Willing Beta Readers Volume II

Not available at this time. Sorry.

Hi all. First a big thanks to all who make this board such a wealth of information and a fun place to learn the ins and outs of getting published. This is my first post not only here but anywhere. But I wanted to put my name down as someone who would be willing to beta read both commerical fiction, which I write, and also literary. My interests are pretty broad and I have taught writing in my field (visual arts) at the college level so I have a pretty good command of the basics. Just PM me if you are interested. (Whew, that was not so difficult!)

Currently handling two projects. Not available right now, sorry!

I can beta for anything YA and MG. My preferences are wide: contemporary, paranormal, "boy books", dark fiction, horror, parody, etc. If your story is about flying teacups, I'll buy it as long as you can pull it off.

I don't usually do line-by-line, but if you prefer that I do, please tell me. I can spot "errors" in flow, character development, and dialog very easily, as well as point out the 'what the hell is that doing in the story?' moments.

I have worked in a bookstore before and I'm pretty confident that I can help you make your story more marketable (because that's what's on most of our minds, right?).

I'm an honest beta, but never mocking.

Please PM me a short synopsis and the wordcount of your ms.

- Kristine

p.s. If your story sounds like it could come off of Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, Brenna Yovanoff or Tim Burton's head, PM me asap!

I'd be willing to beta. I'm good with grammar and spelling (teach English), but not with line-by-line critiques. Usually, I give a sort of bullet-style page or two. I like to tell you what didn't work for me, some nitpicks/typos/errors I found, and then what I loved.

Genres I like:
-Urban fantasy
-Paranormal romance (No vampires. Werewolves, psychic people, ghosts okay)
-Horror
-Dark fantasy
-YA (in the genres above)
-YA chicklit (like Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, etc.)
-YA dystopian (LOVE these)
-Medieval (sucker for King Arthur and Robin Hood stuff)

What I might do, depending on how good your story sounds:
-Sci fi
-Fantasy (epic, sword and sorcery, etc.)
-Historical
-Thriller
-Mystery
-Literary
-Erotic romance
-Romantic suspense
-Maybe, maybe, maybe other romance, but I have to be in the mood.

What I won't read:
-Westerns
-Hard sci fi

So, um, I guess PM me about almost anything, then. It's nice to give a query-style blurb and a link to your first chapter if in it's in the SYW forums.

I keep discovering new threads on AW even though I've been here for quite awhile.

Yes, I'm willing to beta a manuscript or two. My preference is for commercial fiction or fantasy. I'll also read YA (I've written some YA). I'm a gay writer so any kind of LGBT fiction is great.

I'd ask for some background on your project and maybe some back and forth about our writing/reading interests to see if it's a match. My grammar is pretty sharp, I tend to be detail-oriented to help polish up a story and I also feel it's important to point out a writer's strengths. Send me a PM if interested.

I am available for beta reading once more. Here's a link to a little info about me. Check to see if your project is in my wheelhouse - I'm not *too* adventurous, as to give good feedback, I have to enjoy your subject matter.

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5067746&postcount=69

I would like to throw my name into the pot as a beta reader. I can do mystery (though if you're wanting accuracy-of-procedure check, I wouldn't be good) , horror or romance. Romance is what I was writing before I quit for several years.

I'm bored and want to read something, but can't afford to buy a book. So hit me with your best shot and I'll read it as if I were a reader and not a writer.

My favorite genres are fantasy and sci-fi. I don't recommend first drafts and if I can't read it because I just don't like it, I'll tell you.

If you want to take a chance with that type of beta, pm me. >)

I beta YA only, and preferably realistic YA in its final, ready-to-query stage. No vampires, werewolves or zombies. I'm better at literary-commercial crossover than just a genre YA. I'm good with syntax, voice, pacing, plot, description, and characters...sometimes the dealbreakers/dealmakers for a good book.

Some favorites include THE VIRGIN SUICIDES, PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, THE GREAT GATSBY, LOOKING FOR ALASKA, LOCK AND KEY, HOW I LIVE NOW, and I AM THE MESSENGER. I just finished BEFORE I FALL and it was breathtaking.

