10000 words about who I am as a beta-reader, my betareading style, and/or expectations any of you might have...
Well here goes. My name's Mary. I'm eighteen, and I've been writing for most of my life. I hope to make part of my living editing some day. I guess most of the reason I'm wanting to do this is that I never had someone who was willing or able to help me with my own writing. If I can help someone who's in the same boat I was in, I think that'd be a really good use of my time.
That said, I haven't done a lot of beta-reading for people I don't know. I've helped friends and relatives and classmates, but never strangers over the Internet. So this'll be a new experience, I guess. As for my betareading style, I guess it's that I'd want to be told specifically what you want help with. If it's just spelling and/or grammar, that's fine. If you want someone to help with character development, that's fine too. But I'd like to be told, just so I don't stick my nose where you don't want it.
Writing is a sensitive business. We take things and thoughts that are hiding in the dark spaces underneath our hearts and drag them out into the open. I think that sensitivity needs to be reflected in editing, too. I will never mangle anything you write. You'll never get it back from me and have to wonder if it's the same piece. I'll do my very best to respect you and your writing.
This page will probably be added to, but I'm needing to get some sleep right now, so this is it for now. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me...you don't have to commit to sending me your work, if you find you don't like me.

If you're writing prose: I'm good with spelling and grammar. I love helping with plots and character development, and I'm great for catching details. Even if you're just wanting to have someone to talk story-stuff over with, that's fine with me. I've got plenty of time on my hands at the moment.
If you're writing poetry: I have a very good sense of rhyme and rhythm, so if you're having trouble getting a poem to scan, or if you can't find exactly the right word for the end of a line, I should be able to help with that. I also really love poetry that HAS no rhyme or rhythm, so if that's the sort you write, I'd love to read it and help wherever I can.
I won't ever withhold praise. If I think your piece is brilliant, I'll tell you.

RE the spelling and grammar: I'm Canadian, which I wouldn't usually count as a weakness, but since Canadian spelling is sometimes different than American or British, that might be a problem for you. I know the differences, and if I pay attention, I shouldn't have a ton of trouble, but it might take me a little more time.
I should admit that I have a tendency to get caught up in what I'm reading and forget that I'm supposed to be editing it. If you give me a twenty page document and want it edited in a day, it probably won't happen.
For prose writers: If you're wanting someone to look over your story about hardcore drugs, detailed sex, or other things like that, I'm not the best person. I don't have any experience with those things, so I wouldn't know what to help with. That's not to say I won't read anything that involves those things; I just can't help with them in specific.
For you poets: I know nothing about Haiku, and wouldn't have any idea how to help you in that area.

Poetry and prose appeal equally to me. I love Fantasy, General Fiction, Young Adult...I guess my favorite genre would be Fairy Tales, but those aren't the most common thing being written right now. Really? Send me anything and I'd love to read it.

Please nothing that's too full of teenage angst. I'm a teenager, and I've had my fair share of angst, but I'm not big on stories that aren't about anything else. No Haiku, as mentioned above. I guess that's all...

All Fiction

All Poetry

General Romance Humor Drama Poetry

Adventure Mystery Parody Angst Supernatural

Suspense Sci-Fi Fantasy Spiritual Tragedy

Family Hurt/Comfort Friendship