Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I am honest, but not harmfully so. I never try and insult, as that is never my intention. Writing takes practice, and I am here to help you learn. I'll tell you what is wrong with your story, but I'll also tell you what is going right. I am actively online, so if you send me something to read you can be sure that I'll get it done. That being said, I won't rush through the piece. I might read it once, write somethings down, read it twice, make more notes, and then walk away for the day to let me think about it before coming back with more critique. I want to get to know you, your writing style, your hopes for your writing. I hope to be a friend, rather than a random person you send work to be spell checked. I understand the gravity of putting your work out there for the masses. I wish to be a confidant and companion in your writing journey. Which sounds totally corny, but I think it gets the sentiment across quite nicely. Recently, I've been informed by some fandom-olds that what I am describing used to be referred to as an "alpha" rather than "beta." It just means someone who takes a very active part in the writing process, which I'm chill with. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I will definitely critique your grammar and formatting. I'll let you know what sentences to cut out, what paragraphs to condense, and what points to elaborate on. Writing advice that I've heard is to not be in love with your writing, and to cut out what you love best. While this approach isn't always applicable, I'll be sure to let you know when it is. No one likes a writer who is in love with their own ideas so much that they don't take advice.I also have knowledge of the media I beta for; I'm not going to beta for a book I've never read or a TV show I've never watched. This way, I can assist the author in ensuring the work is as close to cannon as possible. This, of course, is less applicable in AUs and ARs, where you just need to keep your characters in character. I can help the writer on whatever they need; plot, characters, or just grammar. If you need me to read through and offer no more critique than correcting "your" and "you're" I can do it. If you have a major hole in your plot and don't know what to do, I'll be there for you. The writer defines the relationship. Lastly, please don't be afraid to talk to me. I swear, even if I've never heard from you in my life and you drop in needing a beta I will be happy. Don't be nervous, because it's likely I'm just as nervous as you. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I may not get back to you as quickly as you like, but that can be fixed with a simple "Hey, I need this back by..."I do not have intrinsic knowledge of other cultures or countries, but I do pride myself on being open minded and having access to the internet. Tumblr has some great writing guides, and I have utilized them before. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
I'm pretty open to everything. I like the stories that have a different plotline, not the idea that everyone else has thought about. Of course, you can still write those and I'll gladly beta them. Try and find something that no one else has done before, or, if you have an similar idea and need to change it up, talk to me. I'm more than willing to help, since it's my job. |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
Certain AUs. I can't do really out of character stuff, unless there's a really good reason. Super dark stuff too. I can handle it, but I'm not sure I'd be the best person to beta. |
