Post by Tempted Saint on May 25, 2006 21:52:42 GMT -5
Do I NEED a Beta Reader?
A beta reader or beta is a person who reads fiction BEFORE it is published to the site. They for the most part act as volunteer proofers, critters and editors. You may choose to have your work Beta read by one, two or even rarely three different beta readers. They use their own talents and fresh perspective to read the piece and offer back to the author, giving them a review of sorts. They generally correct grammar, spelling and punctuation errors, as well as make any notes on rewrite suggestions. (ie: vocabulary etc…)
A GOOD Beta can help the author find plot holes, make suggestions on building climax as well as character development and presentation. This is STRONGLY SUGGESTED by the Mods of this site. See bottom of this post for a list of on site Beta Readers. Make sure you choose a reader that suits your taste.
Remember that Beta readers are there to HELP you NOT to write your story for you. And be considerate of the fact that they give up their own personal time to read your stuff and do it because they love fiction. So don’t bad mouth them or be rude or down their suggestions. They are after all only suggestions and notes for you. Always give your Beta props and consideration for their work in your Fiction Header.
I personally am the bad grammar girl from hell. *sighs* Yeah I know tsk tsk tsk…and without a Beta my work is really bad! *nods* So get over your ego and get a Beta today!
Current Beta Readers
Reddevil
Strengths: Spelling, gramma, plot-holes, brit-picking, and mary-sue maiming.
Preferred genre: I don't have a preferred genre, the only thing that I will say no to even attemting to beta, are works that are immature. If in doubt, send it me a sample and I will tell you either yes or no.
Preferred Type of Fiction: Again, I'll beta anything.
Approximate Turn Around Time: Depends on my work load. Generally it'll be up to a week. But I have been known to send a chapter back within a couple of hours.