Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I've been writing fanfiction for seven years, and have been beta-reading for about four. I have beta-read several different genres of fanfiction and original fiction for several different authors. I also have outside experience as an editor and delight in helping others improve their writing.
As a beta-reader, I aim to help authors use their natural talent and creativity to shape their works in ways that they might initially struggle with. My experience with editing and skill with the English language can give a good structure to any fanfiction, leaving authors free to focus on the creative side of things. I also have a firm grip on the art of characterization and am more than happy to share my advice with anyone who might benefit from it.
I can be somewhat nitpicky, so anyone who cannot handle constructive criticism would most likely not benefit from my services. I always make a point, however, to give constant support to the authors that I beta-read for. I remember what it was like to break into the world of fanfiction, and I hope that I can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for other authors. I enjoy role-playing and brainstorming sessions, but can also simply give my advice in a straight-forward manner. There are many ways to beta-read, and I am flexible enough to allow tailoring for each author.
I expect authors who ask for my help to take my advice seriously and understand that I simply desire to help them improve their fanfiction. Creative control always belongs to the author, but, sometimes, authors don’t know how to keep a reign on their usage of the English language. I aim to help authors learn how to balance creativity with grammatical accuracy in order to construct inspired and effective stories.
I also really enjoy talking to any and all authors about the subjects of our obsessions. I enjoy a good conversation as much as the next person, and I like to take a personable approach to any beta-reading project. Every project can be fun! |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
In my writing, the one area that I tend to excel in is characterization. I have a certain knack for keeping characters realistic--a skill developed by years of role-playing and writing fanfiction.
Also, as an editor, I have a developed skill in the arena of the English language. I have been an editor for four years and a beta-reader for about as long. I know how to keep things grammatically accurate and shape sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and entire projects in a comprehensible manner.
I enjoy using role-playing as a means of brainstorming and think that it is a wonderful characterization exercise. Whether authors have experience with role-playing or not, I believe that I can help them work through plot and characterization issues through that means. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
While I greatly enjoy developing the details of stories, I have a very hard time coming up with and sustaining plots. So, while I can offer my advice and come up with ideas, I cannot come up with plots. That will be up to the authors. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
For the most part, my genres of expertise are romance and angst. I enjoy those genres above all others, but can still enjoy a good fanfiction of any genre.
I also like stories of every rating, but prefer ratings of T and above. I feel that there is more freedom with those ratings, but, if people can write naturally and realistically with lower ratings, then that is also more than acceptable. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I do not enjoy stories that contain yaoi and/or yuri. I will accept some shonen-ai in certain situations, but it is still not preferred. |
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