Snitchseeker Beta Readers thread

[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.

[aiangel327]

Name: aiangel327 (Katy)
Number of Writers: I have no problem taking on several writers at a time. I'd be willing to do as many as you need me to do.

Work submitted to me by: Preferably email. Attachments are fine, or text in the body of the email. Work can be emailed to me at black_angel_327@yahoo.com

PM's are also fine. Whichever would be easier for the writer.

Other Notes: There's really no specific genre that I'm very good at. My personal writing isn't spectacular, but it's not bad. I'd rather read what others write and critique that than write myself. I've received a grade of 98% in my Advanced English - Grammar this past year. I've also taken 2 Creative Writing classes, Advanced Placement English, and Literature, all at the high school level. I'm currently in Honors English and Literature classes.

Current buddies: I currently have no buddies.

[Leeness]

Name: CrazyMoonyFan (A.k.a Lee)

Number of Writers: I am at will to take 5 writers maximum at a time

Work submitted to me by: I can do PM's of course. My E-mail is
TheLeeness@aol.com and i'd rather you placed the piece in the actual e-mail and not as an attachment

Other Notes: I have been said to be very good at writing mysterious and cliff hanged stories. I'm studying English at Standard Grade, Credit Level in Secondary. I am Scottish/British so i can help out there, this should be useful for those who want to right about JK's characters since they are also British. I would have to say my weakness would be Romance Fic's i can never write a decent one, but i would be 100% commited to those who wish me to beta-read their Romance Fics.

Current buddies: babydriver27

[Ally_W]

Hi.


Name: ally221289 aka Ally.

Number of Writers: No more/about 3 if thats ok.

Work submitted to me by: PM or email is fine. Preferably as an attatchment so it's structure is clearer or whatever. (stripy_umbrella@hotmail.co.uk)

Other Notes: I can't really think of any areas that I would be weaker at... I dont have any specific genre preference. I hate anti-R/Hr stories lol. I dont really like annoying/obsessive romance stories, or love triangles etc but I like the romance fics. I am quite picky about how the characters (if HP) are portrayed, i'd rather they were realistic/similar to what we know of them already (if that makes sense). Apart from that I'm ok. I quite like the more mature fanfics. I got 2 A* in my English Lang and Lit GCSE. I am British.

Current buddies: None at the mo.

[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 Senior in highschool and I've taken a lot of advanced english courses, 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. 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.

[Meandering]

Name: Meandering
Number of Writers: I draw the line at three.

Work submitted to me by: Preferably PM, but if you wish to use email, kindly don't give it to me as an attachment. I have some sort of prejudiced against those things.

Other Notes: Under no circumstances ask me to help you beta a love triangle. I will not do it. Either you or I will end up dead or blasted beyond belief. I'm quite good with adventure, romance and comedic stories. If needs be, I can, and will be serious - but I'd prefer fics to keep tears to minimum. Sadness is an emotion easy to arouse - happiness is harder and worth more.

I have a fic in the Romance section, which you could read if you want to gauge my style: http://www.snitchseeker.com/vb3/showthread.php?t=25381

I am good at English, and picky about spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization and characterization. I'm honest (read: blunt), and conscientious (read: picky). I'm Asian, so I can help with those sort of names, and traditions - and am reasonably un-Americanized.

Current buddies: I'm wondering if FF writers even know there is a beta thread -- still wondering - but one buddy.

[Dean_Thomas]

Name: Dean_Thomas
Number of Writers: 2 or 3
Work submitted to me by: Preferably, email. Attachments in word, please.
Other Notes: I'd really like to offer mainly help in the areas of plot, canon compliancy (my forte) and name help (my other forte.) I've taken 2 years of AP English with "A's" and I'm currently an undergraduate at Pepperdine University majoring in Creative Writing as well as a member of the Beta Guild at Mugglenet Fan Fiction. You can see a sample of my writing at my fic: Patrick Thatcher and the Colonist's Compass I'm familiar with a majority of British usings if you need help in that area.
Genre: General, Adventure, and Comedy. I'm not excellent with things centered around romance so that's a no-go if you need help there. You can contact me by on AIM with the screenname Saxplayerno1 or at MSN Messenger with Saxplayerno1@hotmail.com
Current buddies: No buddies...

[dracocutie89]

Name: Sierra/dracocutie89
Number of Writers: No more than three at a time please.
Work submitted to me by: I prefer e-mail. Attachments in any program.
Other Notes: I am in an Honors English class at the moment in my Junior year. My specialty is Romance and Action. I refuse to beta fics that have to do with suicidal characters because I am not very comfortable with it. I am very good at finding grammatical errors that Spell Check could possibly miss. I am not British but I am kind of good at Britishisms so I can kind of help there. I am kind of strict on maintaining the canon quality of characters, especially Draco Malfoy. I have some experience beta reading at another site that was strictly Draco Malfoy fanfictions and they had to be canon.

email at sodaddict89@yahoo.com
Current buddies: no buddies at the moment.

[evil punk rocker]

Name: evil punk rocker - or anya
Number of Writers: up to 10
Work submitted to me by: email me at darkpheonix20009 at gmail dot com
Other Notes: well im weak with run on sentences and comas, but other than that im all good. i have won a international essay competition and for a good pat of the year i had a hudred in english - i just moved to a higher level so we'll se what happends. i know i dont bother to correct my grammer on SS but im different on a real story
Current buddies:none ...i dont even think they know there is a beta thread.

