Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
Whilst I may not be well-known for betaing out in the big wide world, I have prior experience. Lots of it. I have a friend who writes at lightspeed, and I have been forcefully enlisted as her resident beta. And if I miss things, I feel the pain. So I am quite accomplished at this sort of thing ^^
Depending on what suits you, I can use a number of different ways of betaing. I would prefer to either have the document via email and make changes on the document via the highlight tool/different coloured text in square brackets, or to speak to you over MSN and go through the story piece by piece. Bear in mind that I only have MSN, not AIM or anything like that. Sorry. I’ll also do DocX and point out changes in a PM. But I can’t accept anything that isn’t compatible with windows… Sorry.
I'm well-versed in the use of a thesaurus, so I can help you out if you're experiencing the problem everyone starts out with - overuse of the word "said". I used to do it, too. Hell, everyone does it. I also, up until recently, overused the word murmured, so I can now rattle off a rather long list of Things To Use Instead.
A note - please, please, PLEASE don't send me anything in text/IM speak. I will instantly reject it. At least have a basic understanding of the English language, please. Textspeak is for use in Texts, IM speak for IMing. Keep it there. The same applies for stories that look like a child wrote them. I simply can’t stand it. If you’re going to request my beta services, make sure your story is readable, thank you. This has been a public service announcement. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
Grammar and spelling. I have an A* GCSE at English language if that says anything (which it probably doesn't...). I've been teased incessantly for rubbing out unnecessary apostrophes at work. Yes, I can use that little fellow, '. I know which s it goes after, which it requires it, everything. I know the differences between the witches and theirs. I can even use a semicolon if I have to, but I wouldn’t put quite as much faith in me with regards to that.
If it's a character I like, I'm good with characterisation. However, since I rarely play any of the extra things (or watch, if it's anime) to do with characters I generally dislike, I may not be able to help you with them. Best thing is to ask.
I am very good with the angst genre, writing-wise. Romance I'm ok with.
One last thing - I AM ENGLISH. This means I WILL correct any Americanised words into English spellings unless you specifically ask me not to. You have been warned. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
As said before, characterisation of disliked characters, or liked ones which don’t get enough airtime *cough*ShuuheiHisagi*cough*. I like to think my own stories are in character, apart from occasionally enhancing the vocabulary of certain characters, as my own Beta for my Tales of Symphonia story knows.
I tend to think I’m not good with humour, although my best friend assures me that I’m great at it. Still, if you’re writing a primarily humourous piece of fiction, I wouldn’t ask for my help.
Also, don't ask for help with M-rated erotic fiction. I would be of zero help. Sorry ^_^" |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
Games: Tales of Symphonia, Baten Kaitos I and II, Final Fantasty VII, all of that genre save for Crisis Core. Star Ocean 3, any of the Fire Emblem games and Final Fantasty IX. If it’s not listed there, drop me an email and I’ll see if I know it well enough to be of use.
Anime/Manga: Bleach, DeathNote, Vampire Knight, Descendants of Darkness and FullMetal Alchemist. I’ve watched others, so as I said above, tell me.
I’ve read a lot of books. Ask me about books.
I like stories with angsty or dark themes, and romantic stories, the best. Stories with a deep meaning, and those that can make me cry, are preferred. But I’ll do just about anything except humour, really.
And if you’ve got weird tastes, don’t be afraid to ask me. I don’t mind a lot of things. I’ll beta things with gratuitous violence if that’s what you like. I really don’t mind ^^ |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
I won’t read yuri, shojo-ai, and most types of yaoi/shonen-ai. Sorry. I prefer het stories.
Any genre except humour is good. It’s not that I dislike your humour, I just won’t be of much use.
But anything else, ask me for clarification :D |
