Can we create a roster of competent Beta volunteers?

POSTED BY: hisgoodgirl
UPDATED: Monday, June 18, 2007 00:15
VIEWED: 16922
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HISGOODGIRL

Thursday, May 25, 2006 1:04 PM

I just read the "Firefly Fanfiction: What Are Your Pet-Peeves?" thread and realized that it would be helpful for many writers to have access to competent editing and feedback, pre-posting.

I'd like to suggest that we somehow create a roster of volunteers willing to provide Beta services, perhaps sub-divided into categories as to the sort of fics one is willing to edit. For example, if you have editing skills but loathe Jaylee, I probably won't ask you to beta my work.

For example: (Author Name) - offering beta for general canon-based fics, no slash. One week turn-around.

Would any of you folks who feel so strongly about correct punctuation, spelling, etc., care to offer your skill and knowledge to the community at large? This could sure help to improve and elevate the quality of fanfic as an artform. Perhaps we can even get a section set up under "Writers Resources" for such a roster.

Just a helpful suggestion.

One day.
One plan.
One army of Browncoats.

On June 23rd, we aim to misbehave.

PHOENIXROSE

Thursday, May 25, 2006 2:00 PM

That's a good idea. I'd be happy to offer editing skills, especially where grammar and spelling are concerned. Don't know if I'd have pairing limitations, though there are a few (as I mentioned) that have to be really convincing for me to enjoy them. I would also be editing readability, i.e. sentances that read a bit off or didn't have good rhythm, I would correct. Also repeated words and the like. (you know what I mean; when the same word appears 3-5 times in a paragraph. Not counting and or the.) Many might find me harsh. Still...

There would have to be quite a few volunteers to take up all the work

*************************************************
One summer.
One mission.
One legion of Browncoats.

Starting June 23rd, we aim to misbehave.

XEYRA

Thursday, May 25, 2006 2:40 PM

Oh, this is a really good idea. I would love to provide some help but since my native tongue isn't English, I'm not sure how good I'd be at catching mispelled words or grammar mistakes. :) But I like this idea.

*******************************
Wash: This landing is gonna get pretty interesting.
Mal: Define "interesting".
Wash: [deadpan] Oh God, oh God, we're all going to die?

SAMEERTIA

Thursday, May 25, 2006 3:34 PM

Excellent Idea!

Ertia; Specializing in all forms of erotica and slashity goodness! I fear no pairing- except maybe Crowe/Badger... eww.
I can cater to the author's desires for grammar, spelling corrections while aiding with characterizations and dialogue faux pas.

:)

EMMARIGBY

Thursday, May 25, 2006 3:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Xeyra:
Oh, this is a really good idea. I would love to provide some help but since my native tongue isn't English, I'm not sure how good I'd be at catching mispelled words or grammar mistakes. :) But I like this idea.

*******************************
Wash: This landing is gonna get pretty interesting.
Mal: Define "interesting".
Wash: [deadpan] Oh God, oh God, we're all going to die?

But that's why such a roster with details like this would be such a great idea. I have a friend who reads my story and helps me with grammar and spelling, but doesn't know Firefly very well so can't comment on whether I got the voices right. Sometimes you need different opinions as well, as to whether a plot device works.

Edit: Just posted this on the wrong thread! Moved it now!

Can I put my name down for someone who is happy to beta for any and all styles (including crossovers!

), with pointing out plot holes and suggesting ways past writers' blocks being a speciality. Also good at catching problems with word flow. I'm going through a manic time at the moment so will not have a good rate of turn-over until August. After that I'd welcome lots! Send me your tired cliches, your poor choice of words, your huddled masses of pages! (Not that I've ever read anything on this site that was very bad!)

HISGOODGIRL

Thursday, May 25, 2006 4:23 PM

At the risk of sounding dumb, anyone know who is actually responsible for setting up categories and options for the site? I guess the correct term is Site Administrator, but I'm IT deficient.

