Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I am a sixteen year old student from the UK, currently studying the IB Diploma programme - my main reason for this is to become a more world-widely, well-rounded, educated member of our dwindling society of imbeciles. I am studying two essay based subejects (English and History) at SL, and one language (Spanish) at HL, which I believe have and will further improve my grasp on what it means to write fluidly and imaginatively (also, of course, I am studying Maths SL and Biology and Chemistry HL). I also possess GCSE qualifications (all A*) in English Literature, English Language, Modern World History, Fine Art and four foreign languages (French, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin Chinese), amongst my maths and sciences of course, which I believe fuels my desire for understanding of the world around me, and presents me as a student well-versed in all aspects of life.br /
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I would class myself as a "brutally honest" critic when it comes to the technicalities, such as punctuation, grammar and the use of specific devices correctly, but I am far more a flexible beta-reader when it comes to the plot and the story - I'm willing to try anything at least once. I am also a credited beta-reader on PerfectImagination (for which I had to take a written test of my abilities), an online society of the most efficient beta-readers around at present. I would recommend viewing their archives of beta-readers too, in order to find the partner that would suit you best.br /
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My main desire for those wishing to work with me is that they have a good grasp of the English language, and a respect of it: capital letters and full stops are what I live, breathe and eat. Please, no text speak! Also, I wowuld appreciate a willingless to learn and a flexibility to edit, though also a desire to teach me new things, and correct me when I'm wrong. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
There is no doubt in my mind that my strengths lie in the more technical side of beta-reader - I have a critical eye and I am well-versed in punctuation and grammar. In other words, I am incredibly fluent with sentence construction and the use of literary and language devices in order to create a desire effect. I am currently studying English, as well as another essay based subject, History at IB Standard level, which has helped improve my technical ability leaps and bounds. I am also studying Spanish at IB Higher level, which means that I have a very good idea of the construction of a language, and the correct use of all parts of a sentence.br /
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I would like to say that my vocabulary has also improved vastly over these few years I've been a beta-reader, seeing as it certainly was an area I was weaker in when I was younger. I believe I am very eloquent and articulate in my wording, thanks to a very strenous, but equally rewarding private school education, where I was encouraged to further my interest in creative writing quite regularly.br /
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Characterisation is also a strong point of mine, providing, of course, I am familiar with the series. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
From what I have noticed of myself, my weakness seems to be avoiding cliché; I am very fond of soppy, dramatic dialogue between lovers, for example. But I believe my imagination and range of interests makes up for it. I believe my vocabulary could be further improved, and I am always willing to learn about new topics and experiment with new ideas, seeing as I realize my life has been rather closed off to the world so far.br /
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I have to admit that my enthusaism for writing and beta-reading comes in waves, so often I end p staring at my computer for hours befpre inspiration comes for me to do some work - you will have to forgive me for extending deadlines once or twice, for, firstly, I am a student studying the demanding IB course, and also because, in order for me to work at my highest standard, I need to be in the right mood. I would also like to improve upon my story length - I seem to focus a lot on drabble and one-shot length items, but I would like to be able to flesh out my longer ideas with more ease. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I believe I am quite an open-minded person, who is willing to beta-read almost anything, providing the author has shown a respect for the English language and the desire to improve upon their skills already laid down. I am most familiar with action/adventure plots, and I am currently studying to improve my ability to write fight sequences, but you will find that most of my written work has romance as a central theme, which I guess would be my strengths. Hopefully I will continue to improve on this over time as life throws more experiences at me.br /
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As a horror fanatic, I would say I have a lot of experience and knowledge about the genre, so I would not mind offering suggestions in regard to those more mordbid. I am also enjoying historical, period works, or those with specific political or social references or themes. The idea of religion, despite the fact I am not a believer in it, also fascinates me greatly. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I will be honest and say that humour is not my strong point, so I will not be willing to beta a fic that has humour or parody at its heart, though I do not mind the odd light-hearted touch to other projects.br /
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Science-fiction, all though I enjoy it, is probably not one of my strengths either, though I'd be willing to give it a go. Fantasy as well, though I am currently writing a short novella within this genre, so hopefully this will change as I can experience within the topic.br /
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Also, I do not take kindly to scenes of graphic/harmful sexual nature that are treated in an insenstive manner, as with murder and other serious criminal offences. I do not mind beta-ing lemons or smut, or anything of that matter, as long as it's mature and sensible. I don't want to see mindless drivel of characters acting like rabbits for the point of a reaction from readers. |
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