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

[anhaire]

I meant that I'd take one more. I've edited it to be more clear.

[evlpez]

Thanks, Anhaire!

[McGonagall's Cat]

Tips from About.com
http://scifi.about.com/c/ht/00/07/How_Good...r0962933665.htm

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How to Be a Good Beta-Reader
From your Sci-Fi / Fantasy Guide

Authors need real help when they ask for a beta-read or editing job..

Difficulty Level: Hard
Time Required: Thirty minutes for a short story



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Here's How:

Make sure the author sends their story in a format you like (e.g. Word Perfect, Microsoft Word).

Save a new copy of the story with your comments to send back.

Put all your comments in bold.

Run a spellcheck before you try to read the story. Remember to bold the corrections, or if you're using plain text, put them in brackets.

Read it through the first time making only minimal comments as you go. You'll come back later to lengthen them.

Correct all the grammar problems you see. If you're not sure about something, indicate the problem and say you think there's something wrong.

Mark places that read awkwardly whether they're incorrect or not.

Comment whenever a character "sounds" wrong to you. Try reading the dialogue aloud to see if you sound like the character.

If you have no comments for large sections of the story, delete those sections.
(note: this isn't always a good idea. - McG's Cat)

Comment when you're aware of an emotional reaction to the story (e.g. "I'm happy that happened." "That's gross!").

Remember to have both positive and negative comments.

Always be tactful, and phrase all advice only as a suggestion.

After the first read-through, take some time, then read through it a second time.

Put your over-all comments at the top of the story so the author gets them first.

Be honest. If you don't want to beta for the author again, tactfully say so. If you do want to, be sure to say so as well!


Tips:

Before agreeing to beta-read, know the type of story you'll be getting, and its rating.

If there are a whole bunch of technical errors, you're not responsible for fixing them. Just tell the author there are many.

Use reference guides to check how to spell character names and Star Trek equipment.

[Miss Trickster]

Name: Miss Trickster
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!

[evlpez]

Thanks, Miss Trickster! I've added your form to the list of available betas in the 2nd post of this topic.

[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

[McGonagall's Cat]

Thanks for volunteering, Pheonix Boy! You'll be added to the main list within 24 hrs.

[evlpez]

Yay, Phoenix Boy! Thanks for stepping up, we can always use help with the Briticisms! I've added you to the list in the second post of this topic.