I think it would be important for anyone voluntering as a beta to be realistic about how much work they take on at any given time and what sort of turn-around time they can offer. Few things are more frustrating than having written a piece and having it off in beta-limbo forever when what you want is to make it good and get it posted.

Come on people - here's a chance to mentor other writers, hone your own skills, possibly cultivate friendships with other Browncoats (it's worked for me) and improve the general level of FF fanfic. I know it's easier to stand on the sidelines and bitch than contribute to a solution, but we really can make this work.

One day.
One plan.
One army of Browncoats.

On June 23rd, we aim to misbehave.

XENOPROBE

Thursday, May 25, 2006 5:25 PM

I offer my humble services as a beta :) I have no restrictions, no boundaries... I am a writer of fanfiction and erotica so I'm pretty much anything goes.

A one week turn around sounds about right too. I used to be part of a fanfic 'mentoring program' that we old x-philes established back in the day, so I am more than experienced on all fronts of fanfiction. Feel free to give me a shout!

Ching-wah TSAO duh liou mahng. Shiny.

SAMEERTIA

Thursday, May 25, 2006 5:37 PM

I should add that I'm also a Highlander and LOTR fan, and can beta x-overs in those genres as well.
(How would one do an LOTR/Firefly x-over? hmmm)

VOLK564

Friday, May 26, 2006 3:49 AM

Sure, I'll volunteer. (get the reference? ) I'll do most stuff, but absolutley no slash, I just can't read the stuff, personally. Oh, and no Mal/River. I'd prefer post-BDM, but other stuff's good too. Don't care about graphic nature, cussing, etc.
I warn you though, I've been told by friends whose works/essays/etc I've proof-read in the past, I can be pretty harsh. Not mean harsh - I'm not gonna insult you personally or anything - but I do tend to spout some very Jayne-like "compliments" if I don't think the writing's up to scratch. Just don't take it personal if I do.
PM to let me know if ya'll need me.

-Volk

ZOID

Friday, May 26, 2006 3:24 PM

hisgoodgirl, et al:

I'd like to volunteer my assistance as well.

I will correct punctuation and spelling, without changing the author's rhythm or voice, unless specifically asked to do that (meaning: no general editing, except by special request).

Many writers don't like it when someone else 'takes over' their work. The trick to editing, imo, is to remember that it's not your work, it's the author's work. Since it's virtually impossible to know exactly what another human has in her/his mind, making substantive changes to the work of another risks changing the work into something the author doesn't want.

So, punctuation and spelling. More, only upon specific request by the author, agreement to undertake the task by myself, and the express consent of the author to make changes. I can and will 'edit' any type of material, except for those involving 'universal indecencies' (to wit: sex with children, animals, et cetera).

An analogy: I don't have to like the pattern, color and cut of a shirt to be employed making sure the buttons are sewn on straight.

Thus, I will make sure your buttons are on straight. If you want help (re)designing your shirt, I can do that too -- without insulting your personal tastes in the process. Just realize that in many cases -- to mix metaphors -- too many cooks spoileth the broth.

I can punctuate/spell check circa two thousand words per day without difficulty, dependent upon my (paying) work schedule. (NB: What word count on the typical fanfic? The ones I've seen are in the 2K word range, or small multiples thereof.)

Anyone interested can message me through my Profile page ( http://www.fireflyfans.net/showprofile.asp?un=zoid).
and put me on any Writer's Resource page y'all get started. I'd be pleased to help...

Editorially,

zoid

P.S.
I'm a native Texan, so most Firefly-speak sounds like home to me. Chinese, on the other hand, I cannot help you with...

P.P.S.
To those who might think I'm not offering much more than a word processor's automated spell-check would provide, I have three words for you: there, their, they're. And anyone who lets M$ Word's grammar correction run rampant on their document gets all the gobbledygook they deserve...
_________________________________________________

"I aim to help you misbehave." -Capt. Mal Reynolds, sorta, Serenity, a.k.a. 'the BDBOF'

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