30 days of fandom meme; day 24

[scripsi]

24 – Betaing – How many betas do you like to use to make sure there aren't any major flaws in your fic? Do you have a Beta horror story or dream story?

I don’t have a beta-reader. I wouldn’t mind one, but I’m not sure how to get on about it. I have had it and liked it. In run my fics through a couple of online editing tools to try to catch as many mistakes as possible. English is not my native language and I’m very aware of that.

Comments

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

It is hard finding a good beta reader. They have to get your style, your method and enjoy what you write and be able to suggest edits that will fit and not mar the fic.

*HUGS*

[velvetwhip.livejournal.com]

I was very lucky. I started out as a beta and found betas easily when I started writing. My current betas are amazing women who know the fandom and know how to get me to do my best. However, on the being a beta side of things, back in the days when I naively agreed to beta for nearly anyone who asked? Yes, I have many horror stories about that.


Gabrielle

[thisbluespirit]

Mostly I've always just asked my flist & someone always volunteers! People are v kind and helpful. I have an flister who is my go-to beta, but several others who'll help out if I need a US-beta or someone a bit more inclined to pull things apart.

I would happily beta for you sometimes if required - but while I'm ill, I can find it difficult to read long things & also sometimes dark fics, so I obviously I couldn't promise every time! But I am a decent general grammar etc checker & Brit-picker if ever you need one! :-)

I vary as to whether I use a beta, but always for any exchange or ficathon entry - sometimes two or three in those cases, especially for Yuletide or something where I'm not sure of the story, or writing in an unfamiliar fandom.

(I've never had a terrible beta experience - as I said, I've usually gone to my flist, who know me & are pretty intelligent and nice!!)

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

Yes, you are right. The betas I have had has all been friends who really liked my fics to begin with. :)

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

I Think it's very importnat to have a relation with your beta, yes. :) When I had it they were all people I knew, so I have only had good experiences. :)

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your offer! I shall bear it in mind, along with your parameters. :D

[thisbluespirit]

And, despite the parameters, it is a genuine offer. (I just have to recognise my current limitations, much as I dislike that fact!)

:-)

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

I understand that and I apreciate it very much! <3