Now. I am a teen, yes, but I am not "just a teen". I'm your query competition and target audience, and I have 5 years of novel-writing experience on me as well as an eye for edits thanks to being the yearbook readings editor. Yes, I queried my first 45K novel at 11. No, it didn't work out, but I've garnered more knowledge and manuscript requests since then with book 2.

I'm honest but never hurtful. I'm not for line-by-lines unless to point out typos. sentences which can be reworded, or stuff which can be cut, but mainly I critique chapter-by-chapter. I can get your manuscript back to you (50 pages at a time) within two weeks, provided it's not some horrificly long 115K YA Contemp.

There's a catch though. I'd like you to beta my manuscript. It's called REMEMBER, and it's 66K (266 double-spaced pgs). Apparently dark and gritty older YA. LOCK AND KEY meets LOOKING FOR ALASKA, but more of Markus Zusak's voice in GETIING THE GIRL. I don't expect you to send it back super-fast, but at the normal speed would be great? I regularly post teasers on my blog (linked below in siggie), so you can check it out there.

Still interested? PM me with your query, first page, and word count.

Currently not available - will be back in new year

I'm willing to beta novel length science fiction and fantasy, including WIPs. I'm happy to do line-by-lines on problem or example sections, but for the majority would do a more general critique.

If interested, PM me and we can organise to cover a single chapter first, so that we can see if we suit each other.

I'm willing to beta anything, fiction or non-fiction, except Westerns.

I'm a perfectionist, so expect proofreading as well as overall continuity and logic comments. (The logical extension of this is: DON'T send me a first draft.)

My favorite types of fiction are financial/legal thrillers; espionage; techno-thrillers; light fantasy. I love Stephen King, so gore is perfectly alright. Sex, language, offbeat themes are all okay. There's pretty much nothing that will shock me (you should see the premise of my WIP novel).

Send me a PM with a short synopsis and a wordcount; we'll go from there.

jennibly said:

I am always a willing beta!

I love to help with fiction, preferably YA, MG, fantasy, and mystery. I'm okay with some romance but I'm not particularly well-read in that genre so I probably don't have the best insights if you're writing serious romance. I tend to shy away from excessive gore, swearing, shock value, etc. I'm not overly conservative, I just don't like the stuff that makes me squirm.

I read pretty quickly and I usually do a "real time" bullet list, outlining reactions and thoughts as I have them, and then a summary of my experience. I touch on grammar and word use but, unless that's the ONLY thing you want feedback on, I tend to focus on the bigger issues like character development and plot points.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or need a reader!

Click to expand...

jennibly,
I am very new at this. I tried to contact you last week but I doubt if it reached you. Thank you for being available.

I have written a novel I consider a romance and would like an opinion on its merits. I do not write detailed descriptions of appearances, settings etc. I concentrate on dialogue.

The protagonist is a teenager without family whose poverty and relentless sexual appetite dangerously complicate her strategy to achieve high marks, a scholarship for university and a career as a high-school athletics coach.

I have not condemned her needs nor evaluated the worthiness of her goals. She is a composite of people I have known.
6thborn

I will be available again in January.

I'm willing to be a beta and/or serious critique partner. My goal is to become a literary agent, so this is something I need to gain experience with.

What I'm willing to read:

No non-fiction, please. It's not a matter of disinterest, it's a matter of...I don't read of enough non-fiction to be worthy.

In fiction I'll read basically anything, but if you're writing western you probably don't want me (I haven't ever, as far as I recall, read a western novel). Sci-fi isn't exactly one of my strengths either--all of my sci-fi experience comes from TV shows consisting mostly of Stargate and Doctor Who.

But what I really love to read is YA lit, particularly paranormal and fantasy, though also plain contemporary (Sarah Dessen, for example, is one of my absolute favorite authors). I know a lot of people are sick of vampires, but I feel vampires are never overdone, so long as you're doing them well. If you feel Twilight was an amazingly written series, I'm probably not the right beta for you, considering I once wrote an essay on why Twilight is awful.

I'm a romance nut when it comes to YA. Most of what I personally write is queer fiction, and that's also where I plan to focus as an agent, so if you're writing queer fiction--YA or not--I'll probably be happy to work with you. Queer YA fantasy or paranormals are definitely my favorites. This is not to say I won't read hetero romances too--I'm basically an even split when it comes to reading material.

