Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
As a beta-reader, my beta-reading directly correlates with my writing. My style, how I beta-read-- everything. Being an avid writer for five or more years, I like to think I know how to manipulate the English language. In a way, I sort of have. I have manipulated it into my own way of writing.
With my writing and beta-reading, I have a particular style to how I do things. I, for one, am very detail-oriented. I focus on description intently, though, I try not get carried away. It is one of the things I do best.
I also am a stickler for good grammar. The rules of grammar, sentence structure, paragraphing, and all of that lovely stuff has been hammered into me since sixth grade. By now, I have a pretty good grasp of it. Some say too much of one, and sometimes I agree.
So how do I beta-read things? I have a process that I go through every time (or almost) to make sure that whoever gives me their work is satisfied when I give it back.
1. I first do a quick glance over of the document, not making any changes and just reading through it. I usually make mental notes here of changes that would need to be made, and leave them alone.
2. I then leave it alone for a bit (usually not more than a day). In his book "On Writing," Stephen King says it is good to be patient with your writing, and that sometimes it is needed to go back to your work after a while of leaving it alone.
3. I make all the changes that I thought of before. Depending on the size of the document, I usually like to do it all in one big sweep. If it is a big one, I sometimes split it up into parts.
4. I then leave the document alone for another short period of time.
5. This is my final step, for this is when I look over the document one last time and make any necessary changes that I did not see before. After I am satisfied, which does take a while, I send it back to the writer.
(Then I have to figure out how to stop using the word "then" so much)
So, that is how I beta-read. Do I have expectations for people who send me things? Not a whole lot. I just expect that you have some knowledge on how to write, paragraph structure, and the basics of grammar. One of my pet-peeves in writing is reading big paragraphs.
Other than that, I do not expect a lot. Give me what you have, and I'll do my best with it. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I am strong in the grammar aspects of a story, as wonderfully noted by one of my friends. I am, as stated before, picky when it comes to this. I like it when things are as grammatically correct as possible. Though, I am not perfect, since my teachers give me papers back with the occasional errors on them.
I also am noted for my skills with detail. Being a detail-oriented person, I focus a lot on it. I like writing scenes so that way the reader can visualize the same thing I am, and maybe more so. If it is snowing outside, I want the reader to feel the snow on their skin, not just see it from a window.
Another strength I have is keeping characters in character. Take Zexion for instance: my favorite person to write for. I have been told countless times (actually, I just can't keep track) that I do well with his character. When I write for someone, I do research. I played through Chain of Memories a few times, writing down every scene that Zexion was in so I could get his character just right. Characters are vital to a story, and if they aren't done right, then the story falls.
Since I mentioned it... Kingdom Hearts is a big strength of mine, especially concerning the Organization characters. I can do Sora, Riku and Kairi, but I love doing Organization XIII, especially Zexion (as you can see). |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
For one, I am a bit of a procrastinator. It's not something I like to admit, but I do. I continually try to conquer this, and I will do my best to make sure I don't procrastinate for people who give me things to beta-read.
Going with the above, I would prefer if you gave me a deadline before I beta-read something. That way I won't procrastinate on it too much, and I'll work on getting it done for you by then. Deadlines work wonders, and I usually meet them.
Another is dialogue. Yes, I am good at making people stay in character. It takes me longer, however, to think of the words they say. I am not as good at dialogue as I am description, though I continually try to make this better. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I don't really have any preferences, other than stories that are in Kingdom Hearts, House MD, Final Fantasy (VII-AC, X, X-2, XII), and a few others that are in my profile I cannot recall. I also love suspense stories, and a bit of horror. But it doesn't matter what genre you give me: I will read it. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I prefer not to read lemons-- they're a bit too graphic for me. Otherwise, I'm fine for everything else (at least I think I am). Don't give me graphic yaios either.
Oh, and no Mary Sues. I don't mind OCs, but not a lot of them. |
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