Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
Before beta-reading, I already read stories with a watchful eye out for mechanics (grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation), coherence (plot flow, unity in the story), conciseness (clarity of writing or delivery, word choice, use of figures of speech or any other form of creativity), content and originality.
When I do editing services (mostly for my classmates in school), I first ask what they would like me to improve in their work. On most occasions, I only correct their technicalities because, of course, I do not hold the message they intend to convey. However, if my classmates approach me to ask for help on how they would be able to improve their work in terms of its content, I happily oblige.
Rest assured, my technique shall be applied in my beta-reading.
For those of you who would like to avail of my services as a beta-reader, expect the results to be on time. Whenever it comes to tasks involving fanfics and writing, I immediately do them with zeal and diligence. Also expect the grammar and punctuation fixed (according to Layman English, of course, I'm not THAT technical), as well as some suggestions as to how the content, cohesiveness and conciseness of the story may be enhanced. I leave them as suggestions with respect to your writng style.
I'm not heavy with the way I comment. As much as possible, I leave the decision-making (concerning improvements to the story) to the writer. I am but pseudo-professional opinion.
I hope I'd be reading your stories soon. Enjoy! |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I am proud to say that I am very good in English, both spoken and written. I am also very good in Filipino, both spoken and written. When editing, I'm particularly keen on the mechanics and cohesiveness of a story. Things with regard to these two criteria are the ones I notice immediately.
As to any topics and content covered by a story, I am exposed to numerous different cultures, writing styles and languages used across the globe and other varieties of subject matters. I am open to most things (yaoi, etc.), so issues such as conflict with what is being written about don't really bother me.
I am also particular with the reality in a story: if a certain event or phenomena CAN actually happen in the real world, if it can be backed-up by more or less convincing explanations with reference to science, etc., if the actions and reactions of the characters to the situations they are faced with would logically follow if applied to the real world, and if (the stories being FANfiction) the characters are true to their natures as established in the original anime show/book/TV show/movies/etc. they have come from. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I, myself, am not a remarkable writer. My own typographical errors elude me. When I read, I may get too carried away with the story to remember that I'm checking its technicalities and the way it is written. I could get biased. Despite me being good in English, it is still my second language.
What looks and sounds correct to me may not look and sound correct to you. I am giving my humblest apologies beforehand. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
As of now, I can't pinpoint what I prefer to beta exactly. I'm open to a lot of genres. I'm a pure-bred yaoi fan and am extremely willing to beta yaoi works. Yuri is fine, though I'm not very good with that category, as I have no experience writing it.
I sparingly accept offers for stories containing heterosexual pairings.
If it helps, my favorite genres when I search for fanfics are Humor, Mystery, Drama, Romance, Action/Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural and Horror. AU stories are fine with me.
My boredom or my undivided attetion depends on the plot of the story. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I REFUSE to read stories where Original Characters are the egoistic airheads who hog the leading man/lady and the spotlight. I am open to stories with OCs if they are appealing, somewhat insignificant and brilliantly pulled off.
I REFUSE to read stories that have totally NO connection whatsoever to the category they are listed under (e.g. a Beyblade fanfic where all the characters are OCs, but they all play Beyblade and are married to canon characters, or a Harry Potter fic where Harry's children's children's children continue their father's legacy, etc.)
I REFUSE to read stories that are included in long-winded sagas that act like inside jokes almost half the readers do NOT understand (e.g. roleplay logs between friends)
I don't like reading stories where the characters are unbearably OOC.
Some pairings (more particularly the ones including females) are NOT in my book. I shall have to polietly decline requests containing pairings I don't like.
These are basic things to watch out for. Besides these...I'm fine with anything. |
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