Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I love to read and write and would like to help writers who truly want to improve. When beta-reading, I correct all mechanics (grammar, spelling, and punctuation) and comment on style, plot, flow, and any other content I feel could stand some improvement. I won't let you write a work with a Mary-Sue in it, and canon rape is a definite no-no. Depending how long the work is, I can usually get it back to you within anywhere from one hour to one week, but be warned--I might overload you with comments. I typically spend about an hour on feedback, which usually includes both the positive aspects of your writing and constructive criticism to help your writing get better. Because I take the beta request very seriously, I hope you will, too--if I find that you don't seriously consider what I say, then I probably won't have time for you anymore.Basically, if you read my fics and like what you see, I might be the beta-reader for you. If you don't, then I'm probably not. PM me if you'd like to get a sample of how I con-crit. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
Spelling, mechanics, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary (for instance, I will generally refuse to let you use the same noun, adverb, or verb twice in at least fifteen words), context, dialogue, character voice, canon, plot, plausibility. Finally, I am very, very thorough when giving feedback. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I can be a little too nice when discussing flaws, though I'm working on that. Perhaps because I'm a perfectionist, I also tend to give up when there is simply too much to say. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
I know the movie version of West Side Story backwards and forwards; I am a bit less knowledgeable about the stage version. I would rather beta fics for categories I know extremely well, so that I can have that canon perspective. This is not to say that I wouldn't consider AU or random category requests; PM me and I'll take a look and see. |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
Anything that makes my eyes bleed. If you don't bother to proofread your stories at least once, there's no reason for me to do it, either. Also, if you've seen your plot sixty-seven thousand times already (random Jet's cousin moves to West Side and hooks up with another random Jet), I probably have too, and that's just no fun to read. |
