When I am reading a work of fiction, it makes it MUCH easier and way more enjoyable when the author has taken the time to:



1) Spell words correctly. This is definitely a high priority... typos are one thing, a bunch of misspelled words is another.



2) Use correct grammar at least 90% of the time. Things such as misplaced semi-colons and the like are understandable once in a while.



br /br /



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and 3) Have a fluent form of dialogue. No one likes it choppy and awkward as they are imagining the characters speaking in their mind!



As a beta-reader, I will mainly focus on correcting these three elements. However, I will also focus on the direction of the story and offer suggestions as I see fit (that does not mean you have to take them OR tell me what your plan is for the storyline). Basically, I want it to be your own story; yet as a fellow reader, I've noticed that the way it is presented has a LOT to do with how enjoyable it is to read!



For editing purposes, I use Microsoft Word. I use color codes for misspelled words, grammar errors, and things I think should be removed or added. (Don't worry, I tell you what the colors mean at the top of the document.) I also offer my opinion and suggestions at the end in italics. If you have any special requests, I will gladly take them.



That's basically it! I appreciate any request made of me for betareading, as it is an honor to be shown that kind of respect. I am truly sorry if I deny it due to my being busy.

I consider spelling, grammar, and sentence structure to be my main strengths. (These are usually the things I have been complimented on in past reviews.) I am also pretty good with dialogue and I love working on characterization. I notice things that sound awkward (most of the time). I can usually tell what should fit and not fit in certain situations. As for editing, I am very thorough, and don't usually miss much.

I am very poor at managing to write long chapters! I sometimes put an event too early in the story, so that there is not as much build-up as there could be. I am sometimes pretty bad at writing transitions in between paragraphs... usually between a character's thoughts and what is actually going on. As for reading, I can be quite critical and nitpicky, but I promise I'm not trying to be mean or condescending!

I love reading stories where the main character goes through a pretty substantial change. That being said, I also love themes. I am also quite a sucker for romances, so send them my way. Basically, any fic dealing with life, love- even fantasy- are my cup of tea. Oh, and I really only prefer Harvest Moon stories... but if I know a bit of background about some other book/tv show/game/etc. then I am willing to accept those, too. :)

I'm not really a fan of horror stories or songfics. That's pretty much it, though!

Game » Harvest Moon

General Romance Humor Drama Poetry

Adventure Mystery Parody Angst Supernatural

Suspense Fantasy Spiritual Tragedy Crime

Family Hurt/Comfort Friendship