Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
Firstly, make sure you know beta reading means it's a first, or one of the first, read through of your PRE-published story (read the beta guide on this site). I will not be an editor (maybe just partially but I'm not a human spell/grammar checker) and there is no point in reading a story you've ALREADY UPLOADED for the public (unless you plan on a re-write). I will not respond for these instances, thank you.
I feel the point of being a beta reader is to pick up on common mistakes (grammar, spelling, inappropriate use of expressions etc.) that the writers themselves overlooked. From personally experience (and if you read my entries) I make mistakes myself and I sometimes fail to pick some things up as well.
What I definitely do not do is force a change to someone's own sense of style. Everyone has their own writing style and describe things differently. I will give suggestions on unclear expressions: if you think for example, blood is red and not crimsom, that doesn't make you wrong - it's just a little bit of you. I might give comments, saying it could've been said better because I felt it was too plain, or there could be another word as a substitute - but if you don't agree, I will not push.
This leads to my attitude. This is a free site, I am not your teacher or anyone. I will not be harshly judgemental, but I abide to my own sense of justice. If you are looking for a beta for a first opinion, sure I will give you a confidence boost if the story deserves it. If I feel something is wrong, I will tell you my feelings and offer advice. But you can always take it or leave it - that's my style.
The last thing I, and everyone shohuld, want to do on this site is to generate hate - but I will say what I feel to do the job you entrusted me to do. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I am familiar with Western and Japanese culture (Fantasy or Manga - I understand)
I can spot clichés or stories doomed to fail (Mary Sues or Emo Kids. Pointless quests or self-satisfying romances. No mercy.)
I am sensitive to my feelings when I read (It's a strength because I will tell you the moment I get bored)
I am open, but practical (I will not judge your wild ideas - until your giant beastman lands on the moon to meet Obi-Wan.)
I don't see why, but have been told I am pretty good at describing scenery (not just reviewers here, but in academics) |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I might miss out a simple gramatical mistake, but probably not so much that you can't see yourself or another read-through.
I might be too lenient on styles
I might get busy from time to time and response time will be slow then |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
My Beta Preferences should give an idea... But if you have a male protagonist for romance, that's always a rare breed I'd like to chance a look (not yaoi please). Stories following the style of video games (RPGs etc.) or anime (Gundams etc.) might also spike my interests. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
Homosexual romance - because I have no experiences in this field at all.
'Sad' stories - like tragedies, dark stories, emo driven angst, shoujo-style school bullying, suicide/sickness truamas.
Immature stories - Brats saving the world with a baseball bat? Only in Earthbound.
Low-grade humour - And I don't mean sarcasm. Stories carried by stunts from Jackass or jokes about urine just doesn't need beta reading.
One-shot Stories - OR stories with the first chapter less than 1000 words (except for prologues)
Song fics - During a chapter or two for the atmopshere. Okay. The start of every chapter. Just no.
Something that proves you do not have a firm grasp of the English language in the first paragraph (spelling or grammar). I will not waste more of my time on it, and will tell you exactly why, based on that first paragraph. And I will be harsh to these ones. |
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