Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
Hi! I'm Forestwater. I love to read and write, and think I'm pretty damn good at it. But, as much as I love to write stories, I really prefer reading over other people's work and offering suggestions. So that's why I'm making this profile. I prefer to work via DocX; that way I can correct it and send it back with little hassle for either party, and you can upload it easily.
One thing to keep in mind (this doesn't fall under either a strength or a weakness so I'll put it here): If I start listing ways in which your character resembles a Mary Sue, that doesn't mean I'm SAYING your character is a Mary Sue. And even if I am, I'm not saying she's irreparable. I'm just saying, "This is what you need to look out for" and suggesting alternatives. Hopefully you'll get better at spotting these things yourself through my corrections, and it will get you thinking about what makes a Mary Sue so annoying. This is a topic I'm especially experienced in, so if one of your chief worries is making sure your character isn't a Mary Sue, I might be the right person to work with you. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I'm very good at correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors (I only misspell in my own writing, don't worry!), as well as have a large vocabulary. I can also spot a plot hole or something that defies common sense, and am willing to point out more realistic ways of correcting these kinds of flaws. I can fix awkward wording, and add hints of description when needed. I'm also brutally honest; if something does not make sense, I will tell you, and I'll help you fix it. I'll also always let you know whenever I make any large changes or have any questions, because writers really need to be involved in the editing of their work, and know what their weaknesses are so they can improve. I'm thorough to the point of ridiculousness, and dedicated to helping someone make their story the best it can be.
I know a tiny bit of French (though I am FAR from fluent), and can help with some French phrases. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I am brutally honest, especially as I get more passionate about either your writing or my topic -- the words just start to flow faster, and sometimes I say things that could be considered rude. If you're very sensitive, or take criticism very personally, I am definitely not the right person to beta your story. I might also take a while to respond to you; I have a surprisingly busy life, and am sometimes merely lazy. If I do not get back to you in a week, please send me multiple reminder emails (my email address is on the profile page) and yell at me, and I will definitely get back to you ASAP. I also -- as everyone does -- have some weaknesses that I don't fully realize yet, so be sure to tell me if what I'm doing bothers you. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I love one-shots and stort stories, but I can always take on a longer piece (but expect it to take a little while; if it's a lot to read, I can't get it back to you for several days). I like a large manner of things and have a crappy memory, so I'm willing to read a lot more than I remember to put on my "preferred" list, so if you'd like me to read something not on my list, send it to me. If I've seen the movie or read the book or whatever, I'll read your story. If I have no experience whatsoever with your category, I can promise to do my best with spelling, grammar, and OC characterization, but with anything canon I'll be lost. If you're determined to have me for some reason, I'd recommend getting another beta as well who's especially versed in your topic. (In fact, I'd always recommend two or more betas, as different people will find different things and be able to correct them). |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
-I hate trolls. Parodies (well-written parodies) are fine, but trolls are just stupid and I don't like reading them.
-Male-preg. NO. No pregnant guys, please. It doesn't make sense! (I'm a big fan of common sense).
-Anything not-canon or that completely contradicts the category. (For example, if Snape suddenly professes his love to Hermione or something). Nuh-uh. I like canon. Canon's fun. However, if something isn't specifically in canon yet COULD have been (for example, Sirius and Remus having had a little something before Remus settled down) and is explored and presented in a plausible way, I can buy it. I'm actually pretty good at buying anything as long as it isn't stupid.
-Ugh. NO INCEST. Sorry, but it's too weird for me.
-Hey, if you're not willing to take my advice, then I don't want you. If I think your character is a Mary Sue, then you'd better be willing to look him/her over and take the test. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm right, but either way, you have to be willing to take some concrit. Yelling "MY CHARACTER ISN'T A MARY SUE, DAMN IT!" at me will NOT make me any more inclined to help you. In fact, it'll make me inclined to do just the opposite. I'm serious -- I've turned people down and stopped reviewing things because people couldn't take constructive criticism. I don't like doing it, but I will. If, however, you say, "Hey, that was kind of mean," then I'll stop, apologize, and re-word my advice in a nicer way with hopefully few emotional scars for both of us. |
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