SnitchSeeker Beta Readers

[evlpez]

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.

[Hermione_loves_Ron]

Name: Hermione_loves_Ron aka Ashlie
Number of Writers: 5-10, but hopefully not 10
Work submitted to me by: Email, I'm swamped by PMs. I can have attachments in Word Pad and Microsoft Word, too.
Other Notes: Does it help any that I used to write a lot and get compliemtns? [/ends shamless self-praise] I'm a sophomore in college and I've taken a lot of advanced English courses as well as writing,English is my main language. I'm great with grammar (sometimes almost too picky but I'll try really hard)

Hum... mystery isn't a big spot for me, I'm sorry to admit, I just don't get into it. Romance is okay as long as its not mushy; however I do love fluffy stuff. I adore cute R/Hr things, Snapey things, really big into cannon characters, though some OCs are okay. (I tend to point out a lot of Mary-Sue-isms, too, so I'll try to be really nice about that) I've found a few sites that help with British-isms so I can help a wee bit there. Email is ashlienl@yahoo.com
Current buddies: I've been out of the FF loop so I'll go for anyone. I'm up for this.

[squibby]

Name: Squibby
Number of Writers: currently up to three

Work submitted to me by: email (as attachment or in the body), pm - whatever you prefer

Other notes:
English is not my first language, but I catch most mistakes anyway ;-) I could give advice on character development and usually spot plot holes. So far, I beta-read angsty, dramatic and humorous fics (unfortunately not on this site). A translation-project can be read on Mugglenet Fanfiction, title 'Simon says...'

[Taking Back Kirstie]

Name: Taking Back Kirstie (or just Kirstie)
Number of Writers: Maximum of 2
Work submitted to me by: Short pieces I can handle in PM form - anything longer than say 1000 words should be sent as a word attachment in an email to takingbackdementors@gmail.com
Other Notes: I'm currently moderating both the SS-100 and SS-50 1, so I am kind of a specialist in short pieces, but I am also willing to beta read longer pieces. As a scientist, I am very good at explaining things in detail, even if my writing is not as creative as others. I did English at High School all the way through, so I believe I have a very firm grasp of English grammar. My preferred genre would have to be comedy stories.
Current buddies:

[Sirius_Padfoot]

Name: Sirius_Padfoot aka Bree

Number of Writers: Three to five writers at a time

Work submitted to me by: Private Message [PM] Please and thank you

Other Notes: I can be really funny when I don't mean to and I can be romantic sometimes. I'm doing two fan fics One is Marauders and Lily Sa9+ and Love Between Us Sa9+. I've got another one named If Only Sa9+ (that one is locked down but I will try to get it working again)

Current buddies: None at the moment

[GlassXRose]

Name: Proffesor Snape (Plz remember that Professor is spelled wrong, two "F" 's )
Number of Writers: no more than seven at a time (I have no life, and therefore alot of time on my hands)
Work submitted to me by: PM--I'm here every day
Other Notes: Well, I'm in english Honors, passing with a B. I enjoy writing about Snape, Lupin, Mad-eye, Bella, and Kreatcher. I'm uncomfortable writing the word "Said" alot, you know? "he said; she said; they said." It gets boring after a while, in my opinion.

Current buddies: none right now.

[Tommehbell]

Name: Tomasina Riddle

Number of Writers: 3 to 5

Work submitted to me by: Um I would rather have it by PM but you can email it to my at lnjones3@uncg.edu don't attach it. make it the body of the email. I can accept DOC and DOCX documents

Other Notes: I am not the best speller in the world to be honest. All I can promise is that I will run it thru the spell check. I am American, so I can't help you with the British slang and lingo. Thou I lived there many moons ago I've never been good at romantic FanFics but I am willing to try it. I have taken several courses in Creative Writing and I teach the courses at a Community College. I am great with character development and plots. I have several FF on here. American Girl at Hogwarts, A Devastating Diary of a Greenwood Diva, Tales of a Dark Lady, and Bonafide Rise of Bones. I also have some FF on Unleash Your Imagination - FanFiction.Net Those are my vampire stories

Current buddies: alyweasley, cedricdiggory, Linda Hagrid

[Slytherin Fox]

Name: Slytherin Fox. AKA Linda

Number of Writers: Whatever. I'm very quick, so I don't think it will be a problem. If it becomes one, I'll let you know!

Work submitted to me by: PM

Other Notes: My best subjects in school were English and Journalism. My spelling and grammar are above reproach and I have a pretty good head on my shoulders, so feel free to use me.

I have a few stories here at SS, most notably Pansy's Secret and a Lesson in Love. I also submitted one of the top 5 entries in the recent Tales of Beedle the Bard contest. I do all sorts of writing, but mostly only when a prize of some sort is involved.

