Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I usually can do very good spelling, grammar and sentence structure checks. (I use a mix of British vs American spellings in my work, so as a rule, I let whatever you choose go.) I will correct smaller mistakes without telling you, so if you want to learn how to fix those things, just compare your original document with what I've given you. However, don't be afraid that you won't improve, because I will bring larger things to your attention, including major characterization and plot issues.
Of anyone who wants me to beta for them, I expect that:
(1) I will be able to look at your document without wanting to tear my eyes out; this is in the way of spelling and grammar, mind you. I don't mind doing a little proof-reading, but if you don't even bother to capitalize things...
(2) You actually spend time and energy on your work.
(3) You can take blunt criticism. I can and will refuse you if I think you aren't up to it.
Those are just the marks of a mature person wanting to improve their work, not anything strenuous. I just want what anybody would want: quality.
At this point, I don't know how busy I'm going to be. I expect things to be going well, and if things are, that means I can put much more effort into beta-ing. That means more thought given to the prose, dialogue, awkwardness, plot, characterization, etc. It might take a bit longer to get to the real issues you might have with your story, but well worth it in my opinion. And I don't mean to sound arrogant but if you've gone through the trouble to get a beta, you should take what I say seriously unless I say differently. I won't mess with your style, I promise, but if even I can tell something doesn't sound right, that's a sign it needs to be fixed.
Now, I don't know what kind of impression I've given so far, but even though I will be blunt with you, I don't take pleasure in being mean. I will be as fair as I can, be gentle if I feel you have softer skin than others I've beta-ed for, and do my best job. If you're mature, I can do that much. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
Spelling, grammar, and sentence structure are things that jump out at me right away. I'm also fairly good at noticing awkwardness, and most characterization issues. Prose and narrative are things I'm good at, and can make things sound very natural, specific to the character in question. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
Flow and pacing of a story. People who have read my work might agree that the pacing is off, with things speeding up and slowing down willy-nilly. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I like stories with actual plot. Epics take a lot of time, effort and energy, but I enjoy working on them. Character-driven stories/character studies and AU-what-if stories are my favourites. But hey, if you're not sure, just send me a PM; I'm open to things. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I don't like romance when there is nothing but romance, but there have been one or two excellent exceptions.
I won't do explicit sexual scenes.
I won't do poetry. It's not me dissing the form but I am less than novice when it comes to it. You just wouldn't get very good crit.
I won't do parodies of any kind. I know there are some good ones out there, but the majority are just not to my taste.
I won't do something if it is excessively gory for the sake of being violent - that is not horror, that is disgusting. (It's horror's version of smut, really.) I actually don't mind horror as long as it actually has a plot and again, isn't overly gory. If you're unsure where the line is, feel free to ask - I'll be happy to at least take a look. |
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