Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
...This is going to be difficult.
I attack grammar. Rawr. XD
If I see something simple that needs to be fixed, I will just change it. If it's something where I think the author needs to think about how to fix it, I will underline part of the piece and put my comments in bold and in brackets. As I am not using Microsoft Word, I cannot do that spiffy "track changes" thing. If that is a problem, find another beta.
I do not expect all my changes to be kept, but it's kind of rude if none of them are, as there's usually a reason I changed things.
Along with my changes, I will write what I liked/disliked/thought in general. If there are recurring problems with grammar, I will point these out (and give awesome, extremely weird examples!).
The thing that bugs me the most is when I get messages asking whether I've finished or not after unreasonable amounts of time. If it's been more than a week, message me, but if it's only been a day, give me some time. Surprisingly enough, I do, in fact, have a life.
Give you an idea? Good.
~*~Kal~*~ |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I pick up all the little grammar things that don't really matter much but that make the piece flow more smoothly. (Seriously, I am insanely OCD when it comes to grammar.) I also am adept at picking up on clichés. Oh, and if characters haven't been developed enough, I will definitely point it out; flat characters are the banes of my existence! (*strikes heroic pose*) |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I am a bit comma-happy at times, and while I only put commas where they belong, they sometimes interrupt the flow of a sentence. I try not to do this when I'm beta-ing, but sometimes I forget. All too frequently, I think a word doesn't fit in context, but I am incapable of thinking of a better word to put there. It isn't that I don't have the vocabulary, it's just that I can't think of it on the spot. I always note to myself to come back to it later, but sometimes I forget and end up leaving finding that word to the author, which probably isn't the nicest thing I could do... |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
I'm big on fantasy (any type) and realistic fiction. Yes, I do realize they're complete opposites. I'm currently on a vampire kick, mostly in urban fantasy. I do not care whether characters are straight, gay, bi, trans, whatever. I will read anything, no matter what my favourites are; grammar, character development, etc. are the same in any genre. (Except cookbooks. If somebody sends me a cookbook, it'll just about make my life.) However, if a plot critique is expected, go look at the "Not My Cup Of Tea" genres. By the way, reading anything includes both poetry and fiction. ;) |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
READ THE ENTIRE REASON, PLEASE!
1. Historical Fiction: Yeah, history and I? Well, let's just say I fail. If it is not expected that I know dates, names, etc., I would love to read some to check grammar, etc. I do have some basic knowledge, of course, but if detailed background knowledge is needed, however, I am probably not the best person for the job.
2. Science Fiction: I like it, I really do, but I'm not the best person to beta it, seriously. I don't read it all that often, so I just don't understand the intricacies of the plots and all that stuff. As with historical fiction, I will read for grammar, etc., but nobody wants me checking their plot.
3. Religious Stuff: I am a pagan. That said, if the stuff I'm sent has a bunch of you-should-be-a-(insert religion here) propaganda in it, I probably will not be interested. In fact, in most cases it will piss me off. Please, just don't send me it. On the other hand, if it's vague, there-is-a-power-up-there-and-I-love-it writing, go ahead and send it; I am not an atheist. Also, this doesn't cover basic mentions of going to church, religious characters, or whatever else, as long as they aren't trying to seriously convert me.
4. War and Crime stuff: Once again, I can read for grammar, but I don't know shit about weapons or strategizing (besides what I've learned from playing Risk). If I need to know anything specific in order to understand the plot, I'm not your (wo)man. I also do not pay attention to much of politics. |
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