Current buddies: nymphadora_nat

[Syd]

Name: iheartdan, aka Sydnie

Number of Writers: 1 or 2. Maybe 3...it depends on how much time I have.

Work submitted to me by: PM, please

Other Notes: I took Creative Writing class in school, but it was just a one-semester class. English and Creative Writing are my best subjects.

I'll beta almost anything, but please not a lot of Harry/Hermione stuff. I wont say a absolute no to it, but please, if you can help it, no Harry/Hermione

I love reading comedy and romance stuff the most, but I've written a few fanfics, none of which were in those catagories I'm writing That's Me; Ginny Weasley, Everything Happens for a Reason, I'm co-writing (is that the right word??) Destiny's Decision, and I've written quite a few one-shots, if you want to look at how I write.

Current buddies: None

[Mandana]

Name: darkangelmandy, aka Amanda
Number of Writers: 3-5 writers at a time
Work submitted to me by: PM, Email, and MSN. My email address is amandaevoy@hotmail.com. I will accept documents in Word, but preferably in the RTF format.
Other Notes: Well I'm a writer myself, I do have a FF which is inactive as well I have a character story written for my character Amanda Lesalle. I will be able to work with some slang, but I am Canadian, so keep in mind that I can only handle stories that have slang and terminology that I am able to understand.
Current buddies: None yet.

[HannahLongbottom]

Name: HannahLongbottom

Number of Writers: 3 writers at a time.

Work submitted to me by: I'd rather take attachments in MS Word, as I find it easier to deal with. Send me a PM and we can swap emails.

Other Notes: There's no specific genre that I prefer BUT it irritates me when cannon characters are changed e.g. Ginny becomes soppy or Neville is rude (don't mess with Neville, he's my man ). I'm British, which means I can help you with british phrasing which will make your fic sound more authentic (in my humble opinion).

My education background: I have an english/education degree, a PGCE (Post Graduate Certifcate of Education). I teach children aged 3 - 7 years. I'm currently studying for a Masters Degree in Special Educational needs, so I'm used to planning things out, writing and editing.
My writing on Snitch Seeker:
Drabbles for Remus Lupin
Drabbles for Neville and Hannah
Bright Lights
Tempestuous
Current buddies: fawks_4ever Fred and George go to Hogwarts

[Egyptian_Blue]

Name: Egyptian_Blue a.k.a. Alanna
Number of Writers: 1 or 2. (This may change later; right now I have a lot of school work.)
Work submitted to me by: Email, please. (pinkpanda1@msn.com) I'd like attachments - I can take .doc - but if you have to I'll take text in the body.
Other Notes: I'm American, so British things won't be very easy on me. I'm pretty good at grammar but sometimes I over edit for commas. I'm taking the hardest English classes my school offers and I've taken writing classes outside of school as well. I do write, but currently nothing I have is online.

I prefer shorter pieces, because that's how I write, but longer is fine too, I'm just a bit unused to them. Romance and comedy are my favorite genres.
Current buddies: None

[Suziella]

Name: Suziella
Number of Writers: 2-3
Work submitted to me by: PM's Please!
Other Notes: I'm American, So I don't know much british slang, etc. But I am a stickler for grammar, spelling and punctuation. I'm also a stickler for story consistency. So if you have a problem in those area's come to me...I shall help you! I had one FF in the past, it is now finished, so I understand the process. I also am working on a couple stories unrelated to HP. I will also be an English Education Major starting Fall 2010.
Current buddies: RavenSnape The Story You Havent Heard-Sa16+

[RavenSnape]

Name: RavenSnape a.k.a Curlz a.k.a. Heather
Number of Writers: 3-5 at a time
Work submitted to me by: E-mail as an attatchment. Since there are different word processors out there, please save your file as rich text format (.rtf) that way I'll be able to see it with no problem. My address is curlzash@hotmail.com
Other Notes: I'm not British so I can't help you with any slang or British-isms. I'm a little OCD when it comes to spelling, grammar and punctuation. I'm also a stickler for story consistency. So if you have any questions or problems in these areas, please let me know. I'd love to help. I don't feel uncomfortable with any genre. I, as of this moment, only have one fanfiction on SS (The Story You Haven't Heard), with two more in the process of being validated.
Current buddies: I have read for Suziella, but none since.

[TeamHermioneGranger]

Name: TeamHermioneGranger (or Mia/Amelie)
Number of Writers: Just two, please. I'm rather busy at the moment.
Work submitted to me by: I prefer to just PM, but if you want me to email PM me the address
Other Notes: I am British, and could probably help you with any British terms and such, but I'm also French and I could help with that if necessary. My FFs on SS are:
Hermione Loves Draco... Maybe Sa16+
Take Me Back Sa13+
The Diary of a Fifth Year Ravenclaw Sa13+ (coming up soon, has been submitted)
Aria Montgomery, Serial Flirt Sa13+ (coming up soon, has been submitted)

Current buddies: None yet!

