Beta Reader's Center
Welcome to the Beta Reading Center, once again we're recruiting beta readers for your stories. the last list was not actualised so we were in need of making a new one. Adding to that, the little view we'd like to give you about the real beta reading job and some 'little rules' for writers and beta readers.
If you're interested in being a beta reader, please PM me with the following information and you'll be added to the list. And if you're looking for a beta reader, there will be a little link to the profile of the member you're interested in.
No need to remind of the importance of a beta reader for your stories, it is not that we do not like your writings, but there's always a big improvement when you give your story to someone who has the experience and knowledge to point out the mistakes we all have. Soon, with the time you'll see your skills improve and maybe you on't need a beta, and you can be one.
Now, before giving you the list, some important issues you should know about, and the definition and mission of the beta reader, also the compromise between writer and Beta Reader (BR).
Beta Reader FAQ
- What's a Beta Reader?
A BR is the person you can send your work to and he/she will look for your spelling, gramatical, semantical and pucntuation errors as well as correct the connections between paragraphs or see if the ideas don't match perfectly. Basically is what you'd call an editor or a critic. Then the BR will re-write the mistakes and send them back to the writer for the approval.
- Which is the utility of a BR? Why should I use one and what do I earn with it?
The blessing a BR could mean is priceless. Your story will look good, will be easy to read, you won't find those annoying and awful gramatical and spelling errors. Adding to that, and as an extra feature and for free, the fact that the plotline won't have any incoherent parts or mistakes, the plot will flow like it should, the characters will be perfectly defined and you won't be ashamed by posting things that are not accurate. Details that us as writers do not see sometimes but to the eye of the reader are EVIDENT.
As responsibilities... none, you just send your chapters and wait for them to come back. But a little advice: do not get a beat reader if you don't like criticism. A BR is not there to handle your moods or your complaints about the job, a BR knows what he/she does, otherwise you wouldn't be giving him/her work right?
- How can I be a BR? What should I have to be a BR?
being a BR is easy, and at the same time a matter of compromise, discipline and seriousness. The ideal beta reader should have knowledge in grammar, no fear of criticising the work of your writer (no matter if he/she is your best friend or your partner in crime) be able to get job to be made late at night, and basically, have your mind available to give back a good product to your writer.
- How much time should take a Beta Reader to 'beta' the chapter?
The less time as possible. We know how exigent are the writers, and how exigent we should be. of course you as the writer shouls also take in account that the BR has a life, children, a job or maybe studies, so don't ask him/her to Beta the chapter in record time. of course once you become a beta reader you should take in account that you should be available and able to sped time correcting the chapters.
- Okay I'm a Beta... And what then? What do I earn?
First of all, you earn knowledge, you earn friends, you earn recognition by your amazing job and the best of all: You're the first one reading the chapter! What else do you want?
A little Advice:
Please, stick with just one beta reader per story. with this we mean, you'll give your readers a better product with just one person correcting the mistakes of your fic since the start, than, one who started in chapter 34 and still doesn't know about the plot.
You can switch your BR in the case you feel necessary, or change him/her because of a serious problem like: too much time to return a chapter, lack of professionalism, destructive criticism, differences in writing styles). Those and more issues can be consulted with me (Smashing_Adri) or posted here in this thread as part of the FAQ section.
Now, if you want to be a Beta Reader, please fill this simple information and you'll be added to the list:
Name:
What are you able or not able to Beta Read:
You should pick me because: (reasons why the writers should pick you as their beta reader).
We hope you take in account this useful service and that you consider it for your fictions! it's for free!
* Adrienne *
Beta Reader's List
Beta Reader's List
Smashing_Adri
Will beta anything. Preferably R, NC-17 or Slash Fics. Can't stand Mary Sue's and preppy fics that contain big ammounts of love and sweetness, mad bliss, overly romantic chapters without any sense, and must add that highschool fics are unnacepted.
You should pick me because: I'm perfectionist, I'm not afraid of pointing out the mistakes and at the same time I'm respectful while giving my opinion. The beta reading will be done in the less time possible but beware with possible delays returning chapters. Specialized in suspense and fantasy fics.
