Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I'm a married housewife with a part-time job so I don't really have anything better to do than look at your story. :) I want to work very hard. This will help us both because you will get help and I will be able to keep my college skills sharp. If you'd like to have me look at something just send me an e-mail or a message. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. If we decide to work together I would prefer to use Google Docs as a means of communicating back and forth. We'll share the document as peers and communicate through e-mails about anything else.
The first few betas I was requested stopped working on their stories after awhile, I don't know if this had anything to do with me. I also found that there are many more things than I first anticipated that I just don't have the strength to beta. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I went to College for Sociology, Psychology and Anthropology so I'm all about the characters. I can pick out weak characters and give suggestions on how to improve them. I've also read ALL of the Seventh Sanctum's series on world building, which I see as an authority on the subject, so I have lots of experience with creating imaginary realms. 'm direct but not without tact. I don't want to make you feel stupid, but I will point out things that just don't seem right. I don't just look at mechanics, I give my opinion on the plot, characters, and style of the entire piece in a take it or leave it manner.
I also had a minor in English, so while I'm probably not an expert I am a bit of a Grammar Nazi. I also love brainstorming, so if you're having a problem and want to bounce ideas off someone I'm particularly good with that. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I'm writing my own books so I probably won't be as quick to work at it as some others.
I am the world's worst poet. And I can't spell. I need a spell checker to 'speack engrish'.
I don't do well with stories written in the present tense, unless you have a REALLY good reason.
I'm sexist and don't like many female main characters. I am so over the lackadaisical girls who read classical literature, are detached from their parents, and hate the pretty blonde girl (who, of course, is a popular ditz devoid of moral worth) in their school. If you have one of these or if she is your main character I will not be capable of betaing it. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I'd prefer Slice of Life type stories, or fantasy but not too hard core. That Manga category is right up my alley. Romance, tragedies, action/adventure, angst, and comedy are welcome. I like people who have ideas and want to flesh them out, people who love learning, and also people who are committed to and in love with their stories. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I don't like horror stories, so even if I tried I would probably be complaining about everything in it the whole time. If your main character has the depth and breadth of a puddle - I'm not interested. If your main character is a girl who is addicted to sex and killing things (or a guy for that matter...) I am not interested. I also don't really get a lot of Science Fiction mumbo jumbo so while I could look at characters and plot I probably wouldn't be much help with anything else. And Mystery. I didn't think to put that one here but now I will, I probably won't be much help with detective stories.
High fantasy. I don't do well with stories about misanthropic princesses with kindly maids and dashing older brothers. I don't do well with heroines in general, unless this girl is seriously down-to-earth I'm likely to be rolling my eyes at everything she does. Everyone knows the Twilight series right? Ya - Bella Swan? She's a silly twit whom I look down upon with disdain. That being said, I'm also anti-feminist. |
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