Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I very much prefer to read from the beginning of a story to the end, working my way along the story arc. So, for instance I'd like to read/beta chapter 1 of a story *before* reading/editing the last chapter! That means if you have a great ending but haven't written the start or middle of your story, then I'm probably not the beta reader for you. :) I prefer to beta stories that are good stories. By good stories I mean those that the author has clearly put a bit of heart into, stories that the characters themselves care about. Good doesn't mean the spelling or the grammar's right, that's what beta is *for* (chuckle). But if a story doesn't have a soul, be it ever so technically perfect it still isn't worth reading. Finally, I like to do my writing/editing in MS Word if possible. I can deal with even text formats, but it's so much simpler to edit a story when you have color text for editing comments and so on! :) |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I am good at spotting homonym issues, spelling, improper use of possessives, and all the other technical bric-a-brac. I'm fairly good at spotting awkward constructions, tense shifting and other problems, and I can usually suggest alternatives that work, although I'm aware how touchy an issue that can be for authors-since I occasionally fall prey to it myself. :) Part of my duties at work involve creating technical documentation, so I get a *lot* of practice editing, although it's generally my own material rather than another's work. I've been doing this kind of thing since the late 80's so I can honestly say I'm extremely experienced with editing, although admittedly in a non-fiction, technical arena. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
One problem I have is my life is a bit complex, so I may not be able to devote as much time to beta reading as I would like. If an emergency comes up at work for instance I can get derailled for a day or two. That means you may have to wait for replies sometimes, but I try to check in at least once a day. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
I prefer crossover stories, but will beta non-crossovers as well, and I am in love with well done crack-fic. :) I especially enjoy oddball crossovers that *shouldn't make sense* but somehow work, such as Gargoyles/Pokemon or DC Comics/Ponyland. I prefer comedies (Who killed Roger Rabbit) or drama with comedic elements (Buffy, Firefly, Teen Titans (cartoon)), and I generally am most comfortable in the fantasy and science fiction realms, although Law and Order type genres or even things like House work too. Hey, I'll even beta westerns! I enjoy stories based on comics/cartoons/anime a *lot* because I'm just a kid at heart. However, I'm perfectly comfortable editing (and writing) M-rated stories, whether that M be caused by language, violence, or erotic themes, although the latter, unfortunately all too often lack a plot...sigh. |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
Male slash/yaoi is something I won't deal with, although I can deal with *well done* femslash/yuri. I also dislike stories set in craptastic worlds like Neon Genesis Evangelion or Elfen Lied. Unless you have a proven track record with those kind of stories I'll probably decline to beta them, sorry. After all, when I read fiction I don't want to be depressed! I have no problem with Takahashi couples (Inuyasha/Kagome, Mal/Inara, House/Cuddy, etc) but characters that simply give up and whine set my teeth on edge, Shinji from NGE being a prime example. So if you like mopey characters, I'm probably not the beta reader for you. |
