Wishing for a beta...

[housemaid79]

Being relatively new to LJ, I have no idea how to get one.  I've looked at the beta lists in some of the communities...but most of those are a couple of years old, so I'm hesitant to contact people from them.

Those of you who have a beta, how did you find yours?

*and if anyone feels like volunteering...  :)

Comments

[froxyn]

I did exactly what you just did. :) I just made a post in my journal.

Luckily, someone saw it and she's been my Buffy/Giles beta for a couple of years now. She didn't watch Merlin, so when I started writing Uther/Morgana, a friend of mine suggested someone for me. Now that person betas my Uther/Morgana and Rose/Ten fic.

What fandom and pairing are you needing a beta for?

[housemaid79]

Good to know I'm on the right track!

My fandom is Doctor Who, and my pairing is Doctor/Rose (and that could be any of the NuWho Doctors: 9, 10, 10.5, 11).

[froxyn]

Okay...

Now, the tough question...

Some people just want a proofreader...but, some people want someone to make sure things flow and make sense and everyone is in character -- which can sometimes mean that you don't hear exactly what you want to hear.

I lean more towards the second option when I beta things for people. I don't get up in arms about punctuation (unless it's a glaring error) but I do try my best to make sure everyone's in character and that the story makes sense.

I'm not mean about what I say...just truthful. So...if you're looking for that, I'd be more than happy to have a look at whatever you have. :)

[housemaid79]

The second option is exactly what I'm looking for. It's so hard to read something over that you've written yourself and know if it works, because as the author, you know how it is supposed to work. I always worry that my mind is "filling in the gaps"...because I know what a line means, or how a character sounds in my head. It's hard to know if you've been able to successfully extend that to the page.

And all of that is my long-winded way of saying that I would be thrilled for you to look over my little fic. Now, being very new to this process, I have to ask - what's the best way for me to get a copy of it to you?

And, thanks! :)