Dark fantasy is a big plus for me. I love twisted fairy tales (think The Book of Lost Things, by John Connolly) among other things. If you're writing faeries, I like the variety that are not all friendly little sissies--I want the dark beauty, the coldness, the "I am so much better than humans" attitude of the Seelie and Unseelie Court variety. I'll also read beyond dark fantasy into horror, though most of what I've read for horror has been of the disgusting Richard Laymon variety (every time I read one of his novels, I wonder why I keep reading more of them).

How I critique:

I'll critique however you want me to. I'm capable of line-by-lines (I'm not a grammar genius, but I know all of the important things), as well as much more detailed critiques. I'll tell you when your characters aren't acting like themselves, when I feel a scene (or heck, even an entire subplot) doesn't really need to be there. If you have a plot hole I'll point it out. My style of critting typically involves going over the read once and copying down impressions as I have them, then going back over it to get more detailed, marking down typos and whatnot along the way of all read-throughs.

As for the state of your manuscript:

I'm willing to look at any level of manuscript. Your current WIP, that first draft you just finished a few days ago, the third draft that you think is almost ready to go...I'll take it.

I'm very interested in forming lasting partnerships. What I mean is, I'll continue looking at everything you write if you want me to. And of course I'd love someone who is willing to do a back-and-forth, critting for me while I do it for them.

PM me with the gist of what your work is about, the state of it as mentioned above, and the word count.

Arianna S.

I'm willing to beta mostly YA contemp. I don't like sci-fi or fantasy, and I wouldn't be able to get into the story. I love romance and coming of age stories. I tend to critique a lot and give you my own personal thoughts on things, not just edit grammar and spelling.
I'm 25 and a stay at home mom, so I do have a bit of time on my hands. I believe that to be a better writer I need to read as much as possible, and that's what I'm here to do.
I don't mind if the work is finished or still in progress. If I like the piece I'll stick with you through it all. I usually like to read the first chapter and then decide if I'd be willing to work with you or not.
Just PM me!

I like bombs, submarines and car chases. But enough about me.

I'm up for critiquing espionage, spy, thrillers and the like. Send me a message and I'll get back to you if I think I can help.

Regards

I wouldn't mind doing some beta reading! I enjoy para-romance the most but I also like straight romance thrillers. I have been known to read some YA on occasion as well as some light Christian based books (as long as we have some thriller aspects in there). I do most of my reading in the evenings since I have 2 kids and a day job. I like to get a chapter at a time so we can be on the same page. If its a short story, all at once is totally fine. Send me a message if you think I could help. A link to your blog would be helpful to include so I can get a feel for you as a writer.

Nikki B

I'm absolutely willing to beta read. I've exhausted all the writers I can find, and would love some more.

What I'll read:
Thrillers
Mysteries
Horror
Dystopian
Sci-Fi
Fantasy... to an extent.

I love dirty words, hardcore MCs and action.

I'm okay with romances with the above subgenres.

I won't read YA Romance (even with a subgenre), plain romances, or anything real-lifey.

Also, I'm okay with first drafts... but please have at least read through it once. If I get ridiculously confused I'll send it back.

I'd also love a critique partner. I write thriller/suspense with dibs of paranormal/supernatural (not vampires, don't worry)/sci-fi pushed in. The language is rough, the sex isn't always heterosexual and my characters do whatever they want. I'm in almost-querying stage, and it's already been betaed 3 times. Pretty polished.

Available

What I like to read is:

YA (fantasy, sci-fi, adventure)
Urban Fantasy
Sci-Fi (Space Opera)
Thrillers (spy, war)

I don't read MG.

I am open to beta'ing YA, Urban Fantasy, Space Operas, and Thrillers of a spy/war type.

I consider myself to be pretty good with plots and characterization. I don't do first drafts. I don't do chapter by chapter, so you need to send me the whole manuscript. Just pm me if interested. Please don't send me a synopsis or query, since that's basically a spoiler and unnecessary. More importantly, it creates expectations that if not filled, I may misjudge the manuscript itself.

