Hi, everyone!! =DDD Guess what? IMMA GETTING PUBLISHED!!! *girly high-pitched squeal of joyness* I'm talking to a few people about setting up a contract, but a wise librarian told me that I should also invest on a few people to let proof-read my story as well. This is where you beta readers come in. I just finished it, and I would love any extra help I could get. But before we jump into that meat pile, I'd first like to say a few things:
1.) Most everyone who knows me also knows I'm a pretty difficult person to offend. But I can get real defensive when someone abuses my work, as any person in their right mind would. I prefer not to disclose any information to most anyone about any projects I'm working on until they are actually finished. This is why I'm not simply posting this story on fanfic.net and pasting links everywhere saying, "OMG OMG PLZ READ MY STORY & COMMENT!!! PLZ, PLZ!!!" So believe me when I say that I am EXTREMELY hesitant to do this -- especially over the internet. This is a first for me too, and I'd appreciate it if everyone could at least respect me enough to be trustworthy in their answers, and actions… should they be chosen to beta read my story. If you have read this far, please type "w00tnezz!!" in your application for extra brownie points. ^^
2.) Okay!! :] Let's get to the juicy part... The background of beta reading:
WHAT IS BETA READING?For those of you who don't know what a beta reader is, it's merely someone who proofreads a story; a full copy will be given to them and they check for any loose ends that didn't get tied up, any parts that need revising or didn't make any sense (aka, the "cheesy parts." Yes, unfortunately, I have some of those, but sometimes, they're unavoidable.) , spelling/grammar mishaps, and all that good stuff.
HOW DOES BETA READING WORK?- Leave a post here describing all the information asked of you (farther down); DON'T BE HUMBLE!! Brag about your fics, how popular are, how you've made people cry, laugh, the works!!
NOT EVERYONE WHO APPLIES WILL BE A BETA READER. But hey -- the more I know about you, the better off you'll be.
- If you are chosen, a full copy of the typed manuscript will be sent to you via e-mail.
- It is your job to go over the ENTIRE story and point out any mistakes you've found, or parts you feel just don't add up. Write down everything you find, and keep note of them as you go along the story.
- When you finish, you'll submit your list of mishaps to me, so I can kindly express my sincere gratitude to you, bake cookies in your honor, and finally fix them. ^^
- You may be asked a few questions about the reading once you are through.
WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES FOR BETA READING?-
Beta reading is NOT a job I'd appreciate you blowing off. It requires a good amount of time from you, and a good amount of patience from me (lol. No harm intended.). PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!! If you're not willing to make that kind of commitment, don't apply for the position.- One must be able to identify parts that add to the effectiveness of the story as well as parts that are not effective, AND BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN WHY!!! (Sorry, after you finish the story, I will not be accepting lone comments as "Oh, this is good!! Keep it up!! [end review]" or "This sucked. Do yourself a favor and burn it. [end review]." I am always open to criticism as long as you offer ways in which the problem can be solved. If you simply tell me, "It's wrong." or "It's boring. Fix it." I won't know what to fix. So please be very specific in citing my mistakes.
- One must be able to work and finish successfully under deadlines!!
- If you please, this is my story, not yours.
UNDER NO CONDITION are beta readers allowed to change or alter the plot/direction of the story in any way, shape, or form. -
UNDER NO CONDITION are beta readers allowed to share with anyone else, make copies, duplicate, or reveal the contents of the story to anyone. EVER!!!11!one!!!- I can't stress enough how important enough these last two points are. For if you cannot agree to follow them, then you have 0% chance at being chosen. If you have read and agree this far, please type "SPLEE!!" in your application for extra brownie points. ^^
3.) AT LONG LAST!! XD I may not enjoy revealing the story before hand, but you should all at least know what you're getting yourselves into. Here's a background of the story:
TITLE: Dragon's Child
LENGTH: Approx. 100,100 words (Yes, you heard right; about 191 pages on a Word document, written in 12-point font)
GENRE: Fantasy/Adventure
TARGET AUDIENCE: 13 and up
SUMMARY: A young boy named Talon wishes so much to be more than what he is -- to make something grand and spectacular of himself. Unfortunately, many complications in his life make it difficult for him, but one day, his wish comes true in the form of a young dragon, lost in the mountains and living the long years of its life, yearning to be with its own kind. With the opportunity at hand, Talon must choose if what he wants will be for the sake of people finally respecting him, or for the sake of the young flameling so eager to get home. Along the way, they will face many hardships, for Talon has unknowingly been carrying a secret with him that could decide the fate of the world forever. A secret many a beings -- human and dragon alike -- would like nothing more than to take advantage of for themselves. If you have read and agree this far, please type "G00BER!! XD" in your application for extra brownie points. ^^
4.) Alright, last thing before I let you go: INTERVIEWS!!! Yay!!! Just answer every question as best you can, and remember -- DON'T BE HUMBLE!! Spill the beans!! X}
- Have you read and do you fully agree to the terms outlined above?
- What makes you so interested in beta reading for this story?
- Are you willing to abide by the conditions and guidelines set forth by the original author regarding the story at all times, and are aware that such terms outlined are all subject to change?
- Do you have sufficient enough time to fulfill the requirements listed above?
- Can you successfully complete tasks under a deadline?
- Are you an active member at BaltoSource?
- What's your e-mail and can you download attachments?
- What are the magic words? O_o
- Any other things I'd like to know? ^^ C'mon, out with it!!
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I shall let you go with this now. Feel free to ask me if you have any qualms about how it works, or what you have to do. Once again, I'd like to remind you all that this may take a good deal of your time, and even if you are not chosen, I am very grateful that you'd be willing to put that aside for me. :] Also, you are applying at your own will...I shan't force anyone to do what they don't want to.
If you want to withdraw your application, simply tell me. But if you want to withdraw, and are already chosen...well....we'll talk in private. ;D
Happy trails, and thanks again!!!!
