Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
As a beta-reader, my first priority is to help you improve the quality of your stories. I will not write your fanfiction for you. I will not incorporate my writing ability with yours. My goal is to help you find your own voice, to give suggestions on wording, characterization, etc., and to help you better understand why you write as you do.
That being said, I do expect a few things from the author. Good grammar is a must (I understand we all make mistakes from time to time, but if you're constantly tripping up on basic fifth-grade writing skills, it becomes difficult to focus on the story, and instead turns into a struggle to try and proof-read the fiction into submission.). Basic spelling is a close second, for the same reason. If you do have problems with these things, don't be afraid to come to me! It's my duty as a beta-reader to fix these mistakes, and show you how to prevent them in the future. If the same problems keep coming up, chapter after chapter, then I'll know you aren't listening to my advice, and we'll have to come to some sort of agreement on the matter.
There are several different things I check for when proof-reading a story, so please give me a maximum of four days to get it back to you once it has been sent in. Stories over 5,000 words may take longer. Some of the things I look for are: Spelling, grammar, consistency in writing (If your story is in first-person, I make sure you don't accidentally switch to third, and vice versa.), consistency in characterization (I try and point out any flaws that may make your character's seem OOC.), and consistency in setting (Checking to make sure it's not raining one second, then sunny the next.).
I never change anything you've written, unless it pertains to spelling or grammar. I will make suggestions on wording, give ideas on how to elaborate, maybe even write out a wholly new part next to the scenario you've created, but I WILL NEVER REPLACE ANY OF YOUR WORK. My corrections will be written in red, whenever possible (In parenthesis, when it's not), and it is entirely up to you whether or not you keep them. This circles back around to the point I made earlier: That I will never intrude on your 'author's voice'. Everyone writes a different way, and has a different way of saying things. I'm not here to change how you write; I'm here to build on it.
If you would like me to Beta your work, please drop me a line, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you for your time and interest,
~ Malak Akane |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I focus mainly on characterization and setting. What makes a character tick? How would they react to certain scenarios? I'm good at dialogue, and speaking through body movement, and am well-versed in the use of sardonic humor and sarcasm. I can betaread both first-person and third-person point of views, and can help you understand the differences and uses of both. Descriptive writing doesn't scare me, though I will let you know if it tends to be too long-winded. My forte is keeping a person 'in character', no matter what situation they're put in, meaning alternate universe fictions aren't a problem. I enjoy writing for romance and friendship, I love fluff, and I am good at portraying horror. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I'm fairly good at action scenes, though I tend to focus more on what the character is thinking, rather than doing. When a story is focused on a set group of characters, I neglect the other 'second-hand' characters in the story. Bright, 'sunshiny' characters are difficult for me to write, and anything other than morbid or dry humor is most usually forced. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
Romance, angst, and drama. I love crack pairings, and my favorite stories are those that deal with two glaringly different characters falling in love. I enjoy the use of symbolism and irony, and find it amusing when an author can make a character love someone they hate. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
No Yaoi, no Yuri, and no Lemons (Unless it is well-placed in the story, and absolutely neccesary.). |
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