Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I read so that I can see into someone else's world for a little while. My goal is to help writers express themselves fully, so that what they imagined comes across on the page. You can bounce ideas off me, and I'll tell you honestly how they feel. I can act as a thesaurus; I can help you rearrange phrases. I'm very open-minded. I love irony and contradiction, and can usually spot potential for both. I'm younger than most editors, but I do have experience, and I enjoy doing it. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I'm good at picking out errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling; I'm meticulous in my own writing, and mechanical errors tend to jump out at me. I do not, however, like to stick to the "rules" completely, as that would be boring. I'm willing to discuss possibilities with you, and I don't mind if you choose not to take my advice, as long as you can explain your reasoning. I also know how to use a semicolon, which apparently few people understand. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I can be stubborn at times, and have been called 'nitpicky.' And I have certain hangups - for instance, I use the coma more often than my fifth grade English teacher. But style is style, and if you can explain to me why having a comma there would ruin the entire piece, I won't insist. I am somewhat feminist, but not passionately or exclusively. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I'm more of a lyrical writer myself, and therefore prefer pieces with strong emphasis on character and emotion. I usually lean towards the darker side, pieces concerning despair, horror, anger, death. There's the occasional romance as well - providing it is not built on cliches. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
Please be original - and that can include presenting old ideas in a new way. But I don't want to hear about how the world hates/doesn't understand you, or your boyfriend/girlfriend left you, etc. And if you're writing a historical piece and looking for a fact-checker, you're really going to want to find someone else. Other than that, I'm game. |
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