Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
As far as proofreading goes, for myself I always read through my work several times, utilize the grammar check feature on my computer, and then read it through a final time out loud. Of course, reading it out loud helps me find most of the mistakes, because sometimes your eyes (and your computer) just can't catch everything.
I've done a bit of beta-ing before under a different pen name, and basically what I did was read through the chapter/story once for content and again for conventions. If it's a grammatical error, I would autimatically correct it and highlight it in green, so that the author knew to check for that sort of error in the future. If there was an error with phrasing or sentence structure, I would make a suggestion or two to fix the sentence and highlight it in green so the author could see and decided. I mostly make suggestions on everything, and point out things that I think need improvement, and I let the author have the final decision on what they will correct or change.
If you think you're completely hopeless in terms of grammar, and you need extreme help in that area, I can also help with that. I love a good challenge, after all. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
By now I've memorized most of the rules pertaining to grammar/conventions that people tend to forget. My eighth grade English teacher had a brilliant way of remembering these things, and they've always stuckin my brain since then. Because of that, I know for sure when I look at conventional errors whether they are right or wrong. I also have an ear for sentence structure, and I can usually come up with an alternative if the sentence is lacking. I give tons of suggestions, synonyms, alternate phrasings, etc., so that the author can learn from their mistakes and improve. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I'm a little indecisive, which is why when I beta-read that I only make suggestions most of the time instead of blatantly changing the work. Tons of people struggle with correct verb tense, and I have to read through a piece several times before I'll catch mistakes in this area. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I would prefer the story to be in a fandom I'm familiar with, and to be of strictly heterosexual pairings. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I will NOT beta-read yaoi/yuri/threesomes/orgies/incest. Also, I prefer not to read stories that pertain to occult/witchcraft or stories that speak badly about God. And if I can help it, I like to avoid text that takes God's name in vain, but if it is not in excess then I will consider it. |
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