ASCENSION

Early Reader (ARC) Team Guide

First—thank you for being part of the early reader team for Ascension. This book exists because of readers like you who are willing to step into a story early and help it find its footing in the world. Even more so, this book was inspired by your requests to know more about Wendy - and in getting to know here, I’ve learned a lot about myself.

THANK YOU! 🙏

Below is everything you need to know. Nothing here is mandatory. Your honest reaction—positive, mixed, or critical—is what matters most.

📖 About the Book (What You’re Reading)

Ascension is a dark, modern grim dark fantasy horror novel exploring:

  • faith and false gods

  • addiction and numbness

  • manipulation disguised as mercy

  • survival when the only way out is through

Tone: dread-forward, psychological, atmospheric
Style: unsettling rather than gory
Content note: the story deals with faith, addiction, control, and trauma. Reader discretion advised.

📅 Timeline (Totally Flexible)

  • Official release date: January 27

  • Ideal review window: launch week (Jan 27 – Feb 2)

That said:
👉 There is no deadline.
👉 There is no obligation to finish.
👉 There is no obligation to review.

Life happens. Read at your own pace.

⭐ Reviews (Only If You Want To)

If you do choose to leave a review, even 1–2 sentences makes a real difference for an indie release.

Where reviews help most:

Important notes (to keep everything above board):

  • If you do not buy the book, please make sure you say you received it as part of the ARC team.

  • Honesty matters more than positivity. Thoughtful criticism is welcome.

  • If the book wasn’t for you, you’re absolutely allowed to skip reviewing.

📣 Sharing (Optional, Appreciated)

If you enjoy Ascension and feel like sharing:

  • Quotes (no spoilers) are great

  • Vibe-based posts are perfect (“creepy,” “unsettling,” “dreadful,” etc.)

  • Tagging me is appreciated but never required

    • Facebook: @tkulpwriter

    • Instagram: @tkulpwriter

    • Tiktok: @tkulpauthor

    • BlueSky: @tkulpwriter

If you’d like a ready-made pull quote or graphic, just ask—I’m happy to send one.

🧭 What Helps Me Most as an Author

If you’re open to it, these are incredibly useful (even privately):

  • Where did the dread work for you?

  • Where did it lag or feel unclear?

  • Did any scene or image stick with you?

  • Did the ending feel earned?

You’re welcome to reply directly to the ARC email with thoughts, big or small.

❤️ A Final Thank You

Early readers are not a marketing tactic to me—they’re collaborators.
Your time and attention are the most valuable things you can give a story.

Thank you for stepping into Ascension early.

— Tim