Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
As a Beta-reader, I look out for the following. Please note that the top-most WILL be the one I target most and the last being what I'm more flexible with.
1. Basic language skills (grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.) - I'm aware that America english and Queen's english are different in the aspect of spelling. I'll try to be as accurate with this as possible. (I follow Queen's english.)
2. Description and Detail.
3. A refreshing perspective - Please... don't make the whole thing predictable.
4. Characters - Are they captivating? Will they linger within the readers' minds?
5. Is the story character-driven or are the characters forced to fit within a certain plot?
Please note that I can be VERY blunt or harsh when I critique. This isn't meant to demoralize you or hurt your feelings or whatever. I just feel that an honest opinion (without all the flowery stuff) is better than beating around the bush. If something needs working on, I'll tell you. If something is good (in my opinion), I'll compliment. Simple.
When I give my comments and whatnot, please realize that my words aren't the gospel truth. Feel free to disagree with me if you feel that I have certain inaccuracies or if you feel that another way is better.
Also take note that while I CAN Beta-read for language in ANY category, I can only do proper Beta-reading for categories I'm familiar with. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
With regard to strengths, I'd say that my ability to describe and give detail is one of my strongest points. I also have a somewhat instinctive ability to know whether a plot will work or not. Yay me.
Best Genre(s): Romance, Angst, Tragedy
Good Genre(s): Humour, Spiritual |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
Staying in-character is probably one of my weakest points in writing. Just take a look at my first story. It's kind of scary.
Another area, while not a weakness, is being unable to create mind-blowing I-Never-Thought-Of-That sort of plots. I'm usually able to cast a refreshing perspective on ideas and stuff and occasionally come up with those "mind-blowing" plots... but that's about it.
With regard to genres, I wouldn't say that I'm weak in any of them... neutral grounds or inexperienced? Yes. Horrible at them? I don't think so. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
Generally, I'd prefer to Beta the following genres:
1. Romance
2. Spiritual
3. Angst
4. Tragedy
5. Action/Adventure
6. Drama (not too much) |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I'm putting this in accordance to story-types... not fandoms.
1. Sappy gooey stuff. Lots of girls giggling. People crying everywhere. Don't bring those near me. Fluff is fine... but all that giggling is creepy...
2. Fairy Tales: "...and they lived happily ever after..." Keep those away from me too. I go ballistic.
3. Utter randomness that isn't funny. At all.
4. Anti-Christ material (as in Christian-bashing) - If you can't respect my beliefs, I'm afraid I can't respect you either... or your writing for the matter.
5. Bigotry - Flaming anyone? A huge no-no for me. I don't care who's flaming who.
6. Sex - Ahh... this one's a bit of a grey area with me. As long as there's a plot to it and sex isn't the main thing you use to draw people to your story, I'm fine with it. |
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