December 31, 201213 yr Since my original beta-reader - Polished Quill, who did awesome work for me back in the day - has gotten out of the business, I'd like to enlist one of you guys, if you're interested, to take a look at my fanfiction before I break it into chapters and post it. I usually write in 30 page sections - 30 pages in Arial font, size 11 in Word, at least - just for reference. Thanks to anyone who answers this.
January 4, 201313 yr Author From Wikipedia: A beta reader (also spelled betareader, or shortened to beta) is a person who reads a written work, generally fiction, with what has been described as "a critical eye, with the aim of improving grammar, spelling, characterization, and general style of a story prior to its release to the general public. The author or writer, who can be referred to as the alpha reader, may use several "betas" prior to publication. The term "beta" is an appropriation from the software industry which uses the terms "alpha" and "beta" for software that are internal works in progress and publicly released tests, respectively (though a "beta" version may still be tested internally). While the use of the concept and the term is most common among fan fiction writers, it is growing in popularity with novelists, to the point where some have thanked their beta readers (sometimes even referring to them as such) in their acknowledgments. A beta reader, who may or may not be known to the author, can serve as proofreader of spelling and grammar errors or as a traditional editor, working on the "flow" of prose. In fiction, the beta might highlight plot holes or problems with continuity, characterisation or believability; in fiction and non-fiction, the beta might also assist the author with fact-checking.
January 5, 201313 yr Ah I see, English is not my native language so I don't know if I would be of much help but if you would like I would gladly check your work and do the best I can to improve it.
January 5, 201313 yr Author Cool; I'm going to wait a bit, see if I get any more responses to this topic, but thank you for volunteering, Odin. Incidentally, what is your first language?
January 6, 201313 yr Author You English is very good; I wouldn't have thought you weren't a native speaker if you hadn't told me. It seems like you're the only one interested in this, so congratulations, you've got the job. Would you like me to send you the story I've gotten done so far in a PM, or by email?
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