Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I work as a copy editor-slash-journalist, and my beta-reading tends to focus on writing style. I don't mince words, and I'm rather blunt -- so no fragile egos, please! I give constructive criticism, not flames, and I will be brutally honest. When I beta-read, I usually skim the story once to get the gist of it, then do a more in-depth read. Nevertheless, if I find too many grammatical errors for my taste, I will quit reading; I'd rather not waste my time.
Expectations: Again, no fragile egos. I do expect stories sent to me to be already formatted and proofread by the author -- remember, spell check is your friend! I realize that a beta-reader is in some ways a proofreader, but you'll get more out of the experience if you give me something that you've already looked over. Then, instead of focusing on grammar, spelling and punctuation issues, I can spend my time looking at characterization and plot.
Let me repeat this one more time: I will be BRUTALLY HONEST, to the point where you may find me mean. Just FYI. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
My main strengths are in copy-editing -- grammar, punctuation, etc -- and writing style. I will look at story content to some extent, but my main strengths tend to lie in the technical arena. I'm also rather good with dialog and characterization. Actually, besides the technical strengths, I really am rather good at character development. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
Action sequences are a definite weakness of mine; I tend to actually skip over them while I read a story. Additionally, I'm not great with the flowery description. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I'm a fan of short stories and one-shots, especially those that lean towards mystery or sci-fi. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
Romance, poetry, high school dramas, epics, stories with more than three chapters... |
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