Beta Readers Wanted

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Way back in 2007 we put together a list of people available to beta-read Pros fic, but as hagsrus reminded me recently, 2007 was really quite some time ago... *g* People have moved on, either in fandom or in life or both, and there are new Pros-y people around too. So...

We're looking for people to include on a list of volunteers prepared to "beta" - edit, proof-read, Brit-check etc - Pros fic!

As before, people can volunteer in comments to this post, and we will put it up as a link in ci5hq's User Info page (and perhaps at the_safehouse as well, if they'd like it!), so that future writers can check the post and perhaps find someone to help them out. That way it's fully update-able too - if you change your mind, or find that you've no time after all, anyone who volunteers can simply add in information to that effect, or delete their original post, etc. Cos we're all about flexibility. *g*

There are, of course, all sorts of different ways that people "beta" a story, and just as many different "requirements" from authors. Some writers are perfectly happy about their language skills, but would like someone to double-check for plot holes, other writers might adore their plot but be less confident about grammar, or spelling. "Brit-checkers" who can peruse stories for non-UK spellings or grammar, and help out with slang or customs are often helpful for non-UK writers. Don't feel that you have to do everything in order to volunteer - a writer might even like to use one person to spell-check, another to plot-check, and another to Brit-check, so every little bit is helpful!

Think you might be prepared to help out every once in a while? If so, please write a brief description of what you'd be happy to do below! Some ideas:

- Any particular focus you prefer, or what your strengths might be (eg., spelling, grammar, Brit-check etc)

- Level of detail - whether you like to be extra pick-y about things, or more general

- Timing - whether you think you'd be quite quick, are prepared to work at the last-minute, or if you'd prefer a more relaxed pace

- Are you happy for writers to come back to you a second, third, fourth time?

- Are you happy to beta things like death, dismemberment, BDSM, sexual abuse, etc, or is there anything that squicks you so much you'd rather not go near it, even at the safe end of a keyboard..? *g*

- Include a link to examples of your own writing, if you do write yourself (common of course, but by no means compulsory or necessary!)

- Most importantly - how do people get in touch with you (via some means other than commenting to this post, please, otherwise it could all get very messy! *g*)?

- Examples from volunteers to our last post can be found here

Feel free to edit/delete and/or re-post your offer whenever you like - and writers, do check back for changes and additions to the list if you're ever looking for a beta (proofreader/editor/call-it-what-you-will)! Oh, and any suggestions about this are welcome too, of course - I'll add them to this original post!

Finally, feel free to recommend or comment on betas you've had from volunteers below as well - it's all helpful when you're looking for someone to give a story the once-over.

I won't thank people individually below, to keep the list as "clean" and easy to read as possible, but - thank you to all those who do volunteer!