Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I've been writing fan fiction and my own stories since I was a child and try to regularly post on this site. I am a hugely active member and enjoy reading a large variety of works whether I know the series/book etc it is based on or not. I do believe a great piece of work can be one that grabs you when you have no previous knowledge of its background! I am from England and so do write with that type of vocabulary rather then an Americanized one though I've read enough American literature to have a good knowledge of slang and differences in the languages. I pretty much devour books and am a huge reader which has helped me grow as a writer, allowing my vocabulary to expand and my spelling and grammar to be quite polished. I have also studied English to a degree level which helps me a lot too. When it comes to fan fiction I normally write for anime though I do have a few other odd pieces here and there. That doesn't mean I stick to reading just anime works though. I read all genres of fan fiction. I have also studied Japanese for a few years now which is helpful when it comes to writing Japanese dialogue.
My style as a beta-reader would at its most basic level be a check of spelling and grammar. After a quick talk to you I would move onto looking at the flow of the story or better word usage and then if you wanted more, better characterization, story layout or help with those moments of writers block. I always say looking at things with a fresh pair of eyes can really stimulate the imagination! That's why I frequently use beta-readers myself! I only ever offer constructive criticism and helpful points if asked for and if really needed, which you can take away and do whatever you may please with. I believe at the end of the day though the final story must be from the writer and until the writer's happy it just won't be the work it should be. When I myself use beta readers, it is always with the understanding between us that they may point out anything they don't feel is right but if I disagree that is my choice and I always have the final say. This is the way I would rather work with you as a writer, insisting you have the final say in everything. Any changes I do make will be highlighted in a separate colour and if necessary an explanation of why I have made these changes. This makes it easier for you to work when it comes to finishing it off. I would rather receive pieces of work as a chapter or the whole thing then as small parts of the story. This makes it easier to do my job in helping you. Of course if there are circumstances in which you need to send me small bits then that’s no problem!
I aim to beta any work sent to me within a few days but I will notify you if it takes longer. This will of course depend on the size of the piece and what exactly you want me to do for you. If you have any other questions then please just send me a message through fanfiction.net and I will get back to you asap. I check my page nearly everyday so I should I receive your message very quickly. Hope that covers everything you need to know and that I hear from you soon! |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
My strengths would definitely be my spelling, creating good dialogue flow and my word use, by that I mean being able to use a wide vocabulary and thinking of different words to use in place of others to freshen the story up a bit. I guess it's a bit like being a human thesaurus! I have a good idea of Japanese culture and language too for those anime writers out there! I am a yaoi writer (male/male) too and am more then happy to look at any of those pieces. I also work well with emotional, violent or action scenes! I suppose the best way to see my strengths are to look at my work (what a shameless plug!). Beware though that unless I've stated I've used a beta-reader then it will have been posted without being check so there will be an odd mistake here and there. Hey not everyone can get everything perfect when it comes to there own work! That's why there are beta readers! |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
If I don’t know the work the fan fiction is based on then I will be a lot weaker as a beta then those I know. I am still willing to see those pieces though and give my opinion from an outsiders view and of course I’ll still be able to check speller and grammar. As for characterization, well as I wouldn’t really know the characters I wouldn’t be much help. My grammar isn’t as strong as my spelling but it is still good enough to correct most mistakes made. I don’t really write any yuri (Female/Female) or mpreg (male pregnancy) but I am still happy to look over those pieces too. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I would rather beta anime or those on my list of works I know but as I said before I'm more then happy to beta works I don't know as long as you realise I will be limited in my usefulness some areas. I do love action, dark/angsty, hurt/comfort or yaoi pieces best so those will be the things i excel at but I do write a lot of fluff and romance too for those that would prefer that area. If you are in doubt over the anime I know then just check my main profile page for the list of series there. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I'm extremely relaxed when it comes to storylines. There really isn't anything that I don't mind or will shock me. Graphic sex, violence and gore don't phase me and bad jokes I can just about cope with! If I ever do come across something that I don't feel I can do then I will just say so but I seriously don't think that will ever happen. I've pretty much read all sorts of things and I'm still going strong today! |
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