Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I am a published writer (legit secondary parties have paid me for submitted original fiction stories). My association with fellow developing writers led me to appreciate the process of critiquing others work in the effort of strengthening it. When I beta read I do a single pass for general impressions and then do a more thorough pass where I comment on what works and what isn't clear. Clarity, focus, and a sense of logic behind the story are the main things I look for. I know what goes into the writing process, and thus I respect the writer behind it-but I have had my own rude-awakenings and benefited greatly from the honesty of fellow beta readers. Anyone getting a beta read from me will get my honest opinion of their work. I will be nice in how I phrase things, but I won't hold back from telling you if something is not translating. I may offer a suggestion or two of ways to fix the issue if nothing more than to get the juices flowing for you. Often I have had other betas in my writing group do this, and while their suggestions aren't on the mark, it sometimes offers more insight into why a certain scene wasn't working and helps me approach the correction. I expect the requester to have an open mind to the feedback and a spirit willing to learn from the experience. Beta reading is time consuming. If you want to truly dissect your work and learn to improve I will gladly help with the perspective, provided it isn't a waste of both of our time. For a long piece I may do a single chapter first as a test to see if this will be beneficial. I expect the reader to let me know politely if they did not find it useful. I understand 'target audience'. If I fall outside of that, let me know. I will be fine with the honesty. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I am known for being good at big picture edits, or higher pass level beta-reads. Character development, descriptions, settings, historical details, flow, pacing, themes, world design, adherence to canons I am familiar with, dialog including individual speech patterns, phrases that jar or images that don't quite translate etc. I'm also a good brain-stormer to sound ideas back and forth with. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
When it comes to line edits I am not your reader. ;) I often turn to other beta readers with a finer grasp on grammar nuance. I can catch some things (often those most frequently pointed out in my won work!), but not all. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
Genres: fantasy, sci fi, horror, historical fiction, thriller, drama. Canons I am familiar with and most willing to read: Phantom of the Opera, Cowboy Bebop, Firefly, Castle, Redwall, Wolf's Rain, Brother's Grimm, Tolkien works, Watership Down, Never Ending Story, Harry Potter ... there are others, feel free to ask. Even if I am unfamiliar, if I know enough I might be willing to try. I watch a lot of shows, and read a lot! I am also a Broadway musical fan, so just ask. If I have time and know something about it I will gladly check it out. Most of my original writing is anthropomorphic. So if you write with animal leads I am a prime beta reader to help you nail getting into the animal mind. I am a huge believer that humanity puts itself too high on the pedestal and our fellow mammals are not THAT far removed from us. Historical fictions in any genre are a passion of mine. I have researched the Victorian era (both American and Britain shores), Ancient Meso-America, Ancient Egypt, the Gaelic cultures, and the great age of Piracy. These are ones I would most readily be able to spot issues. I also have a B.S. biology degree. If you need to verify a surgical procedure, injury survival, or effects of a disorder I can probably go into more detail than you need! :D |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
I am not a fan of pure romance in any canon. Romance can be a side theme, that's fine, but as a solo genre I would be very hard to please here (non-romantic). I am also not a fan of slash. I have no issue with the spectrum of gender expression, but I do have issues with canon characters being altered in this fashion without a very good reason. I have yet to see a reason good enough. The same goes for a gender swapped version just to do it. I need more of a reason for this set up. Stories that are nothing but an excuse to display gore and sexual situations are out for me-there MUST be a reason for it more than 'it's cool'. I have no problems with these subjects if they supported by a solid plot, or if the writer's goal is to solidify them. |