[Eowyn Weasley]

Name: Eowyn Weasley (Naomi)
Number of Writers: No more than 5 writers at a time
Work submitted to me by: PM me for my email, I'll accept attachments in notepad or MS word, preferrably word
Other Notes: I'm not so good with plot stuff but I'm good at grammar and things. I'm a born and breed Brit and am pretty good on picking up non-british things within stories. I've got qualifictions in English Literature and Language. (GCSE's in both and an A-level in English Lit) So I'm pretty good at picking apart stories for meaning and things, so if it's quite a complex story-line and you want help sorting it or something then I'm your gal! I'm also writing my own ff at the moment so I'm more than willing to swap ideas and suggestions with people as well.
Current buddies: None so far!

[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: so far none of my writings are published, but I do have some experience with beta-reading of angsty, dramatic and humorous fics (unfortunately not on this site).

not taking on any more projects, sorry. PI is keeping me busy. :-)

[SnoggingLupin13]

Name: SnoggingLupin13 (Snoggy)
Number of Writers: anywhere from 1-3, depending on how often you write
Work submitted to me by: email please, sending a Notepad attachment and the story in the actual email.
Other Notes: I'm comfortable with all genres, especially drama, angst, and humor. I enjoy editing and betaing even more than writing, since I'm always stuck at what to write. I'm very good at making sure characters are in-character, grammar and spelling, and dealing with plot holes.
Current buddies: none

email: freaky922@comcast.net PM me first if you're interested.

[Parslemouth555]

Name: Parslemouth555 (David)
Number of Writers: Up to 3 please
Work submitted to me by: Email, don't mind whether it's in the body of the email, or as an attachment (MS Word please)
Other Notes: I can deal in most genres, though humour and epics are my strong point.
Any Buddies: None at the moment

Email: Davidgreen1357@yahoo.co.uk (PM first)

[katiebell]

Name: katiebell
Number of Writers: up to 10
Work submitted to me by: PM preferred. Can also accept attachments in MS Word, Wordpad, text files or just text in the body of an e-mail to lbellman@coh.org
Other Notes: I am a copy editor - it's what I do for a living. I have a B.A. degree in film, so I've looked at lots of scripts (and written a few). I have a thorough knowledge of all things HP, as well.
Current buddies: None currently

[parvatifan]

Name: parvatifan
Number of Writers: At the moment I think that I can take up to 5.
Work submitted to me by: I would prefer you not PM it to me, but if it is too hard to email it to me, go ahead and PM me. My email is aragornhollywoodranger@yahoo.com. If you want to talk to me on IM here they are.

Yahoo - aragornhollywoodranger
MSN - gnilleps220@hotmail.com
AIM - CuteCookMan

Other Notes: My weakness is probably romance. I can write it, but it's almost always corny. I'll accept a romance fic, but don't trust me all the way on it. If you want action/adventure or book 7 fics, I'm all ears. I love them. And I am not British, therefore my knowledge of their terms isn't top. I haven't completed anything on here, as I have discovered I like my whole story done before I post anything. I'm working on a book 7 fic right now though.
Current buddies: None as of yet.

[Jessica]

Name: Jay - Short for Jessica.

Number of Writers: No more than 5 at a time. I draw the final line there.

Work submitted to me by: Pm and email <jessica_harrypotterlover@hotmail.com> are both fine.

Other Notes: Well, I have the honour of being editor to my school Magazine. And, of course, I write for other magazines too. I pay a lot of attention to grammar, spellings, and language structure.

Current buddies: Alex (aka Pretty Ginny)

Well, I just realized that most ff writers don't know about this thread, do they? *Dodgy answer, eh?*

[herminiefan#1]

Name: herminiefan#1
Number of Writers: Um....maybe 6-8 at a time.
Work submitted to me by: E-mail please. phoenixwand1@aol.com if you can't do that, PM please.And, attachments, you can add them if you want.
Other Notes: I have an A in English, I write stories and stuff like that just for fun and show them to my teachers/other friends, so...I also write some things for my HP club at school
Current buddies: Not really sure what this means.But, no, not really.

[panic!]

Name: Hanna
Number of Writers: I would like to take only a couple at a time, so I can really concentrate on their work, I also have a job that takes up a lot of my time
Work Submitted to Me by: PM would be nice but you can also email me at hannap@pacific.net, though I don't like attachments
Other Notes: I am currently in Honors English II (highschool) and I write for the school newspaper. I love to write though I don't have a fic up on this site yet. I'm good at grammar, spelling and sentence structure. I like pretty much any kind of writing so send me anything. I am a bit picky about cliches and corny stuff, so I may be a bit hard about that.
Current Buddies:green_apple17

[green_apples17]

Name: Lara (Yes, that is spelled right and it is not spelled Laura)
Number of Writers: Umm... No more than five, please.
Work submitted to me by: email. stagefreak49@gmail.com and I don't care if they're attachments, though they are harder to read. PMs otherwise, they're both fine.
Other Notes: Well, everyone who's read my work says it's really good, and I'm currently writing a book with the encouragement of my friends. I've always been in the top of my class in grammar and stuff. I have 2 fanfics on this site, one in Grimmauld Place and one in the Restricted Section, so check 'em out if you want samples of my work. I'm good at giving ideas and checking for grammatical errors.
Current buddies: panic!

[GreenDayGirl9293]

Name: GreenDayGirl9293 (Nicole)
Number of writers:up to three
Work submitted to me by:I would prefer you to pm me
Other notes:I just love to read and love finding mistakes. I am constantly finding mistakes in books and fanfics and everything! I'd love to be a beta reader for somebody! I love to write,too!
Current buddies:none at the time!