What is there to say about me? Let's see... Well, I'm a writer as a hobby - it's something I do for fun, and because I love it. I've been through the usual English classes and taken a few creative writing ones, but aside from that it's really something I've done on my own. I'm obviously not a professional writer by any stretch of the term, but it is something that's important to me, so I like to think I've figured it out pretty well over the years.



As far as beta reading goes, I'm more or less a natural editor. It's almost an instinct for me: I read through something, and as I go I notice things that I'd tweak or rework. It's just natural for me, and beta reading is a way for me to use that tendency to be productive and helpful. Even aside from that, I strongly believe that second opinions are an important part of any kind of writing; no one can see everything all on their own. I personally like to help people with writing, so helping others edit their work is a nice way to use my spare time.



If you'd like me to beta read your work, you can contact me here on FF.Net or message me at keltenaasule on AIM. Communication is key for me, and whatever you're writing, I'd prefer to talk to you a bit about it so we can figure out what kind of help you need editing it. My usual tool of the trade is Google Docs due to its useful sharing option, but if you have an alternative we can discuss that. I try to be as approachable as possible, so don't feel shy about contacting me.

I have a very good eye for grammar and spelling. While I expect you to have a good grasp of basic grammar without my help, I have no difficulty fixing errors here and there, and I'll let you know where you made mistakes so you can learn from them. Aside from that, I'll look at sentences and paragraphs to help you make sure they flow properly, and I can give advice on keeping your style consistent and pleasant to read.



Characterization is a strength of mine. I generally have a good understanding of how people work and what makes them tick, and I enjoy delving deeper into characters and exploring how their personalities present themselves. I can help you figure out how a character would act in a certain situation, and I'm always happy to discuss characterization. I also tend to notice when a canon character doesn't act like themselves, and I can let you know why, though I don't always know exactly how to fix it.



Finally, and most importantly, I'm honest. Criticism is not hate or cruelty; I will let you know clearly what I like about your writing, but I believe that the most important part of improving is targeting your weaknesses. I will point out what's off or what needs improving, I'll tell you why, and I can be nitpicky if you want me to. I don't see myself as a harsh critic, but I don't withhold my opinion when it could be useful.

I've always had difficulty writing dialogue. As mentioned, I'm good at telling you when your voices are off, but I struggle with keeping them in-character myself, particularly when it comes to fast banter. I can offer suggestions, but this is probably the area in which they'll be weakest.



I have difficulty with pacing in my own writing, and while I can spot pacing issues in others' stories, I'm not so good at fixing it. If you have a long, involved plot, I'm probably not the best person to help you space it out properly.

Character-focused stories are my forte and my favorite, whether they're short character studies or long, involved stories with detailed development and interaction. When it comes down to it, I read fiction for the characters more than anything, so stories about the characters are what I'm both best at and most interested in reading. In most canons, I prefer to read about canon characters over original characters, so it may take a little convincing for me to read solely about the latter.



Still, when it comes down to it, I'm not all that picky. If you have a story you'd like me to beta read, the best thing to do is ask; the worst that can happen is that I'll say no.

As stated above, I expect a basic grasp of grammar and spelling in any stories I beta read. I don't expect perfection, but if your writing is sloppy to the point where it becomes more difficult to read, I'll refuse



I also refuse to beta read crack; while it's occasionally quite good and can be done right, I don't think I'd be very helpful with writing it, and I shy away from the genre because it's often so bad. Similarly, I love AUs in principle, but when they become a huge stretch from the original (i.e., AUs that use canon characters in name only in a completely different setting), I'd rather not work with them.



I won't beta read romance purely for the sake of romance. I like romance myself, and as an avid shipper I understand it completely, but I see a clear difference between exploring/developing a relationship and just making two characters be in one. Romance itself is not a problem, but there needs to be a point to it.



OCs, as I've said, are iffy for me. I see their appeal and I don't mind stories focused on them, but they're not my usual material or my forte. Generally, I'll say yes to an OC story if everything is in order, but I'm both stronger with and more invested in canon characters. Self-inserts are a blanket no, as are most pairings of OCs with canon characters.

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