Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I have beta’d for a few different people; most for quite a period of time. I’m very good at giving feedback to authors, although grammar and spelling are not my strongest suit, but I am much better than I was before I became a beta-reader. I will look up anything I’m not sure about, and am willing to go above and beyond to help out with a new subject or story, or whatever you’re writing. I like to break things into paragraphs, and will tell you what works, or doesn’t work, and why. I will suggest changes, but never will I ever change your writing. That right is reserved only to the author.I’m looking for someone who genuinely wants to get better at writing, and who takes it and my advice seriously. Also, (and I know I’m bad at this...) I don’t want someone who’s going to start a story, and ten chapters in get bored and quit. Also, I’d like someone who isn’t always expecting over-night betas. I do have a life offline (although sometimes it doesn't seem like it...) and they need to recognize that. Usually I’ll take up to a week for an intensive beta (also depends on the size of the chapter) but if it’s a challenging week at school or something it could be longer. Please be patient, and I’ll have it out to you as soon as possible!br /br / br / br /br / br / There are a lot of universes I'm familiar with, a lot more than I have listed on my preferences. Send me a message, and I'll let you know if I'm familiar with it! |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I’m very dedicated and write SOMETHING every day, and spend a lot of time envisioning characters and plot lines, although I have never attempted to actually publish anything. I do write plenty of fan fiction, but if you want me to beta something in someone else’s universe, please ask me to make sure I’m familiar with what’s going on. br /br / I’m very good with plot and syntax, and good at creating interesting and unique characters without putting them into the ‘Mary Sue’ category. I like to bring out the poetic or the ‘deeper meaning’ in works, just to add more dimension to the story. There’s a reason our English teachers taught us to analyze! I’m good at fleshing out the environment, and using words to the authors advantage. Meaning, instead of, “The young, tall, boy went quickly to the store,” (The teacher gives you an A, the reader goes to sleep.) try, “The tanned surfer raced down to the store.” I can help you with plot and organization, and sentence construction, and all the little details that can be missed by the author, but really make the story! |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
Grammar and spelling are not my strong suit. I’m not an English professor, but I do know when and where to use it’s versus its, or when to use the different they’re, there, and their. I know its harder for authors to catch their own mistakes, just because they know what it says, and aren’t reading word for word, and sometimes another pair of eyes do help. I’d rather not just be a walking spell-check, however. A few times in a chapter is fine - believe me, I’m sure my beta-reader was ready to tear my hair out when I first started, but if you’re writing is riddled with errors I’ll probably send it back to you and ask you to clean it up a bit. As I said, I am not a walking spell-check, please do not treat me as such. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
I love reading romantic comedy - as long as it is tasteful, and not clichéd. I will read syfy as long as it is well thought out, and the universe is creative, and not confusing to try and comprehend. Not a big fan of mystery or thriller, but the occasional action story is well appreciated. My motto is as long as its creative and engaging, I’ll give anything a shot! |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
Overtly graphic sex scenes make me uncomfortable, as do extreme guyXguy or girlXgirl. (Not saying there’s anything wrong with that, but I just don’t enjoy reading it.) Violence and gore is fine, as long as its not grotesque. I don’t mind reading very political works, but make sure there’s actually a plot line, and you’re not using your writing as a sounding board for your beliefs. There’s nothing worse than be ranted towards in a story. |
