Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I will read anything in the world, and I am a natural critic. As such, I read more fanfiction and leave more reviews, along with unofficial betaing for other authors, then I do actual writing. I have been taught how to edit others work, and what can help and what can hinder the author. I also edit work for people in the real world and not just on fanfiction sites.
When looking over another’s work I take care to observe the style in which the work is written, and what it seems the author is comfortable with. From there I help with basic conventions along with improving the author’s weaknesses and strengths. I will also try my hardest to push the writer past what they think they can do, through suggestions and challenges that aim to improve the writers overall skill.
I will not change somebody's work directly; I believe that doing so in no way helps one to become a better writer. But I will give examples, and suggestions as to what may be done to improve and clarify the work.
I do not expect writers to be good, though I know there are many on this site that are rather phenomenal. I do however expect writers to improve as the story goes on, I see the whole point of beta reading as to have somebody new look over an authors work and tell them what’s good, what’s not, and what needs to be worked on so that the author can make their writing better. I also expect the writer to be respectful, not only to the beta, but the readers, most are i know, but just saying...lol.
Another thing that is helpful is for the author to tell me what they think they personally need help with. What is troubling them with the story, and what they think specifically needs to be looked at. It's also helpful to know what the author thinks they did well on and what they liked about their writing the most.
I can pretty much beta anything for anyone and it is something I love doing more then anything else in the world. I love to read, and I am a prolific writer, but what I enjoy more is reading another’s work, and contributing to their talent. The feeling of helping somebody with their writing is just one of the best I've felt in the world. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I am really good with characterization and fluency of the work. However, 'in character' is something I don't believe can ever be achieved except for by the original fictional works actual author. I am also pretty good with identifying the strengths and weaknesses of an author, and as such, I can help greatly with that.
I am an incredibly adaptable person, so any writing style goes for me. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I am not the words best speller, but I do my best. I also have a tendency to be incredibly blunt about things, so I may come across as insulting, just know it's only for the authors benefit, and I do try my hardest to be polite to everyone and say things in the best most helpful way. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I can read anything, it really doesn't matter to me, and there are only a few things in the literary world that I won't touch. Basically, as long as I can read it, I'll beta it. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I do not like Mary Sue, she needs to die, so do all her family members. If it looks to me as if your story contains this monster, then I will not read it. However, if you don't think that your character is a member of the Sue family, then I'm willing to give it a chance. |
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