Beta-Buddies, Need a beta-reader? Want to beta read? Options

[evlpez]

Hello fellow ferrets!

In an effort to help us all become better writers, I've decided to implement a beta reader sign-up topic. Beta readers will proof-read their fellow ferrets' work, offer corrections to spelling and grammar prior to posting and help writers explore or expand on their ideas.

Here's what we'll do. Anyone who wants to offer their proof-reading services can sign up in this topic. I will keep updating the following post which shows who is available to take on a 'buddy' and members will refer to this post when looking for a beta reader.

I (evlpez) am responsible for this list. If you need your information updated, please send me a PM with the particulars.

1. Beta readers will sign up following the form I'll set out in the next post.

2. Beta-buddies (reader and writer) should agree upon a term for their partnership (one piece, one month, 6 months, etc…). Using different readers over time will allow both members to benefit from different writers as time goes on.

3. When a beta reader takes on a writer, they should let me know so I can update the list. This prevents a reader from being solicited by more writers after they've taken on as many as they want. Beta-readers who've agreed to read a single piece of work for a writer (as opposed to a time period) don't need to have an update on this list.

4. Beta readers should be specific with corrections, offering correct spellings and explainations when required, describing why something requires correction (grammar, correct word usage, etc…).

5. Beta reading is a learning exercise. If you don't know if something is right, do try to look it up so you're giving your writer (and yourself) the correct information.

6. Writers are responsible for finding a beta reader by PM or e-mail, and any subsequent communication is their responsibility, not that of Project Ferret.

7. Writers should spell check and proof read their own work prior to submitting it to their beta readers whenever possible.

8. Writers are responsible for their own deadlines. Be sure to let your beta know your deadline and give him/her sufficient time to go over your work with you.

9. Beta readers who want beta readers for their own work should try to ask someone else from the list, not the writer(s) they're reading for. This is just a guideline - if members have already set up a partnership with their friends to proof-read their work, that's fine.

I should point out that members of PF are not required to have their work beta-read. I just thought we should set it up for members who want it.

We'll discuss whether Ferret Duel Challenge entrants should be allowed to have their submissions beta read at another time. I may set up a poll to decide this, I'm not sure yet.

Please use this topic to ask/answer questions about this system and to sign up to offer your services.

This post has been edited by evlpez: Jan 6 2004, 03:16 PM

[Phoenix Boy]

Name Phoenix Boy
Number of Writers : 1 plus any one shots That can be long term if necessary since I don't have anyone else on at the moment.
Work submitted to me by : Email (as an attachment in Word)
Other Notes : I'm British, so I know Briticisms and British spelling, though I'm adaptable on that. I have a fair amount of experience as a beta and writer and I can handle around 5,000 words per week. I'm not too fussy on pairings or whether somethings AU.
Current Buddies: None on this site