Beta Bio: general description as a beta reader
I'm an English Major currently working towards his Master's. Someday, i hope to gain a phd as well, whatever that nets me. I'm a comprehensible Anthropologist, not an expert but i know enough. I guess that makes me a qualified nerd as well. Anyway, i'm nuts for the language so I can help out any which way you like.Don't hesitate to reach out by any means, email or pm. Its all good. I make it a special point of responding within the day (at most, 2 or 3). I have a tendency to focus on mechanics and sentence structures in particular. If a story concept comes along filled with plot holes, you'll hear about it. If you come across disingenuous, you'll know. As long as you're willing to take constructive criticism, it should work out beautifully. There are moments where i can be wrong in your eyes. I don't mind it if you feel that, and so choose to make a different choice, but note that it's important to listen with the intent to understand rather than respond. In these cases, i tend to be subjective. Also, don't get discouraged if I say something blunt, i just want the message across as loud as possible. I'd also like to say that the only thing i ever expect, as a given, is that you credit me as your beta reader. I'd like the recognition and it's a nice compliment, to the say the least. |
My Strengths: beta, writing, or reading strengths
I have an excessive attention to detail. If grammar is wrong or words are missing, i know immediately.I've a strong capability towards both rewriting and pointing out conceptual flaws, such as plot holes or a bad decision here and there. Dialogue. I love dialogue and formatting. I can make things flow like a river, or so i'm told. I've developed an approach to make it easier to read paragraphs and space out manuscripts pretty well. Spelling. If anything, i can help you spell things properly. That being said, USE SPELLCHECK. That way i won't have to focus on it. But I can easily spot typos and incorrectly used homophones. You'd be surprised at how confused some get over 'to' and 'too.' Punctuation and repetitiveness. Good christ, i love this mechanic. It completely makes or breaks a fic sometimes. I'm very consistent about proper usage of commas, periods, colons, and semicolons. On repetition, I usually stray away from the use of the same words or phrases with very minor exception. For instance, if the dialogue/prose is thematic, i'll easily let it slide. That is an artistic choice. But when you start overusing words, like twice within one sentence, i'll catch it for you like a pro. |
My Weaknesses: beta, writing, or reading weaknesses
I'll leave out words by accident, without even thinking. |
Preferred: types of stories I prefer over others
Action, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Crime, or Supernatural. It's all good really. I'll take even romance, just make sure it's above average. |
Would Rather Not: I do not beta for these stories
You try giving me a slash fic, have no comprehension of English, or give me something that looks formatted by an eight year old, I WILL reject your request.If i read an OC insert that features a predictable romance or idiotic insertion of the new character into a role they don't belong in, forget it. It would be an awful lot to get rid of that perception for me. I mean, MAYBE i could let it slide, but if it turns out bad, consider it over. |
