Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I've been writing fan-fiction since the mid-'90s and I have several stories posted on this site (I recommend you take a look at them to see what my style is like). I collaborated on and edited an original Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel in 2005, and would now like to try my hand with Beta-Reading fanfics.
I currently have about twelve to sixteen hours a week that I can dedicate to being a Beta, and stories will be worked on on a first come/first serve basis. I try to keep a turn-around time of no more than five days, but if I'm going to need a little bit longer than that, I WILL let you know. Please keep in mind that I DO have to occasionally participate in so-called 'real life,' so there are times where classes, homework, and my daughter will need to take precedence over fan fiction. Again, I WILL let you know if that happens.
*I have specific fandoms listed in my preferences, but I'll read anything that I'm asked to,...as long as it falls within my other guidelines. ;)
*IMPORTANT*: If I Beta for you, please, please, PLEASE communicate with me throughout the ENTIRE project! IF I SEND MY BETA WORK TO YOU, AND YOU DO NOT RESPOND WITHIN 5 DAYS, I WILL ASSUME THAT MY SERVICES ARE NO LONGER NEEDED AND I WILL END WORK ON THE PROJECT! I don't want to quit working on something after I've put time and effort into it, and I'm sure you don't want your Beta to quit on you, so PLEASE: keep the lines of communication open. You don't even have to say much. Something as simple as 'I got the file. Thanks.' will do. And if you're going to be a while in sending me chapters due to writer's block, real life, etc., just let me know. I'll gladly wait for you as long as you need. :) |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
My writing strengths are technical and grammar related, focusing on story structure and flow. I also specialize in realistic dialogue and character relationships. As a novel/novella writer, I deal a lot with plot development. If I Beta for you, I will fix grammatical errors and offer suggestions on how to tighten up your narrative.
You MUST be open to receiving lots of suggestions. This doesn't mean that I won't tell you what I like or what was good; it just means that I'm not going to heap praise after praise upon you with no constructive feedback. My goal is to help you make a good work great, and a great work awesome, NOT insult you. If you don't want suggestions, or don't take them well, then I am NOT the Beta for you. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I'm not very good with heavy descriptive writing, and would have very little to offer in that area. Being able to write 'scenic' passages like in, say, 'Gone With the Wind' or 'Lord of the Rings,' is, unfortunately, not a skill that's in my Writer's Toolbox. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I mostly prefer to beta '10th Kingdom' stories, as I feel strongly connected to the characters. However, I'm willing to look at anything that writers would like to send me. I also accept stories for 'Glee' (no rape fics., please), 'The Phantom of the Opera,'* and 'Tanz der Vampire.'
*A note about PotO stories: I will only Beta 'Phantom' stories that deal with the Andrew Lloyd Webber STAGE PLAY. I flat out refuse to deal with anything having to do with the 2004 movie version. I've listed the movie version in my preferences ONLY because PotO can no longer be found under the 'Plays/Musicals' category, and I want people to be able to find me as a Beta. If you're a Gerard Butler/Emmy Rossum fan girl/boy completely obsessed with the movie version, then I am NOT the Beta for you. EVER. Also, I will NOT read anything that has to do with 'Phantom of Manhattan,' aka: 'Love Never Dies.' |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
1.) I'm not comfortable reading 'drabbles,' a.k.a. off-the-wall nonsensical pieces and 'crack fics.' They're just too difficult for me to understand.
2.) I have a hard time dealing with stories that are set decades after the original material takes place, typically involving the original characters' (adult) children and/or grandchildren. Set five years after the established canon is (usually) my maximum limit, though I DO occasionally find an above mentioned story that's actually really good.
3.) I generally don't deal with Alternate Universe (AU) pieces, although I'll gladly take a look at them as long as they're not SO far removed from the original material that they seem completely implausible. AU pieces that are 'What ifs?' are fine.
4.) NO GRAPHIC SEXUAL CONTENT. If some adult themes are suggested, that's fine; but the minute I start feeling uncomfortable with it, I WILL send the story back to the author. I'm not trying to be a prude; I'm just not comfortable reading erotica or erotica-type stories.
5.) And to follow up with the last one: NO RAPE FICS! Especially for 'Glee.' There are WAY too many, and they all tend to be copy-cats. They also tend to lack an actual plot and are generally very crudely written, though I have seen (VERY few) exceptions. *For the two authors whose stories I'm currently working on: I WILL finish working on your projects. I'm just not accepting anything NEW from this point on.
6.) NO heavy or constant profanity. Mild cursing is fine, but anything with excessive swearing (read: every couple of words), will be returned to the author. |
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