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**evlpez** · 09-24-2005, 07:31 PM

Do you know how to use the English language properly in fiction? You could be a beta reader.

If you are interested in reading stories and updates for writers to help them avoid mistakes in grammar, spelling and punctuation or to help them optimize their work to help their plot, please post in this thread and offer your beta-reading services.

Guide for readers:

Beta Readers must know their tools. You must know how to use proper grammar, spelling and punctuation in English, and be a kind reader. You should be able to identify problems with plot and be able to communicate with others respectfully. 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.
Be kind. If your suggestions in anyway offend your writer, you've gone too far. It's his/her story and your job is to find errors and help them fix them, not to pass judgement on the story.
Mind the The FF Rules and especially the SS board Rules at all times. Make sure your writers are observing the rules with regard to content in their stories. Remind your writers of them if their content violates any rules.
If your writer is being overly sensitive to your suggestions and feels threatened, try to work it out kindly between you in private messages, IM or e-mail. Don't push. If a writer gets downright combative, respectfully suggest that he/she find another beta and PM a FF Mod/Admin if you think there's a problem with regards to observance of the SS board Rules.
You're not obligated to beta read for anyone. If you are too busy to help someone, reply to requests politely and post here if you wish to remove your name from the Beta Reader Pool, or wish to take a break (provide dates, if possible).
Please volunteer your services in the following form:

Name: <your username>
Number of Writers: <How many writers you'll accept at a time, or whether you'd rather take writers one piece at a time.>
Work submitted to me by: <PM? E-mail? Do you accept attachments in MS Word, Wordpad or text files, or just text in the body of an e-mail?>
Other Notes: <Admit your weaknesses in areas you're not comfortable. Are you good at a specific genre? Are you British, and therefore helpful with Brit-isms? List credits such as your post-secondary education in creative writing or literature, or links to your own writing for examples of your work.>
Current buddies: <If you have offered to take writers for a term (like 3 or 6 months), brag about them so that others can read their work. It's also helpful if you've stated you'll only take a certain number of writers.>

^ Edit any changes into your post so that writers know if you're busy.

Guide for writers:

Writers are responsible for finding a beta reader by PM, and any subsequent communication is their responsibility.
Writers should spell check and proof read their own work prior to submitting it to their beta readers whenever possible.
Beta Readers give up their personal time to help you improve your writing. Be kind and grateful to them at all times. Give credit where it is due and thank them often. If your beta has requested a break or is too busy, respect this and find someone else to read for you. Beta reading takes time and energy, sometimes as much or more than it took you to write your piece. Please be patient.
Beta readers are there to help you. Their input should always be kind and businesslike. Consider their suggestions with an open mind and try not to get defensive if they suggest changes you disagree with. You're the one asking for their help.
Make sure you choose a beta reader you can work well with. If you aren't happy with your beta reader, politely tell him/her that you'll look for help elsewhere.
If you feel your beta reader is being overly critical or is infinging on your artistic process, try to work it out kindly between you in private messages, IM or e-mail. Don't push. If a beta gets downright combative, respectfully refuse his/her services and PM a FF Mod/Admin if you think there's a problem with regards to observance of the SS board Rules.
Mind the The FF Rules and especially the SS board Rules at all times. Make sure your Beta's suggestions are observing the rules with regard to content in your stories. Remind your beta of them if the proposed changes violate any rules.

09-24-2005, 07:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
evlpez Potterwatch! Momma SS/ARFC Sponz Viva Buymoria! Pygmy Puff Location: Spinner's End Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 10,668	Snitchseeker Beta Readers thread Do you know how to use the English language properly in fiction? You could be a beta reader. If you are interested in reading stories and updates for writers to help them avoid mistakes in grammar, spelling and punctuation or to help them optimize their work to help their plot, please post in this thread and offer your beta-reading services. Guide for readers: Beta Readers must know their tools. You must know how to use proper grammar, spelling and punctuation in English, and be a kind reader. You should be able to identify problems with plot and be able to communicate with others respectfully. 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. Be kind. If your suggestions in anyway offend your writer, you've gone too far. It's his/her story and your job is to find errors and help them fix them, not to pass judgement on the story. Mind the The FF Rules and especially the SS board Rules at all times. Make sure your writers are observing the rules with regard to content in their stories. Remind your writers of them if their content violates any rules. If your writer is being overly sensitive to your suggestions and feels threatened, try to work it out kindly between you in private messages, IM or e-mail. Don't push. If a writer gets downright combative, respectfully suggest that he/she find another beta and PM a FF Mod/Admin if you think there's a problem with regards to observance of the SS board Rules. You're not obligated to beta read for anyone. If you are too busy to help someone, reply to requests politely and post here if you wish to remove your name from the Beta Reader Pool, or wish to take a break (provide dates, if possible). Please volunteer your services in the following form: Name: <your username> Number of Writers: <How many writers you'll accept at a time, or whether you'd rather take writers one piece at a time.> Work submitted to me by: <PM? E-mail? Do you accept attachments in MS Word, Wordpad or text files, or just text in the body of an e-mail?> Other Notes: <Admit your weaknesses in areas you're not comfortable. Are you good at a specific genre? Are you British, and therefore helpful with Brit-isms? List credits such as your post-secondary education in creative writing or literature, or links to your own writing for examples of your work.> Current buddies: <If you have offered to take writers for a term (like 3 or 6 months), brag about them so that others can read their work. It's also helpful if you've stated you'll only take a certain number of writers.> ^ Edit any changes into your post so that writers know if you're busy. Guide for writers: Writers are responsible for finding a beta reader by PM, and any subsequent communication is their responsibility. Writers should spell check and proof read their own work prior to submitting it to their beta readers whenever possible. Beta Readers give up their personal time to help you improve your writing. Be kind and grateful to them at all times. Give credit where it is due and thank them often. If your beta has requested a break or is too busy, respect this and find someone else to read for you. Beta reading takes time and energy, sometimes as much or more than it took you to write your piece. Please be patient. Beta readers are there to help you. Their input should always be kind and businesslike. Consider their suggestions with an open mind and try not to get defensive if they suggest changes you disagree with. You're the one asking for their help. Make sure you choose a beta reader you can work well with. If you aren't happy with your beta reader, politely tell him/her that you'll look for help elsewhere. If you feel your beta reader is being overly critical or is infinging on your artistic process, try to work it out kindly between you in private messages, IM or e-mail. Don't push. If a beta gets downright combative, respectfully refuse his/her services and PM a FF Mod/Admin if you think there's a problem with regards to observance of the SS board Rules. Mind the The FF Rules and especially the SS board Rules at all times. Make sure your Beta's suggestions are observing the rules with regard to content in your stories. Remind your beta of them if the proposed changes violate any rules. Last edited by evlpez : 10-03-2005 at 04:58 PM.