[BowtiesAreCool]

Name: MuggleVampire aka Bre
Number of Writers: 3-6
Work submitted to me by: E-mail works better for me. Breonna12@msn.com, I can except any kind of format.
Other Notes:I'm an American but I can help out with some British words. I'm going to be in 10th grade in September. I have always gotten grat marks in English class. I really like long stories. But I also like short stories. I really love writing. I have a number of FF's here on SS and a few on FanFiction.net. The only problem you'll have with me is I don't go on my laptop on the weekends and I don't go on Modays unless my mo is working. This summer I have summer school but summer school is not an issue for me because I can still get on my laptop.
Current buddies: Nope not yet.

[CrazySammi]

Name: frankluva101 AKA Sammi
Number of Writers: I can take up to 3 writers
Work submitted to me by: They can be emailed to me at cow.carter@hotmail.com or you may PM them to me.
Other Notes: I am British so I know the English language very well. English just happens to be my strongest subject. I have posted a few FFs on SS and other forums and have multiple stories on the go on my laptop so I am fairly experienced in them. My current FFs are:
Dangerous Consequences - Sa16+
Dangerous Consequences: The Aftermath - Sa16+
A Diary Untold - Sa13+
Current buddies: None at the moment

[Pinky]

Name: Pink Ninja
Number of Writers: Since I am just getting started on this I will only accept two to start with.
Work submitted to me by: PM and email. My email address is in my contacts here. I would appreciate having both an attachment (MS Word) and the text in the body of the email/PM.
Other Notes: I am not British but I am pretty good with Britisms most of the time, so I can definitely take a crack at it. I am currently pursuing an AA in Journalism/Media Studies so I have a writing background to go along with it. I have done magazine, newspaper, and fiction writing. I have no problem taking a look at anything. If I am not able to help in a ceratin area I will be forthcoming (but nothing is coming to mind that I am totally crap at)
SS works: Marauders Drabbles
Sirius Black Drabbles
From Tart to Housewife:The Tale of a Misunderstood Woman (FF for one of my RPG Charries)
Current buddies: None as of yet, but looking to change that soooon!

[aaetha]

Name: aaetha

Number of Writers: Up to three or four

Work submitted to me by: I think I'd prefer e-mail to PM, but I'm mostly good with anything, and I do accept files attached.

Other Notes: I like romances, I'm ok with mysteries, I like fandom crosses a lot, and I'm pretty much ok with everything else. I am American, so no use with any Brit-isms not in HP. I've got several stories going right now, I'm part of Power of the Pen at school, and I almost always get good grades in Englins

Current buddies: Nobody so far, but I'd be glad to take anyone who needs me!!

[Lollipop!]

Name: LilyLunaGinnyPotter
Number of Writers: 3-4
Work submitted to me by: PM
Other Notes: My best genre is Romance and I'm not to good with comidie. I'm Irish so it won't be exactly a British choosing of words but close
Current buddies: None

[Add1cted]

Name: Add1cted
Number of Writers: 1-3
Work submitted to me by: PM, Email or IM. I have Microsoft office so anything compatible with that, I also have LibreOffice for people with OpenOffice/LibreOffice work.
Other Notes: I am comfortable with a range of genres, except comedy. I enjoy working with horror but am a well-rounded person. Yes I am British. I don't have any work to show at the moment.
Current buddies: None.

[draco_and_hermione]

Name: draco_and_hermione aka Teisha
Number of Writers: 2 or 3
Work submitted to me by: Email is good. PM me if you want it. Wordpad or email text work best for me.
Other Notes: Hmm.... I like everything except horror/excessive angst/dark nasty stuff. Not to keen on plot central character death either, though minor characters is ok I suppose. I'm fine with beta-ing any pairing you can think of. To give you an idea of my language scope, I have a habit of finding the most sophisticated way to word things, so I can write both in that style and in regular language. I'm Australian I have no formal education in regards to creative writing, being as I'm still in secondary school, but I have been writing since I was a small child and I must say that along with reading (both novels and Fic, which I read far too much of ), writing is one of my favourite pastimes. I have only one Fic of my own published because I must admit to being a perfectionist (though only with myself). It is under my alias, elemental_affinity and it can be found....here.
Current buddies: I am buddy-less

[nups21]

Name: nups21

Number of Writers: 1 to 3

Work submitted to me by: PM, or if needed email.

Other Notes: English was my best scoring subject in school and college. I was a student head-editor for my school magazine too.
I love reading novels and fan fictions. There isn't any specific genre that I'd like to work on, though I do like the thrillers and mystery types of stories. And I am not much good at comedy.
I'm an Indian, so I don't know much about the slangs, barring the most common ones. But I am a stickler for grammar and punctuation.

Current buddies: Completed a story: Flora Riddle 2