Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
Hi, I'm Natt! Even though I'm an "active" beta-reader, I'm only sporadically active. I may be in the middle of a project of my own, whether it's fanfiction or school-related. So, if you're interested in me beta-reading for you, contact me ASAP, so that I can let you know if I'm available.
MY STYLE: I'm direct, but polite. I also think an author needs a beta to point out the things she likes about a story just as often as she points out the things she doesn't like.
EXPECTATIONS BEFORE WE BEGIN:
--You should have a mostly clear grasp of grammar and punctuation. I don't want to be anyone's English tutor. (Typos are something entirely different.)
--Your fic should be complete or near-complete, whether it's one chapter or multiple chapters. I like a well done works-in-progress, but these are virtually unheard-of. Plus, I don't have the time to beta-read the same fic for months or years. If you think you should be an exception (for instance, your fic is mapped out scene by scene, and you know exactly what will go in each chapter -- exactly), then hit me up and we'll talk. :)
--Before I agree to beta, I'd like to know the following about your story: The pairing(s) (if any), a descriptive summary (not necessarily the one you will be posting in your header), and an approximate word count. Also, if you could send me a snippet from your story (maybe the first couple paragraphs), that would be helpful, too.
DURING BETA-READING:
--You should not become defensive if I don't like something. A) You came to me for help. B) I have no authority over your fic. I'm just making suggestions on what I think would make your fic clearer, more entertaining, and a better piece of writing in general. I may have little criticism or I may be nitpicky. You're free to fire me at any time, and vice versa. :) |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
--Grammar and punctuation, but I hope you would not need this extensively.
--Trimming the filler.
--Pointing out clichés in prose, dialogue, and story.
--Commenting on characterization, if that is something you're interested in. This is always up for debate, of course. You're going to have to let me know your intentions going into the fic -- is your Draco *meant* to be goofy and womanly for a *reason* (humor? he's under a spell? you just think it's cute?) or did he just wander off in that direction without your knowledge? |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
--Since I'm in school, working, writing my own fanfic, and I socialize in real!life, I will not generally return a fic within 24-hours. In fact, it may take a week or so, depending on the length. You may need to specify a deadline.
--I'm American. I assume you're coming to me for Harry Potter fic. If so, while I can pick out *some* Briticisms, I suggest you also recruit a Brit-picker. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
--All SLASH is a-okay! Especially Harry/Draco and Harry/Snape. The only HET I'm interested in reading is rare!het, such at Harry/Pansy or Snape/Molly, or something equally as uncommon.
--I love MPREG, but not gratuitous mpreg. The pregnancy should have something to do with the plot or be the entire focus of the story -- but not thrown in during the "happily ever after" because it's cute that way.
--GENDER-BENDERS: Same as with mpreg, I enjoy a gender-bender when it's not gratuitous. Now, if the story is meant to be humorous, or pure pr0n, or something along those lines, just hit me up with an inquiry. I'm flexible. :)
--GEN: I love a good gen story with a plot. Nuff said!
--I also prefer non-epilogue-compliant fics, but this is *not* absolute. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
--I don't usually go for het romance, especially not canonical het. So, that leaves out Harry/Ginny, Hermione/Ron, Remus/Tonks, James/Lily, etc. (Rare!het pairings are a different story. See my "likes".) This does not mean I will not beta a fic containing these pairings -- I just don't want to read anything where these pairings are the focus.
Aside from that, I'm really open. Any questions? Just ask. I'm friendly! |
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