Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I have edited for several friends who are now Kindle authors. I'm involved in several workshops and critique groups, as well as self-taught by a variety of writing and editing manuals. I try to work like a coach. I like to discuss things with the writer so that not only do they come out of the experience with a better story, but as a better writer and will know how to avoid common pitfalls. I prefer to do a file transfer by email. When I am done, I will send it back with changes and suggestions. If your project requires more in depth work, we'll probably go back and forth a few times, to nail out macro errors (plot holes, consistency, characterization, ect) before we work on the sentences and text itself. This is exactly what you would get from a professional editor. Think of this as just the beginning of what you'll go through in the world of publishing. Lots of revisions.P.S. If you think I'm coming off as a know it all, look at my older stories. I haven't always known what I have now and some of my work is still rough. I AM HUMAN. Lol |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
Line editing, especially for interjecting vivid language. I will catch tense errors, grammar errors, head-hopping, passive voice, how to avoid and do better than adverbs, and telling versus showing, which is a HUGE thing that I will be able to demystify for you. I will also catch plot inconsistencies, characterization, and lessons in description (what's too much, how to wedge it in there, and when). I will ALWAYS do my best to explain and offer more than one description. This isn't math; there is more than one way to fix issues, and it's always easier than it seems. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I'm still learning things so I can't say I'm perfect, but it may seem to newer writers that I am harsh and trying to kill their baby or worse, change their story. I AM NOT. I DO understand it's your voice, your story, your decision. However, some may not like my approach or find me heavy handed, so, if you aren't seriously trying to get published one day, I'm probably not for you. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
At the moment, I'm better suited to shorter stories and novella length work. I don't believe in genres, because most of my stories could fit several genres. Romance, mythical, supernatural, horror, paranormal, manga/anime themed, literary, action, war, drama- these are all at the top of my list, but I can't say enough that I love action. If your story doesn't have any I will probably get bored and suggest some,just being honest. I prefer more mature (not nessesarily sexual, but in theme, depth, characters, ect) stories as opposed to young ones. |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
Coming of age stories, stories that are entirely romance based, like regency. Political is not unless you love and support the democratic and progressive parties! If it's not a story and it's an essay of some sort, it would have to be something dealing with controversial issues. I also REFUSE to beta read anything with yuri/yaoi, shoujo ai/shounen ai. Unless you have a deep plot and show a development of TRUE love , it just doesn't make sense to me, and many stories of this sort DON'T. When they're intended for mature audiences they're actually called "LGBT". Even though this is a site for original works I must also add that I will not beta fan fiction either; that is done at your own risk (I've had requests!). Other than that, I'll beta just about anything. :) |
