Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I'm a soft beta-reader; I strongly dislike giving people severe critique, no matter how much it may help them. I'm far too kind-hearted. That doesn't mean I'll sugar-coat your story, though; if I see something that I think needs fixed or changed, I'll say so - I'll just say it in as nice a way as I can manage.
I tend to go over chapters twice: the first time is to get the gist of it, and pick out punctual errors and the second time to check that everything is flowing properly and nothing looks out of place. If I have an extra idea for a chapter, I'll write a little note at the end of the chapter.
The only requirement I have for potential beta-ees (yeah, new word) is that you have a basic understanding of grammar. I don't mind fixing up little errors, but if your story is littered with grammatical and/or spelling errors, it's very likely that I'll tell you to find a new beta. I know that's pretty harsh, but that's how I work. Sorry! |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I've never had anybody tell me what I excel at, so this is purely my own estimations of my skills. I'm average with spelling and grammar and, living in Scotland, I'm good at Britishisms. I believe I'm good at keeping a good flow in a story and, whilst I'm rubbish at creating original plots, I'm good at helping others develop/tweak their own ideas. I'm good at determining whether or not something is realistic, and whether or not an idea will work for the story. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I get writers block a lot, which tends to affect my beta skills as much as my writing skills. I'm not so good at coming up with original ideas out of nowhere, either. |
Preferred: types of entries I prefer over others
Fantasy/Sci-fi. They are, in my opinion, the best genres around. |
Would Rather Not: types of entries I do not want to beta for
I won't beta sex scenes. I don't mind really graphic violence, but being only fifteen and having no experience whatsoever with sex, I would be unable to efficiently beta any sexual scenes. I also dislike stories that have a depressing end, though I suppose I'll still beta yours if it has one. |
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