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

[evlpez]

CURRENT LIST OF BETA READERS:


Name: Zymurgy (PM this member)
Number of Writers: Any. I have time.
Work submitted to me by: E-mail (text in body only, no html, no attachments) or PM.
Other Notes: I am human. Humans err. I shall do my best with your work. We all know how it is: You see errors in other peoples' work far easier than you see them in your own work. I'll help where I can. Also: If you need nifty Latin or German spells etc, I can get them for you. Mostly, I'll be able to get back to you the same day you contact me. Arivederci!
Current buddies: No one steady. I take pieces as they come.


Name: McGonagall's Cat (PM this member)
Number of Writers I'll take: 2 term writers plus single piece requests from others
Work submitted to me by: PF Private Messages, e-mail - writers must receive html in e-mail settings, as my notes will use colour
No attachments.
Other notes or conditions: I have tutored college level English (for freshmen level, and for Nurses, have taken on several individual college students over the years)... [also tutored brain physiology, but betting that won't be called on a lot here.] I would consider helping with anyone's non-Ferret papers with enough time/notice. I also Home Schooled my son, so can sort of "multi-task" subjects.
Current buddies: Zymurgy, one spot open


Name: timeturner (PM this member)
Number of Writers I'll take: 2 term writers plus single piece requests from others
Work submitted to me by: PF Private Messages or e-mail - no attachments
Other notes or conditions: I am an amateur writer- new to the game and not perfect in any way shape or form. However, I will Beta Read anything for anyone and do the best I can. I will probably best serve those looking for someone to proofread for spelling, punctuation errors, etc. I am not an english whiz, but I have worked for a large yellow page publisher for the last five years, proofing ads/listings on a daily basis. Catching errors in my own work is difficult for me, however catching errors in someone else's is not. Return on items will most likely be within 24-48 hours. I do not normally use my computer on Sundays or Saturday afternoon- house rule/agreement. I will be more than happy to read on the weekends and return all items on Monday though.
Current buddies: None






Beta Readers On Temporary Leave of Absence


Name: StarWalker (Clyde) (PM this member)
Number of Writers I'll take: 2 term writers plus single piece requests from others; perhaps more as I see how it goes.
Work submitted to me by: PF Private Messages; e-mail - writers must receive html in e-mail settings, as I use color for all editing; Microsoft Word documents - I use Office 11 (XP) so can read just about anything - if you need an earlier version back just tell me; PDF documents - I use Adobe Acrobat 6 professional, so I can make notes on them.
Other notes or conditions: I have taught high school mathematics, and physics at both the under-grad and graduate level, so be forewarned, I am not an English major. I do all my own proofing, however, despite my wife's wishes, and there should be enough samples on this site to determine if I meet your needs. Please do not password protect Word or PDF files, and if you're sending me an e-mail attachment, send a warning message first, letting me know to expect it. WARNING! I am not nor will I attempt to be politically correct; I like myself as I am, thank you very much. I will, however, do my best to be polite and courteous, and will attempt to return all submissions within 48 hours.
Current buddies: Anhaire



Name: anhaire PM this member
Number of Writers I'll take: 2 term plus special requests, maybe more at a later date.
Work submitted to me by: PM or email, prefer not to have Word attachments, though I can deal with them.
Other notes or conditions: I'm in college, so I write and proofread work all the time, but I can be pretty opinionated about grammar (like insisting on the use of "different from" and getting every whom and who right). I will make every effort to return within 24 hours.
Current Buddies: McGonagall's Cat


Name: Miss Trickster PM this member
Number of Writers: Up to 3 Term; any number one shots, etc.
Work submitted to me by: PM, Email (attachments must be in Word)
Other notes or conditions: I'm online a lot, so you don't have to wait too long for me usually. However, High School may tie me up. I'm in GT English, and can read almost to a college level. I also have edited things for both my school magazine and for my friends.
Current Buddies: None yet!


Name: Phoenix Boy PM this member
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


Name: Azkabella (PM this member)
Number of Writers I'll take: 1 term, 2 one-shots
Work submitted to me by: E-mail (NO attachments) or PM.
Other notes or conditions: I've been a beta for several fanfics before, and I can spot grammar errors (not in my own work, sometimes ). I am very picky about the 'ships I beta because I have a strict view on them, and don't think I'd be a very good beta if I didn't agree with it. I stick to the R/Hr and H/G 'ships, and I loathe anything that involved Draco with anybody, or Harry with Luna. Can't stand them, so I'll automatically think everything is out of character. Most of my free time is devoted to fan fiction, so I'd love to help anyone who needs it.
Current buddies: None


Name: GinnyAuror00 (PM this member) *hasn't logged in for a while*
Number of Writers I'll take: 1 term writer plus single piece requests from others
Work submitted to me by: PF Private Messages, e-mail
Other notes or conditions: I can probably promise you the fic back in a few days...unless it is really long. I'll be away for a bit of the summer...so I won't be able to help then. I'm open to new ideas, and I love originality. I'm good with canon- but my Britisim is just okay- nothing special. Grammar and spelling are good with me, and I can help with plot structure, and that sort.
Current buddies: all spots open