Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I'm very particular about grammar usage and I can proofread for typographical errors. I accept colloquial terms, but it's not an excuse for sloppy chapters. As a reader, I get put off by stories with typos and wrong grammar usage, so you can count on me for checking those. As for the logical flow, I believe I am able to see through the logical flow of stories and make suggestions as well, as I am a regular writer for a student publication, I think I'm a fairly competent beta-reader. I've had no experience here at FF, but I used to edit articles back in high school and I write regularly for a student pub, as I said earlier. I know the basic structure of stories (character + conflict), and I understand that everyone has a different style, so unless an author's style is questionable, I won't try and change it unless the author specifically requests that I comment on their style to improve it. There should be coherence and consistency of usage in the story. Also, please, beta-reading is objective, and whatever comments made are pointed toward the work of fiction, not toward the author, so don't take them personally. Constructive criticism is the best way to improvement, remember. I can be subtle, but I can be harsh as well, depending on what the situation needs. Quick to perform beta-reading when I have the time. E-mail or PM me if you are interested. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
grammar and proofing, as well as the structure of the stories. I can even suggest on the storyline if the writer wishes, as I have taken several creative writing courses. I am also well-versed with the technicals, as writing for newspapers follow rigid rules and structure. I can tell if a story is well-formed or half-baked. I have written dozens of stories, though they are still continuing, and so far there have been few lapses in my grammar. I also know, at some point, what story is popular or not, original or cliched. I go for originality, wit, eloquence and nice twists. Not that I am perfect as a writer, but I am confident that I can proofread and improve the grammar and styles of other writers. Stories are basically made up of characterization and a plot, and having studied styles, combinations and executions of these two, I can help them in structuring a good plot for a story if they still don't know how to continue the story. I can also help them if they have new story ideas, because I can "see" the paths a story can take, the twists which can make it different from so many other stories. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I won't be available regularly. There will be times when I will disappear, as FF is just an extracurricular in my life and I can't afford to spend forever here. Aside from that, my grammar, though competent, is not perfect. Feel free to correct me if you find any lapses. I also tend to be focused on particulars at times that I fail to see the general picture. I am Obsessive-Compulsive and I can be very demanding on proper usage. I also have lapses on logical flow of articles so I guess that can be a problem. You can converse with me regarding issues on the way I beta. I also don't approve of jargon and highfalutin words which, when used awkwardly, can lead to ambiguity and confusion of the readers. Keeping it simple is my style, because I believe writing is communicating with the readers, and using unfamiliar words can prove to be a barrier to achieving this. Not everyone will agree with me on that, but I can be stubborn, which can also prove to be a problem at times. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
Romance stories joined with any other genre. I don't appreciate sci-fi and paranormal stuff, although I'm okay with fantasy and adventure. Drama, humor, even angst, just as long as it's a story worth reading. I can accept sci-fi and paranormal, but I don't think I can be of much help on the plot structure and characterizations, especially on the sci-fi. Paranormal may be okay, at some point, but I lean more on realist romances, except historical and fantasy genres. I'm okay with anime, manga, books and whatnot topics. Lemon, fine with me, as long as it's tolerable and not on smut level. |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
Stories with discriminatory statements and all else which I think contradicts my principles. Ripoffs and plagiarized works. Basing from a story is different from copying it all throughout, even with changing characters' names, the plot is the same. Hate plagiarists, actually. Um...I'm also not fond of crossovers, unless crossovers are made within same wavelengths, E.G. TRC and CCS... |
