Beta Application

[Guest quixoticdreamer]

Hello, my username is quixotic dreamer. I am new to the forum, but have been reading and enjoying fan fiction for years. I often read notes about authors looking for betas, and decided to give it a try.

How many years have you worked as a beta?

I've never worked as a beta, but I worked as a writing tutor for about four years. In addition to editing at spelling and grammar, I also am good at reading for overall flow and wording. I would be happy to look at characterization and canon as a beta.

Is there any type of work you haven't beta'd for but are willing to accept?

I would be willing to beta for anything.

What are your personal boundaries as a beta?

Please be respectful of my comments. Other than that, I'll read absolutely anything once.

What are your weaknesses when it comes to beta work?

I like to look at stories very carefully and read over them multiple times for spelling/grammar, then content and style separately. This can take a bit of time, but I always try to work as quickly as possible.

How do you tend to interact with an author when doing beta work?

I would prefer communication via email. Emailing me the text in a word document would be the easiest way for me to make comments and get back to you. However, I'm open to other ideas as well.

Can you determine an average speed when it comes to performing beta work?

I can generally look at an average of 5-6 pages in about 2 hours.

For which fandoms have you worked? Which fandoms do you frequent? Do you consider yourself well-versed on any specific characters?

The fandoms I frequent are Harry Potter and Twilight. I am also very familiar with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I feel well-versed on most of the characters in each of these fandoms.

Beyond those, I have read tons of fantasy and other works of fiction. The only thing I am not really very familiar with is anime. I will beta anything for spelling/grammar/flow/etc, but just won't be as helpful for characterization and canon.

Do you have any quirks when it comes to beta work?

I like to make tons of suggestions. I do not expect them all to be taken, but I like to throw out my impressions and general comments. My goal is to keep your inspiration and ideas intact, though, just help polish it up a bit. Generally my comments stick to spelling, grammar, and flow issues.

Is there anything else that you'd like to include here?

I am excited to help you get your stories from ideas to published form. I am very supportive and can be as easy-going or strict as you want me to be.

[Guest Naga-Lord]

Hi.

I writing an original M/M fic, called Lords of Sea and Land. The headcharacters are a human and a merman. Since English isn't my first language I have difficulties with spelling and grammar. My story already have 14 chapters posted and I'm almost finished with the next one.

If your interested, my email is fichy@live.se

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Avernion

[Guest Hedwigseyes]

I am a new writer and am in need of a good beta. I am a bit of a taskmaster and I know it. I do not mean that I will rush you. I expect you to be professional and take as much pride in the story as I do. I not only welcome critique, but demand it. One of my biggest pet peeves is one line comments. If you are to say anything at all good or bad, I demand you explain it. It does me no good to hear "That is great." or "I don't like...". If you are willing to work with me please contact me at cinder_phenix@hotmail.com with Hedwigseyes as your subject line.