Don’t have the time or ability to commit to a 15,000+ word story? Barely passed art class by accidentally creating abstract art?
Never fear! There are other ways to participate in a challenge like this, and they’re just as important as the authors and artists. Check out all the ways you can join in!
Beta Readers
All stories must be beta’d for this challenge, and not every author has one that they can use consistently. Betas are essential to writing for a challenge like this, because you catch all of those tricksey little details that authors miss while we’re writing: things like grammar train wrecks, spelling catastrophes, homophonic blunders (e.g. their vs. there) and punctuation errors (e.g. its vs. it’s). Also, a beta can catch characterisation flaws, missing sections where a scene may have been partially deleted or gone unfinished by mistake, and all those other gaffes that make an author headdesk if they’re not caught before posting.
Alpha Readers
Having an alpha reader is not a requirement of the challenge for writers; however, alpha readers can be incredibly helpful. You don’t take on the proofing responsibilities that a beta does (though if you spot something egregious, you’ll probably point it out anyway), but if an author has a plot hole that you could sail the Lusitania through? You, the alpha, is going to catch it and help them close it. You let the writer know if something doesn't quite make sense or if there’s a loose end that’s not quite tied off right. You can catch those unfinished scenes or characterization flaws before the fic goes to the beta for proofing, which makes that part go loads faster. And most importantly: you can tell your author whether the story needs fleshing out or trimmed up, and you can offer suggestions when needed.
Cheerleaders
Where would the writers and artists be without their cheerleaders? You are the people who keep them going through it all. Writer's block, looming deadlines, Real Life issues that get in the way... you offer support, a shoulder to cry on when they need it, encouragement, a nagging presence when they don't think they'll be able to work without one. ;)
If any of these sound like something you think you'd be inclined to do, please take the time to sign up! Authors will have the opportunity to go through this post and decide who to contact based on what you're willing to read vs. what they're writing.
When signing up, please use the form provided:
Your username:Your e-mail address:What you're signing up as (Alpha, Beta, Cheerleader):Are you also signing up as an author or artist? And if yes, which?What are your preferences? (Gen, Slash, Het, specific pairings):Do you have anything you absolutely won't be willing to read? (Pairings, Themes): Author sign-ups here |
Artist sign-ups here |
FAQ here