Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
As college graduate with a Literature minor I tend to have extra time on my hands to read some good stories from other writers. I've been on this site for years now and have always wanted to get involved in some way other than putting up my own stuff, and I think being a beta-reader would be a great way to do just that.
If you want me to check out your story, send me a PM or an e-mail. Reviews of already-published stories are fine, but if you want a more critical analysis and/or some detailed notes I can always do that through e-mail. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I tend to believe my strengths lie in descriptive detail and open-mindedness. My own stories have always focused on a 'visual' quality more akin to film, and my preferences have largely leaned towards similar styles. Being able to evoke a strong sense of emotion or thought from a minimal usage of dialogue is critical for me.
In a story I tend to look beyond the boundaries of the plot, especially in characterization. I want to know why I should care about the characters, and if they can exist outside the situation. In other words, I look for the construction of a coherent, living world that can draw me into it. Having an engaging and fast-paced plot is less important when you don't give a damn about the protagonist.
Because I'm a firm believer in the idea that you need to work hard at something if you want to be good, I tend to be a bit more critical in my reviews. Obviously if I leave a review at all there's something I found interesting or good in the story, but what I'm here to do as a beta reader is to try and help it be better than it is. You won't find any "Good job, it's perfect!" comments from me, at least not these days. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
My biggest weakness has always been with dialogue. Because I'm slightly shy and anti-social I don't really know how people 'talk'. Personally, as I've mentioned above, I prefer stories that rely more on detail than dialogue.
Unfortunately I'm also very practical, and thus I dislike having to unearth meaning from a particularly deep story; personally I prefer the whole "what you see is what you get" philosophy. I get lost in a colorful vocabulary that may or may not be vital.
When it comes to reading I tend to nitpick a lot, though that may or may not be a weakness. If a certain phrase sounds awkward to me, I consider it as such and mark it. Same goes with redundancy. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
Most genres of fiction work for me. In particular I'm partial to standard fiction, light science fiction, mystery and crime (especially hard-boiled/noir), old westerns, and horror. Though I mention all of these established genres, I'd prefer reading stories that make an attempt to cross outside the boundaries and shake things up a bit instead of throwing cliche after cliche at you.
Essays are also fine with me. Given that I'm a college graduate who's written dozens of essays over the years I feel like I can assist younger students with their writing, especially if it's not their strong suit. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
Within the realm of fiction I'm not interested in formulaic romance or dramas. No offense, but I find those extremely boring and way overdone on this site. This goes even if that formula happens to be under the guise of a genre I do like (i.e. contemporary westerns featuring crappy love stories). I'm also not big on historical dramas unless they fall into the realm of something I prefer (see above).
I'm also not a huge poetry fan, mainly because just about everyone - at some point in their lives - tries a hand at it. Just because poetry is a seemingly simple blend of words does not mean that everyone's capable of writing something brilliant, and I'm tired of reading hundreds of crappy, twenty-word poems that have little emotional content aside from the whole 'emo' feel. |
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