Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I am usually a fanfiction/fiction writer. Whenever I beta-read, I give constructive criticism to those writers who are allowing me to beta-read his or her stories, poems, etc. For those writers who are curious about what good writing means, whenever I read a story, I expect very few grammatical and spelling errors, as well as a reduced number of typo errors. This way, I can tell whether or not this is a good or bad story, since this is one way to flesh out a writer's style. To add, when writers present their work for me to critique, I do hope he or she has proofread or lets me know their work is proofread, before he or she presents the story or poem to me. It annoys me when someone doesn't proofread their work, or think their work is good as it is (this usually tells me there's something wrong with the writer's story or poem). So, for all writers, when proofreading spelling errors to either look the words up online or in a dictionary (remember, the books bound in paperback or hardcover); the same with grammar, but it is wise to check, and double-check, a thesaurus (again, hardbound or paperback books, and online for further help and research). Hopefully, these tips of advice should prove helpful to writers, whether beginning or experienced. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
My strength with any story is spelling. So, in case I see any spelling errors, be assured that I will point them out. Also, on a particular day I was proofreading one of my drafted stories (this was before I was ever on this site), something snapped in me and now I can edit like mad. Be aware of this, for I will give hard constructive criticism, while attempting hard not to sound mean. So, if there are multitudes of errors, then I will focus more on the spelling, grammar, and typo errors more than the story itself, even though I will only tell writers some parts I recall reading. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
My weaknesses are grammar and typos. I cannot beta-read westerns and/or crime/detective stories, simply because I am not familiar with the genres that well, nor can I figure out crime/detective stories. They are just too hard for me, even after I have read them. (I can admit, I have read one 'Sherlock Holmes' book, but even then I could not figure out what was going on until towards the end. That's just an example.) Yes, I can beta-read romance stories, but be forewarned that I can only stand romance stories for so long. Romance-heavy stories haven't always been my cup of tea, but other genres work better for me. There's something about romance-heavy stories that I cannot stand, especially since there's the possibility of a Mary-Sue, Gary-Stu, or both appearing in these particular stories. Food for thought, if you must know. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
I am a huge fan of 'The Lord of the Rings' and other stories written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Mainly, I will read stories on the character Frodo Baggins. One of the main reasons behind this is because I'm used to Frodo so much now he's practically in anything I write and/or read (mostly fanfiction centered on this hobbit or Halfling). I have been a fan of lead protagonists or heroes since childhood. Another preference is, due to the slew of stories that have the same ideas - there are some ideas worked to death more than others - I like to read stories that show uniqueness, stories that have not had the same idea, stories where the original and canon characters are/stay in-character, stories where names haven't shown up in other stories, and stories that stand out from the crowd of common ideas. These stories typically have my attention straight away, and I look forward to beta them. |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
I will not read stories that have slash, profanity, and swearing. I also will not read stories, especially romance stories, where either the original or canon character is a Mary-Sue or a Gary-Stu, or possesses some or all of their qualities (many that make me sick, since Mary-Sues and Gary-Stus are not angels). If the writers I am beta-reading are too stubborn to notice their original or canon characters are turning into Mary-Sues or Gary-Stus, which in turn affects the story's plotline, then I will either let these writers know with warnings and subtle hints, at first, but also begin to root for the canon characters that are in-character and stay in-character. Also, I avoid stories where the same OC name has appeared in other stories, 10th or 11th walker stories, stories where writers have 'gender-bend' the characters (horrible!), stories where the OC - worse with OFC [original female character] (how come there aren't more stories with OMCs [original male characters]?) - takes charge of the story and the canon characters (tells them what to do, how they should act and behave, saves their lives when it changes the original plot, makes all canon characters sympathize and care about the OC or OFC [there will be OCs and canon characters that will not approve], the OFC wins every duel except when she loses to the canon character [and then complains about her lose to said canon character], etc. [anyone notice a pattern here?]), and stories that are modernized versions of worlds that were originally in a previous century or era. I do not know what madness has ensued in other fandoms, but any patterns that come up - similar to what I have already said - I will not beta-read or read in general. |