Name: Kaylee Ann
Will/Won't Beta:anything one's heart desires, except, of course, for Mary Sue's and Perfect Peter's - those two types of stories are not acceptable with her at all. Prefers suspense/horror fics or fantasy; however, she won't turn down a light humour, romance, slash, etc.
You should pick me because: I think of myself as being quite tactful when it comes to editing stories, no matter what the genre. I will not only help edit stories--the writer will not obtain a sense of inadequecy in these reviews--, but I will take my time to offer help with things that I may have edited, so the writer themself can further improve their own writing. Reviews of chapters will not be rushed but will be thoroughly read. Chapters will be returned within two days--if otherwise, say for a vacation or so forth, I will let the writer know ahead of time.
**
Name: Bludst@ndrozez (Heidi)
Will/Won't Beta: Anything at all... has no problen with NC-17 or R rated content. Prefers not being stuck to the Mary Sue's or another irregular kind of content, but she doesn't care.
You should pick me because: I'm really really picky about grammar, spelling, etc. I read things and have this habit of thinking, oh dear, that needs to be different. But I also have respect for the fictions and the authors - I'm not going to try and change anything drastically. And I'm not afraid to give you advice about characters, plot, etc. AND I tend to have a lot of free time, and do my best to get things back to you as fast as possible.
Name: Cerulean Flame
What are you able or not able to Beta Read: I will read anything, basically, except for Mary Sues/Perfect Peters, and Fanstasy. I can't do Fantasy. I will also not read any story were the lead character is under the age of fifteen.
You should pick me because: I'm really picky, I can be a huge perfectionist (read: High maitenance). I'm pretty good at grammer and will go out in arms length to make a sentence sound beautiful. The more complex, the better, if you ask me, as long as you don't overdo it. I've had friends ask me to read over their work a lot so you can't count on me with that kind of stuff!
**
Name: Jade Sal-Solo
What are you able to Beta Read? Any kind of story and rating
You should pick me because: I have thoroughly studied the English language for 7 years by now, and I frankly admit that I am obsessed with grammar and spelling. I do A level English, Latin (which requires very accurate knowledge of how a language works) and creative writing, and therefore I am very experienced in detecting mistakes. During my stay in Northern Ireland, I asked a friend to proofread my English literature coursework, but he gave it back to me, saying my grammar and spelling was much better than his. So, I guarantee you an (almost) perfect fic when it comes to the "basic stuff". Furthermore, I'll sure as hell kill off any Mary-Sue-ed characters - it's not a thread, it's a promise Or, to put it in less harsh words: I'll happily assist in characterization and plotting.
**
Name: Amethyst Greenleaf (Am)
What are you able or not able to Beta Read: Will beta anything at all, even Mary Sues.
You should pick me because: Being british I've studied English at school for a total of 12 years, gaining an A grade in GCSE English Language. I've been writing online for about three years as well and have greatly improved on my skills as a writer and can identify almost all grammatical, punctual or spelling mistakes. I am also online most of the time, giving a fast reponse time and take a keen interest in writing myself so I can relate with the writer themselves.
Well I don't know whom I should send the PM to, since Pirate Puppet appears to be unregistered, so I suppose I should reply.
I'd love to beta, so here's my information:
Name: Moon
What are you able or not able to Beta Read: I'll do anything but won't do explicit sexual stuff. My preference is RP Fiction, but I'll beta anything - I have found some fantasy, for example, that I love.
You should pick me because: I'm a perfectionist. I am currently a student of English at a Dutch University and am very able to correct spelling and grammar. I know how to make sentences work, and I have been checking other students' essays a lot as well. I'm usually behind my computer a lot, so I'll usually be able to get back to you soon.
So pick me, y'all! :noangel:
Thanks Moon for proposing as a Beta Reader!
For the sake of clearness, I will open a new thread and close the current one, that has become out of date! Your info will be added there!
Cheers
Ursi
:love: