Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I, a self-professed dork, verbivore, and word nerd, am also a perfectionist. Grammar errors are the bane of my very existence (though that is not to say I don't make them myself on occasion). I am very interested in pursuing beta-ing of some kind - I have beta-ed for three writers. Expect multitudinous nitpicky grammar corrections and revised wordings. Don't say you weren't warned. I highly recommend looking up "Fifty Rules for Writing Good" by Richard Lederer. Just a tidbit you might enjoy. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
My strong points are fixing grammar, spelling (though I would prefer a story with at least vaguely interpretable English), and continuity errors. If you leave loose ends untied, I WILL tie them up. I hate when people leave things hanging, unless it's intended to be that way for enigmatic, suspenseful, or otherwise literary purposes. I also like to help strengthen plots and make things plausible, if they're lacking that in any way. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
Reading for deep inner meaning is not my forte, beyond simple symbolism and the extreme irony that seems to dominate life in general. (This probably doesn't much apply to beta-ing, however. Moving on.) |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I'll read pretty much anything, just to give it a try, though I won't always enjoy it (see below). I love both angst and stories that give me the warm fuzzies inside. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I will NOT read anything with excessive swearing. I can handle most things, but if it's every other word, sorry. It's distracting. I'm not a huge fan of slash, and I would rather not read anything too perverted. No graphic sex, please. I'd rather not. Modern-day reenactions (especially of Jane Austen) are almost always despicable, as are "Oh no! Ginny's pregnant! How ever will she finish magic school?!" storylines and those with excessively shallow, materialistic, Mary Sue, or just blatantly unlikable characters. |