted to show from the very title that the focus is larger than just literature. Both the blog and attached services offer what you see on the side here: Books, Math, and More!
For full transparency, MATHTERWORKS was also something easy to coin or build a brand off of. Perhaps that’s a bit ambitious of me to use those terms, but I’m a writer too. We build whole worlds based on just our dreams.
What's on the menu?
Frequently Asked Questions
If I ever get a strongly worded email or DM on social media, it will very likely end up being another bullet point here. Please don’t let that deter you from reaching out if the FAQs don’t have the answer you are looking for.
The Books
Do I have to pay for you to review my book?
Absolutely not. Never. I love reading, and I will never charge someone to have me read their book for pleasure. However, money is tight. So, I do ask that a digital copy is provided without purchase for the review.
How do I get my book added to the review list?
Head on over to that “hire me” section and fill out the form for reviews. PDEFs or EPUBs are the preferred formats, but I am willing to find other methods if those don’t work!
How could you rate [blank] that way?
I cannot stress this enough, but all reviews of any type of work on my site are my own personal opinion. Just like you wouldn’t stand over a person at the dinner table and demand they like or dislike the same foods you do, please don’t do that here! If you want to have a proper discussion though, definitely reach out.
Why do you charge for beta reading?
I know I just said I love reading up above, and won’t ever charge for it! Except, I used the distinctive wording about “reading for pleasure.” When I am beta reading, I am reading FOR WORK. If you don’t believe me, I can provide samples or do a test chapter to show you the difference.
Aren't ARC readers and BETA readers the same thing?
No, and this is where I think so many people take issue with the idea of charging for beta reading services. ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) readers are for your finished books. Engage them to help generate buzz by letting them review and promote before launch day. Some are nice enough to point out typos, but do NOT expect these readers to fill out huge questionnaires or do any last minute revising for you.
Beta readers are more for books still in the project phase. You’ve finished drafting and maybe even revising, but you want to have another set of eyes on things. Not every beta reader is the same, with feedback ranging from general vibes to the depth of a developmental editor.
What is the difference between your editing services?
I dive more deeply into this on the Hire Me page.
Developmental Editing: What works/doesn’t work on a macro scale. Character arcs, plot structure, and genre expectations
Line Editing: How well does your writing tell your story? Word choice, sentence structure, and character/author voice
Proofreading: Strictly a typo and grammar check.
The Math
How can you actually like math?
I love math, and I actually teach it for that reason. I know so many people who say they hate it, say they suck at it, or say they hate it because they suck at it. Maybe I’m sensitive, but I admit I always get a little sad when I hear things like this.
Math, and the numbers that fuel it, train your brain to think a certain way. To find the patterns and apply them to so many types of problems. Maybe you missed a step along the way, or maybe you just needed to see more of a reason to learn in the first place. But, don’t handicap your brain just because it’s cool to hate on math.
How can I get better at math when I don't have the foundation?
I dive more deeply into this on the Hire Me page.
Developmental Editing: What works/doesn’t work on a macro scale. Character arcs, plot structure, and genre expectations
Line Editing: How well does your writing tell your story? Word choice, sentence structure, and character/author voice
Proofreading: Strictly a typo and grammar check.
Do you offer tutoring services?
I dive more deeply into this on the Hire Me page.
Developmental Editing: What works/doesn’t work on a macro scale. Character arcs, plot structure, and genre expectations
Line Editing: How well does your writing tell your story? Word choice, sentence structure, and character/author voice
Proofreading: Strictly a typo and grammar check.
Why isn't [x], [y], or [z] mentioned in investing?
I dive more deeply into this on the Hire Me page.
Developmental Editing: What works/doesn’t work on a macro scale. Character arcs, plot structure, and genre expectations
Line Editing: How well does your writing tell your story? Word choice, sentence structure, and character/author voice
Proofreading: Strictly a typo and grammar check.
Why do you bother with cryptocurrency?
I dive more deeply into this on the Hire Me page.
Developmental Editing: What works/doesn’t work on a macro scale. Character arcs, plot structure, and genre expectations
Line Editing: How well does your writing tell your story? Word choice, sentence structure, and character/author voice
Proofreading: Strictly a typo and grammar check.
Do you make money off people following your advice?
I dive more deeply into this on the Hire Me page.
Developmental Editing: What works/doesn’t work on a macro scale. Character arcs, plot structure, and genre expectations
Line Editing: How well does your writing tell your story? Word choice, sentence structure, and character/author voice
Proofreading: Strictly a typo and grammar check.