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riters_r_usI don't know how many are following RRU here on DW, but since LJ is down and saying they're working on it....
I'm getting requests (on the BSV usually) from writers who would like/need betas, but don't know how to find them. We do have a beta list on the LJ Riters_R_Us, but I don't think it's been updated or added to in years. The two authors I have in mind right now are writing decent enough stories (or seem to be, I've only seen a chapter or two, so far), but they have some punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure issues and could use some help. As is my custom if/when new authors at the BSV want me to, I beta (very thoroughly, including style issues, characterizations, etc) the first chapter of any rejected story for them so that they can see what they need help with, as well as what to expect from a very thorough beta job. One of the authors has two (!) betas, but they missed a huge number of typos, as well as some incorrect speech tags and other punctuation. The other doesn't have a beta and asked me where she could find one.
I'd love to start a beta list here, on the DW RRU, so that I have some place to which I can refer authors. The two I've mentioned above are not by any means the only people who have asked about betas or had trouble finding one, they just happen to be the two who happened to need help in the same week. They would also, I expect, be very rewarding to work with as the stories seem like they will be interesting, the authors are accepting of their need for some assistance, and they seem to be capable of learning quickly.
So, if you've got some time and some skills, sign yourself up. We'll just make a tag for the beta list and hope for the best. Don't forget, if you're not a grammar expert, but have a wonderful memory for canon or enjoy research, or a gift for characterization or dialogue, you may still have something to offer. Or maybe you are very attentive to detail and never miss a typo. Just be clear in your blurb what your strengths are and what they aren't and the authors can choose based on their needs.
I'm getting requests (on the BSV usually) from writers who would like/need betas, but don't know how to find them. We do have a beta list on the LJ Riters_R_Us, but I don't think it's been updated or added to in years. The two authors I have in mind right now are writing decent enough stories (or seem to be, I've only seen a chapter or two, so far), but they have some punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure issues and could use some help. As is my custom if/when new authors at the BSV want me to, I beta (very thoroughly, including style issues, characterizations, etc) the first chapter of any rejected story for them so that they can see what they need help with, as well as what to expect from a very thorough beta job. One of the authors has two (!) betas, but they missed a huge number of typos, as well as some incorrect speech tags and other punctuation. The other doesn't have a beta and asked me where she could find one.
I'd love to start a beta list here, on the DW RRU, so that I have some place to which I can refer authors. The two I've mentioned above are not by any means the only people who have asked about betas or had trouble finding one, they just happen to be the two who happened to need help in the same week. They would also, I expect, be very rewarding to work with as the stories seem like they will be interesting, the authors are accepting of their need for some assistance, and they seem to be capable of learning quickly.
So, if you've got some time and some skills, sign yourself up. We'll just make a tag for the beta list and hope for the best. Don't forget, if you're not a grammar expert, but have a wonderful memory for canon or enjoy research, or a gift for characterization or dialogue, you may still have something to offer. Or maybe you are very attentive to detail and never miss a typo. Just be clear in your blurb what your strengths are and what they aren't and the authors can choose based on their needs.
