Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I am an English major in college, so I'm rather strict [some might say anal] about grammar and spelling. However, a "beta" should be exactly that: a beta-editor. That means that your story should have been edited first by you, the "alpha," before you send it to me. If the first few paragraphs are hideously incorrect, I will not look at the rest; I will tell you to try editing it yourself and then re-sending it. I am not paid to beta, so don't assume that I will do all your work for you. I'll tell you what parts need work, add comments where needed, but I refuse to entirely rewrite a story; that's ghost-writing, and I would require payment for that. Harsh? Maybe. True? Absolutely. When you message me to request beta-ing, include category, projected length, rating, and a summary of the story. Please, actually think about the summary. Telling me to "just read the story" leads me to believe that if you can't write even a simple summary, you won't be able to write a full story. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I excel at spelling and grammar [which includes punctuation], and usually check plot flow, characterization, and possibility. I also pay attention to verbiage and diction, since an idea won't be understood if the words are incorrect. I can tell you when your sentences are jerky, paragraphs are stilted, or where the story doesn't hold my attention. Dialogue and dependent clauses can be special cases for me -- I might pay more attention to those. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
Sometimes I'll get so into a fic that I'll forget to beta it. Other times, I'll focus so much on the grammar that I'll lose sight of the plot. Since I'm an English major, I tend to use slightly pretentious language. I really like adverbs, commas, and compound-complex sentence structure. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
Fandoms: Jossverse, Batman Beyond, Power Rangers, Dark Angel. Anything else, message me and ask if I'll beta it. One-shots are acceptable, as long as they're over 1200 words. Chaptered stories are all right if each chapter isn't ridiculously long [except in summer, when I have time]. I really like sci-fi; add a dash of romance, and I will most likely jump at the chance to read a story prior to its being posted on FFN. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I refuse to read or beta: (1) stories written in net-speak or 1337 (LEET); (2) stories that have not been edited at least once by the author; (3) rape-fic; (4) slash or femmeslash; (5) mindless violence [as in, it doesn't further the plot]; (6) stories littered with senseless sexual acts or references; (7) Mary-Sues, unless you want me to MST it and send it back [note: MSTs are currently deemed unacceptable and unpublishable by FFN]. |
|
FanFiction.Net - unleash your imagination
