Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I go over someone's work with a fine-toothed comb, track any changes that I make, and explain as necessary (usually in footnotes). I can limit myself to grammar, mechanics, and structure, or I can include more subjective elements such as characterization and word/style choices. I never make suggestions about plot development unless asked, but I WILL ask for clarification. I'm a canon Nazi for myself but can make allotments for those who aren't. I never pull my punches, but I try to coach them in neutral language so as to be constructive. In other words, if I think your plot makes no sense whatsoever I won't come right out and tell you that, but I will shove so many questions through each plothole and discrepancy that hopefully you'll reach the same conclusion on your own. Or, at the very least, find a better way of presenting things. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I'm a technical writer by profession and was formally employed at, for lack of a better term, a professional beta'ing center for college and graduate students who needed help with their writing mechanics. Basically, I was once paid to be a grammar Nazi.
Also, I have been involved in live theater for 11 years now. As such, I approach characterization in terms of movement, motivation, and Truth-with-a-capital-T. I can help someone get inside their characters' heads even if I haven't a clue who those characters are. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I also have difficulty accepting writing styles that are vastly different from my own, however valid they may be. I have to work at not saying "but you should write it THIS way to achieve THAT effect" because the author in question, quite simply, doesn't write the same way I do.
Further, if I'm beta'ing a fic in a fandom I'm active in, I have a very set idea of How Things Should Be Done. Again, it's work to distance myself enough to remember that there are many "right" interpretations of canon and characterization, and just because someone writes them differently that doesn't mean They're Doing It Wrong.
Also, I abuse capitals for effect. It's a stylistic thing. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
Canon compliant gen-fic, at least in the fandoms I'm familiar with. Adding to my weaknesses from above if I personally don't see the subtext that allows for a particular non-canon pairing (of any orientation) it's that much harder to beta for characterization. Especially when certain elements of canon must be ignored or creatively explained away for said pairing to be possible. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
Nothing that wouldn't violate this site's TOS. |
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