Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
You know, I hate this kind of thing--it's far too similar to a job interview! :)
So, some things to know about me...I'm a rather laid back person, though I take the responsibility of being a beta very seriously. If you want tough critique, I can provide it, or I can just help you tinker and polish to make sure your work is the best possible product you can provide. I work full time and have season tickets to my local NHL team, so my time is somewhat limited, but I will always work to get your chapters back to you as soon as possible. I really consider the author/beta relationship to be one of mutual respect, especially since we have a common interest, or interests, else we wouldn't be here! I'm happy to just beta your chapters and send them back to you with feedback, but I'm also happy to be available if you want to bounce ideas off me, or even just talk about other stuff.
If you don't see your category listed, but it's similar to the ones I have here, please ask me, and I'll let you know whether it's something I feel comfortable beta-ing.
Also, if you're ever unhappy with my work, and would rather look at a different beta, please just let me know. Understand, too, that goes both ways: I will allow you the right to switch to a different beta at any time, but I will also reserve the right to let you know that I'd rather you looked for someone else, and I'll always explain why I'm making the request. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I count spelling and grammar as strengths, and I have a good eye for a story's flow and pacing. I'm a fairly tough critic, but I try very hard to find ways to give feedback in a constructive way, and will always give feedback based on the writing itself, not on the writer, unless I'm requested to do so. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I tend to be a stickler for canon pairings (ie, Harry/Ginny), so I'm a bit harder on the non-canon pairings and making sure that they come about in a believable way, especially if that's the point of the story...but I'm not a strict canon cop, either. If you need someone who'll hold you to the exact letter of canon with no deviation whatsoever, I might not be the best beta for you. Also, much like some of the other beta readers on the site, I went to school quite awhile ago, so my grammar usage may be slightly different than what's considered common today. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
Some of it depends on the genre, but...I like general, romance, action/adventure, fantasy, time travel, supernatural or superpowered characters, alternate universe, and other things of that nature. You're better off checking the next section to see what I *don't* like, rather than checking what I prefer. :) I will beta crossover fics, but I would feel more comfortable doing so if the universes being crossed over are all listed below--for example, Labyrinth/Harry Potter, or Dead Like Me/Black Jewels Trilogy (though I can't ever see that happening--consider it a challenge, if you're interested!), and I would have serious trouble with HP/Buffy or DLM/Doctor Who, because I don't know those source material very well, if at all. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
Absolutes: Unless it is already established in canon, I will not beta slash fics, period. I will not beta fics that involve self-mutilation, period. Psychological issues are one thing, cutting is something entirely different. I also prefer not to beta fics that are heavy on the angst and/or emo behaviors. |
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