Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I'll read anything that sits still long enough if I've got nothing better to do. That said, I prefer to read things written by people who genuinely want to improve. If you're just writing because it's the 'cool thing to do' or 'so and so told me to', I tend to doubt you're taking the writing process seriously enough to be worth my time.
When I betaread something I will give at least one example of something you did well and explain, as nicely as possible, any problems I found. If you've put your time, energy, and love into the story, don't worry that I'll tear it to shreds. I'm a nice betareader...but I'm not gonna just say 'good job, you spelled 'moved' wrong in sentence 2, it's a cool story' if you don't deserve it.
Hopefully I didn't just scare you away. :D
Anyway, I am a college student with a job, family, and friends, so you shouldn't expect me to get back to you an hour after you request my betareading. Unless I send you a message saying otherwise, expect a reply within 2 days. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
If you want your story elements analyzed (plot, characters, setting, etc) I'm the person to ask. I can tell you if your dialogue is realistic, pick out characterization inconsistencies, and give an honest opinion when your plot needs more action or intrigue. I'm also a fan of good spelling. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
Pretty much anything that has to do with commas and 'real' grammar is a mystery to me. I can tell you what sounds good based on observation of the thousands of books I've read in my life and I'm great at picking out attempts at realistic dialogue but I can't guarantee that those sentences won't end in a preposition or contain too many or too few commas. All those grammar classes in grades K-12 just confused me more. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I'm an adventure-holic. Anything that, when published, could fall into the 'epic fantasy' category tends to get my attention (but please only send me the ones you've just started; I don't have the time to read 20,000 words into a story) as well as action-heavy science fiction. I like ghost stories and anything with angst. Torture (minus removing limbs, please) doesn't bother me in stories and most other 'heavy' themes that might up the rating are acceptable. A touch of humor is good, too, but I'm more likely to read a drama with a humorous character than a humor story that happens to be an adventure. If you're a fan of obscure mythological beasts and write a story including them, please send it my way! I'm also a big fan of fractured fairytales but that might just be something to send me if you'd like a review: that's the one genre that I'll overlook flaws if the story itself is intriguing. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
Except on very rare occasions, werewolves, vampires, super powers, beautiful princesses, elves, unicorns, and dragons bore me to tears. Excessive gore, romance-centric stories, and characters who all have familiars/pets/talking animals will almost certainly have me hitting the back button. This isn't always the case (I've written and planned stories with nearly all of these elements) but just know that it may not appeal to me. |
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