Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I have never beta-read before, but I regularly critique one of my friend's work like a beta-reader. So, even though I've never technically beta-read before, I do have experience. As a beta-reader, I do look at all stories with a professional eye. It doesn't matter who you are; I don't do favorites. I also will not critisize you as the author. That sort of thing I reserve for your stories. My beta-reading style isn't exactly set. I do tend to go for characterization and details. That means I'll go to your characters first. If they're already existing, I'll check to see that they're in character. If they're of your own creation, I'll make sure that your're sticking with one personality and make sure that they're not too powerful. I'll also give you a full spell-check if needed, if not I'll simply add in whatever corrections needed. If you want me to beta-read your story, I do have a few rules. Number one, don't take anything I say personally. If I say you need to work on this and that this character's portrayal is bad and needs to be rewritten, don't think I'm saying you're bad or a bad writer, because I'm not. We all have things we need to work on, expecially me. Number two, if you want me to beta-read part of an ongoing story or a sequel to a previous story, fine. Go ahead. However, I'll need you to send me any previous parts to the story or any prequels. Otherwise I'll have no idea what's going on and I'll probably completely mess up your storyline. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
As a fellow writer, I excel at spelling, grammer, and word choice. Aside from technical issues like that, I am strong at writing things such as thoughts and descriptions. I can also write conversations, though those aren't as good. Something that I've been working on for a while and may have finally achieved is being able to write characters IC (in character). I can also develop OC's (original characters) without turning them into Mary Sues or Gary Stues. Personally, I don't think I have many of these strengths that I've just put down, but as people have told me repeatedly that I can write well in these areas, then I suppose I can. When beta-reading, I'll most likely be best at beta-ing these types of stories and areas in stories like these. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
Where to begin, where to begin... Let's start out with my one major weakness. I cannot write fight scenes. I'd like to think that I'm getting better at it, but my fight scenes aren't good. I don't believe i'll be able to critiqe them well either, so be warned. Completely switching here, I can not write (or read, really) anything more than light romance. Anything above kissing I will not do so well at. Probably not even that. Light blushes, that sort of thing, yes, but not much else in the romance department. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
I'd prefer to beta stories about existing characters with interesting storylines, but anything's fine, really. I don't care if it's a oneshot, or part of an ongoing story, or even a sequel. Send me whatever you want critiqed, improved, or edited. |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
I will not beta anything with heavy romance. Period. If you have you doubts about what heavy romance is to me, PM me first and I'll tell you whether or not I'll do it. |
