Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I'm new to being a beta, but I have better grammar skills than at least 90 percent of the people on this site. I'm also a recent college graduate (meaning that I'm probably older than 90 percent of the people on this site too), so take solace in the fact that I'm at least moderately well educated. I'm not hyper critical, but if your work is so bad that I can't correct the grammar mistakes without literally rewriting the entire story, please don't take offense if I refuse to beta for you. When it comes to plot flaws and diction mishaps, I don't critique people without at least balancing my criticism by noting some positive aspect of the story. Again, if I can't think of anything positive, I probably won't beta for you.
If you just want basic grammatical editing, I'm all for that. If you want someone to offer critique on the plot, characterization, diction, stylistic components, etc. then I'm happy to do that too. However, please tell me what you want or I'll just correct grammatical errors.
P.S. I'm not a heinous bitch. No really. I swear. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
My mechanics are spot on.
Also, I'm not a total flake so I won't leave anyone in a lurch once I've agreed to beta for her/him (unless I die, or my computer dies). |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I suck at spelling. I can recognize an incorrectly spelled word, but don't ask me to correct it. On the upside, that's what spell check is for.
I also have this nasty compulsion to restructure awkwardly phrased sentences. On top of that, I'll probably be obnoxious and point out what I perceive as plot holes or inconsistencies in characterization. I do have an "off" switch though: tell me to shut up and I will. Neat, huh? |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I like m/m slash, het, drabbles, one shots, and chaptered stories. I'm also a big fan of sci-fi, fantasy, and romance stories, though I doubt there's genre I truly dislike. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
Poetry. I just don't know how to edit that. An aspiring E.E. Cummings would make my brain explode if I tried to beta for him.
Also, I refuse to beta works that glorify self mutilation, rape, or pedophilia. I don't mind if these themes are used to further a story's plot line, but I can't tell you how much it bothers me when people actually glorify them. Just... no. |
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