Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I'm a very harsh editor, in the fact that I make a lot of changes/notations/suggestions. I won't be afraid to tell you what I really think of your story, positive or negative, but I also won't hesitate to tell you what I think you could do to improve it. I want to make your story the best it can be, and as a writer, I understand that sometimes the process is difficult. So I am extremely supportive and willing to listen to you about what you want (no matter what).I'm very fast. If I get annoyed waiting endlessly for something to be proofread, why shouldn't you? And if I can't be, you'll know. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
Word choice really gets me. Vague words nag and nag and nag at me until I change them, and when I see a misused word...! When I beta your work, you can be sure that (at the very least) the level of language will be immensely improved.Spelling goes right along with that. If there is any fluff (or useless paragraphs), they're gone. Your story should have a plot, and everything should forward that plot (except for fluff pieces). I am a stickler for in-character. Unless you discuss it with me before hand, all out of character behavior/actions/speech/etc. will be mercilessly corrected. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I'm not a grammar genius. I may miss comma splices, run-ons (hey, sometimes I feel they're appropriate), semi-colon vs. colon, etc. All the small things get drowned out by the larger ones. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
Sci-fi sci-fi sci-fi. I have a large general background in science fiction, and some very specific knowledge in others. So I'll (almost) always know what's going on in your universe. I'm also pretty knowledgable about classics, movies, manga/anime, comic books... (I spend a lot of time on my own). Chances are, if you're writing about it, I know at least a little bit about it.Humor, romance, slash, and angst are my preferred genres, though I will gladly accept any and all others. |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
Most poetry irks me. I'm just not a huge poetry fan (though I've written some). It just depends on how obtuse and heavy-handed it is. I won't reject something outright if it's a poem, but I'll look it over.I am not religious, so if your story has major religion (any kind), please look elsewhere. A hint is fine, but no more than that. Last thing: there are some characters that really irritate me. If you're doing a pairing that involves them, I'll handle it just fine, but if the piece focuses solely on them, no chance. The list varies, and I will let you know if another beta will work better for you if you have such a piece. (Some examples: Amy and River Song [Doctor Who], Jess [Primeval], Juliet [Psych], Starbuck/Kara, Dualla, and Boomer/Sharon [Battlestar: Galactica]) |
