Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I have been editing fan fiction, original fiction, poetry, essays and newspaper articles for three or four years now. As much as I like writing, I've found that I actually prefer editing, and I take it very seriously. While I do not claim to be the best editor in the world, I seldom see a piece that I don't think I could improve. I have been known to double a document's word count because I have so many comments. Sometimes writers go into shock when they see so much red, but remember: red is good. Red means that you can improve. Also, I usually ask my writers to do two or three drafts of a chapter or story, though this depends completely on the condition of the story. If you produce a near-immaculate first draft, I won't ask for a second.
However, though I am always happy to get new stories, there are times that I am not the best beta for a story. I would prefer to catch those times before we try to work together and get frustrated. So some notes on protocol:
When you contact me, please tell me what your story is about and where you plan to go with it (if the story doesn’t have at least a vague direction, it is not ready for a beta.) I will email you back within a day telling you that I would love to beta your story. Don’t send me a document before then, because even though the chances that I cannot accept your story are slim, I reserve the right to decline a project. Once you send the document, give me three days to work. After that, feel free to email me about it. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I have a functional knowledge of English grammar and an above average vocabulary. I have a long-standing attraction to the bildungsroman, which makes me focus on character development. I laugh in the face of melodrama. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I am not good at praising my writers. I will not deride your story, but I may go several drafts without saying "You're getting better" or "I liked this." Sometimes it's because the writer really hasn't improve, but usually, I just forget. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
Honestly, I'll edit just about anything, though I prefer stories that have a hand on the rim of reality. If a story is well-written, though, I will enjoy it. If it isn't, genre doesn't matter. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I do not like stories that are classified as "romances." I don't care if the story has romance in it, but that should not be the entire point. |
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