I only need a couple of sentences on what the manuscript is about. Aliens attack and only Jack Alienbane can defeat them...

I am always honest with my crits. I won't hold back my praise or criticism.

Status: Available

I am happy to beta-read literary fiction/mainstream/contemporary. I will take on YA under very slim circumstances. LGBT writing is welcome no matter the genre and no matter if my status says "unavailable."

I am a harsh, honest critic and areas I will probably cover are the effectiveness of the writing style, character portrayal/development, dialogue, and reoccurring grammar problems. However, if grammar is something you need help with, I'm not the right beta-reader for you. I'm going to be able to benefit someone more who is already several drafts down the line.

Sorry, no works in progress!!! I'll try to read and get back to you as soon as possible though.

Cheers!

Not available at the moment. 11.29.10



I enjoy reading:

• historical fiction - preferring anything set prior to 1900
• YA fantasy
• mystery/suspense

Will try adult fantasy and/or sci-fi even though I have never read it as a general rule.

Tell me what you're looking for in a beta reader. I have editing experience so it's up to you.

Sooo, I would be more than willing to be a Beta reader.

About me: I am new to the forum/writing world (ignore my join date...look at my # of posts) so I guess I could be considered a fresh perspective? Technically I could be called a scientist since I am currently working in a genetics/neurobiology lab as a research assistant (perhaps that pertains to sci fi writers?). I like to read pretty much anything as long as the story is good but I do tend to prefer things more in the General Fiction/Fantasy/Adventure/Mystery/Horror/a little Sci Fi. I did have a Western phase a few years ago though when I read nothing but cowboys.

As you might have gathered, I was not an English major but if anyone wants a fresh pair of eyes on their work - I'm game. I'd prefer to be sent a brief description etc before I agree to anything simply because my time is a bit limited and I wouldn't be much help on a project in which I am not fully invested.

ETA: PM me if you would like my email address.

I have no problem with adult scenes or language, etc. Just enjoy reading (and just because I do science doesn't mean I only want to read Sci Fi!).

No longer available for beta-reading--picked up two new projects.

I'm willing to beta. I'm not overly fond of war stories or serial killer plots, but other than that, I'm up for anything. I don't get offended by sex, gore or profanity. I have an MA in English and I put myself through school as a writing tutor. (For whatever that's worth.) PM me about your project, and I will send you my email address.

Willing to Beta YA

Available again.

I'm looking for opportunities to Beta anything YA and hope to build a reciprocal relationship.

I read each manuscript twice: first, to understand plotlines and characters and second, to offer suggestions and grammatical corrections. I have most edits done in less than two days (unless you write Tolstoy-length novels).

I will not read anything erotic, so if your hormonal teenager can't keep their pulsating "member" to themselves, find another Beta. Sorry.

Willing to beta YA

Hi there!
I'm willing to beta YA novels. I would prefer a piece that is fantasy, paranormal (no vampires or werewolves, please, unless it's much more hardcore than the stuff already out there) or romance, but I will consider contemporary. I do not like depressing novels (so even if you are a really great writer, I wouldn't be a good fit) and I prefer comercial novels.
I don't typically do a line-by-line (I'm not a native English speaker, after all), but I might note grammar and spelling errors if I see them. I tend to do notes on the document (in different colours) and also do some general comments at the end of each chapter. I do have a few conditions: I would like to beta only completed and revised manuscripts. I don't want to look at first drafts because I prefer to act as an actual reader and beta according to that. First drafts have too many insconsistencies and I get sidetracked from the actual story (I'm great at catching inconsistencies, by the way).
I'm not a fast beta, but I'll do my best.
Send me a short synopsis and word count, and I'll let you know if I'm interested.
Also, here's the catch: I want to beta for someone who is willing to reciprocate, some time around December (when my WIP will most likely be finished and polished). I'm writing a dystopian YA, just so you know.
Thanks people!

Edit: Plate is full now. Feel free to ask after January 2011. Thanks!

I would be willing to take on a Beta project or two. I will accept WIP as well as finished works.
I like YA, and I prefer paranormal romance, or novels dealing with tough/dark/edgy issues.
PM me with synopsis if you are interested!