Think I could do it?

[psyche29]

Run-on sentence warning: I read a lot of Harry Potter fanfic when I'm able, and I always wonder exactly what it takes for someone to be a beta reader, because some sites are SO super-strict about what they take and what they don't, but then I find stories that have horrible grammar usage, sentence structure, misspelling, etc, and I wonder exactly what kind of standards these people actually have when the stories they host are in serious need of fixing.

So, coonassblondie posted some pimpage for a Hermione-centric "big bang" fest thing, and after taking a peek, I decided to sign up as a beta reader.


hermionebigbang

We'll see if they like me enough to do it, but I'm really kind of hoping to give it a stab.

Comments

[wandaxmaximoff.livejournal.com]

Short answer -- hells yes!!

All the stories of yours I've read have always been spot on for grammar and spellings, and I have no doubt your H.P canon knowledge is perfect (and what you're on sure of, you'd look up).

I know some sites (Mugglenet fanfiction for example) use Perfect Imagination Beta Readers, but their rules are very strict. You need to prove you canon knowledge, as well as taking spelling and grammar tests.

However, if differs from site to site. On fanfiction.net, you can become a beta reader as long as you're a registered member for at least 1 month or more and have published at least 5 stories on the site OR have published entries totaling at least 6000 words. Though, that isn't always a indication of how good someone will be at beta reading, because they could have posted a load of one-shots, or their five stories/ published entries totaling at least 6000 words could be rubbish.

I've beta read for a few people over the years, and I think I'm pretty good at it. Nowhere near perfect, but I've never had any complaints.

What I know of you, your writing, and how your strive for perfection, I'm sure you'll be awesome at it.

[psyche29.livejournal.com]

Thanks! XD.

[wandaxmaximoff.livejournal.com]

You're welcome.

[kazzy24.livejournal.com]

Haven't you got enough to do? :p

lol, I think you will be great at it! :D

[psyche29.livejournal.com]

God, yes!! *ROTFL* But this is something I've wanted to do for a while - not this fest in particular, but just being an "official" beta reader. I did indicate time contraints, and only requested one story - some people are indicating they can take on two and three authors! I was like, uh, no. *hehe*

Thanks, babe! *hugs*

[coonassblondie.livejournal.com]

Oooh, I hope they assign you as my beta (I put you down after luvscharlie as my go-to person, I believe, but that may have been for hp_porninthesun. Actually, I think it was. Either way, I hope I get you as my beta because you are awesome.

And thank you for signing up, they really need betas and cheerleaders.

[psyche29.livejournal.com]

I put you down after luvscharlie as my go-to person, I believe, but that may have been for hp_porninthesun. Actually, I think it was. Either way, I hope I get you as my beta because you are awesome.

NO WAY!! *bounces around* That is so cool! That's a very cool compliment and makes me all happy inside, thank you.

No one's contacted me about anything relating to hp_porninthesun, but I would assume that's either because they had enough or I didn't sign up there, maybe both.

I don't know if you read my beta application thingy, but if not you should check it out, see if you think we'll work well together. Just in case we get lucky. *hehe*

[coonassblondie.livejournal.com]

No, I hadn't read it yet. I try to work well with my beta, whoever they are, because I know that a different set of eyes always catches things that I didn't.