Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I am currently earning my degree in English at university so I have some background with the way words work together through my college education as well as a significant education in high school language arts. Concerning your stories and my process, I will usually print out and go through the manuscript with a red pen, determining where things are worded awkwardly, grammatical errors and spelling. I will also determine where things do not flow well enough and bring up my concerns to you in an intellectual manner.
Since I deem to treat everyone I concern myself with like an adult, I expect the same courtesy applied to myself as well. Also, if you do not know the difference between their/they're/there or see/sea/c or have a bad habit of using chatspeak, anagrams that make no sense or the concept of capitalization is foreign to you, please do not apply and seek services elsewhere. If you wish for me to read a specific story, please send me either a link or e-mail me a version of the story with the manuscript DOUBLESPACED. Single spaced manuscripts will not be accepted. Finally, if you cannot take constructive criticism, please do not apply. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
Honestly, my strengths are my ability to find grammatical and spelling errors and determining when a sentence is awkwardly worded. I am also good at determining natural dialogue, possible connections between characters or events and picking out pieces of foreshadow in writing to determine the ending. I would be able to help determine how to change these pieces or adjust them to better affect the outcome. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I am brutally honest, especially when it comes to editing. If I think something is pretty crappy, I will say so. I also get a bit defensive about my personal opinion. If I think something will sound better a different way, I will say so. Also, I usually only go over the manuscript once, albeit in-depth. I also do not know how to diagram a sentence so please do not ask me to do that. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
Fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, realistic fiction or romance that is well written and unique, preferably something that will keep me on my toes and keep me guessing. I will pretty much read anything if I think it is good, however I believe it is up to me to choose what I read. Stories with mid-range chapters, about three to five thousand words are much more desired than longer or shorter chapters. I also enjoy having a brief plot outline prior to reading so I have some idea where you are going with the story. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
Slash and fan fics. Excessive swearing is accepted on a case-by-case basis. Excessively religious stories will not be accepted however characters who practice religion are okay, however I will not accept manuscripts with highly religious material. |
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