Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I am a grammar/spelling/punctuation specialist (specialist being a nice way of saying geek). That is what I tend to focus on; that and syntax and awkward or improper phrasing. I will of course look at the plot, characterization, and dialogue as well, especially if you ask me to. I do have reasonable expectations as a beta reader - proper paragraphing and more or less 'clean' (few typos) work. Bear in mind that I am Canadian, so I use mostly the British spelling (colour as opposed to color, defence instead of defense) with a few exceptions. If you specify being British/American, I can naturally work with those spelling variations. I tend towards more of a perfectionist style than the lassez-faire school, but I can tone it down a bit if it bothers you. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I am excellent with both spelling and punctuation. I am generally quite good with dialogue - both the mechanics and the effectiveness. I am also prepared to look things up to make sure I know what I'm talking about. I'm also good at pointing out when things are or are not realistic. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I'm Canadian, therefore, I have a limited vocabulary of British expressions. I can generally spot when a British term is being used incorrectly, but I am not very able when it comes to 'Brit-picking'. Also bear in mind that, while I accept adult content, most of the time I don't have much experience with the real thing, so I can't verify the realism very well. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
HARRY POTTER: Founders-fics. Salazar/Rowena is my big pairing, but I'll handle almost anything featuring any of the four. I'm big on Helena/Baron fics as well (even if they don't really feature the pairing, just the characters.) I'll take Lily/James, Ron/Hermione, or Dumbledore/Grindelwald, as well as anything to do with the next generation. I'm fine with slash or femslash. Fics need not feature romance.ARTEMIS FOWL: I like Holly/Trouble, but I like them as friends just as much. I'm big on Root/Vinyaya, too, or just Vinyaya as a character. Anything around minor characters is readily accepted. TOLKIEN: I feel pretty confident with anything LotR/Hobbit based, as long as you understand that I don't know Sindarin! As far as the Silm, I'm pretty up on it, but my focus is much more on the Edain and the Valar than anything else. I will be super-helpful with your Haladin fic, maybe less so with your Gondolin fic, so I'd usually rather a human-focus unless the fic is about the Ainur. I'll consider anything, though! |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
Generally: I'm not that big on crossovers, especially if I don't know the other story. I don't like big age differences, and I will not even touch incest.HARRY POTTER: I'm not big on most stories that occur after the turn of the first millenium, unless they feature the founders in some way. Most of the time, though, I'll give you a chance to talk me into it. However, I don't do Harry/Draco, Snarry, Dramione, Volde-anything (unless we're talking AVPM), or student teacher relationships. Under no circumstances will I touch Godric/ or Salazar/Hermione. I'm not big on pre-any-book-canon, unless you've got a good reason. ARTEMIS FOWL: I'm not big on AF slash, just because I don't like most of the pairings. I really hate Holly/Artemis - or fairy/human, for that matter. Holly/Root is also on my bad list. I'm iffy on anything set after TLC, because I didn't like it very much, but I'll give it a try. TOLKIEN: No non-canon pairings involving anyone who was in a canon pairing, please - unless it doesn't contradict that pairing. (I.e. Boromir/OFC or Beldis/someone who died in the Dagor Bragollach would be fine, but Aragorn/Eowyn or Handir/Morwen is out.) The only exception is Nienor, who I will not accept WITH her canon partner unless it's a angsty/non-shippy short fic, and I could prooobably be persuaded into Beregond/Faramir. |
