Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I work on the principle that anyone who is spending time to get a beta-reader wants to become a better writer, so all my comments will be "this would be better if . . .". Having said that, I won't go through a piece of work and highlight every single grammar and spelling error. I consider those things to be basic stuff - I'll point out if a piece is hamstrung by major errors (but won't list them all if there are a lot of them). This is because that's not, IMO, the job of a beta reader. If there is a single small error (which is probably a typo) I'll point that out.
What will I do? I'll tell you how I think the story works, what fits with the genre, what doesn't, and give you a few options that I think will help it fit better. I won't give you plots and stuff - again, that's not my job, but I might give inspiration for scenes and so forth.
Ultimately, YOU are writing the story. Not me. I won't tell you how to write it - I'll read it, try to understand what you are trying to do, and then tell you what I think YOU can do to make it a better story while keeping it in YOUR style and within your intended aims.
It would be nice (but not essential) if everyone who asks me to beta has a short description of "where their story is going". I might want to see that . . . |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I read and review very quickly, and I have an excellent knowledge of the fandoms I beta for. Everyone says I write wicked action scenes. I have a detailed knowledge of general literature, and enjoy creating characters and situations which are references to popular and high-brow culture. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I tend to write somewhat linear, direct plots - the complexity in my stories comes from description. My stories can tend to be slow and thoughtful outside of the action scenes. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I enjoy good action stories, especially those which are firmly grounded in the logic of the world. A well-written romance is a joy (especially Peter / OC for Narnia, as I am staff on a C2 for that genre!) Stories with emotional themes are welcome, but they MUST be grounded in canon. I also really like philosophical / theological stories (but see below!) |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
Angst and torture fics, anything with gratuitous sex or violence (sex or violence are fine - just have a reason!) No slash and no incest (unless it is justified within canon and not gratuitous). Philosophical and theological stories which advance notions totally alien to the canon author (for example, a Susan Pevensie redemption fic where Aslan realizes he made a mistake, or that Aslan was wrong etc. etc.) are a definite no-no. If you trick me into reviewing or betaing one of these, I won't be impressed . . . |
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