KHI's Beta Reader request Thread.(Come here to ask for C & C for your story)

[giuocob]

Originally Posted by All-Star Gamer

Well, if a Beta Reader does decide to proof read a contest entry, then I would think they'd be barred from voting. But I guess there really isn't no way to prevent that.

I don't think I'm quite following exactly what you're planning on doing with this contest. Can you lay it out for me?

Here's the basic outline of what I thought you were talking about (and I think this is good too): Each contestant posts their story in the thread. (We could do the whole anonymous sending thing, but I don't think it would be necessary this way.) It would then be read by a certain number (three, I think you said) of impartial pre-selected beta readers. They each score every piece, and the scores for each story are averaged, and this becomes the final score.

Now, are you saying that the writers should be given the chance to send their stories to the beta readers for review prior to the deadline? I don't really see the point of that, unless you're trying to make this into more of an educational experience. Which, come to think of it, is what these are about anyway...

[All-Star Gamer]

On second thought, forget what I said. That makes a lot more sense. Let's go with that.

[All-Star Gamer]

I invite any interested beta reader to check out my latest chapter of The Legend of Link and tell me what your thoughts are. You don't have to read it all that thoroughly, just give it a look over if you like.

http://forums.khinsider.com/fan-fict...nd-link-7.html

And please don't get on my case about not using the proper format. I'm very, very, tired right now.

[-Arcana-X-]

Got back after Memorial Day Vacation. SO HELLO!!!

[Grimmjow Jaggerjack]

I might take a look at it later, All-Star. My internet is shitty at the moment.

[Maverick E.S]

Virus
Maverick E.s
may 26,27 08
http://forums.khinsider.com/fan-fict...591-virus.html


I just like need the last two posts read (on the last page)and i guess thats it, im going to have the book published so i need to make sure it can compete when it is

[kazukifafner]

Thanks for taking the time to even consider this.

Kingdom Hearts / The Chosen
kazukifafner
05/26/08
Chapter Two
http://forums.khinsider.com/fan-fict...-chosen-2.html

[giuocob]

Originally Posted by Maverick E.S

Virus
Maverick E.s
may 26,27 08
http://forums.khinsider.com/fan-fict...591-virus.html


I just like need the last two posts read (on the last page)and i guess thats it, im going to have the book published so i need to make sure it can compete when it is

Ah, I couldn't find a link to that. I'll get around to looking at it now.

[giuocob]

For all the writers' sake, as well as my own for copypasta purposes, this is the format I use for reviewing stories. It's a ladder of literary skills, as I find that this is the order in which most people develop these skills. I call it the Ladder to Published Writing, as I think that anyone who gets all these skills has a good shot at getting published. (I'm still climbing this ladder myself, don't regard me as a genius.)

I. Grammar/Mechanics
II. Plot Structure and Depth
III. Vocabulary/Higher Mechanics/Description/Literary Devices
IV: Character Construction and Depth/Conflict
V: Mastery

I. You've gotta know grammar. If you link me to a work of yours with horrible grammar, I won't even read it. If you really don't understand the basics of grammar, there are lots of guides that can help you out. Post here or PM someone with specific questions. Review your work after you write it; try to keep typos to a bare minimum.

II. At the heart of any novel is its plot. Almost anyone can think up a thrilling scenario for a story and put it into words, but that's only part of it. Your plot should follow a logical path, with all the scenes connected somehow. If you're feeling ambitious, integrate in some subplots. All in all, make sure everything stays interesting.

III. Think you can write a good plot? Now we turn to the writing itself. Impeccable grammar alone doesn't make beautiful writing, you know. Expand your vocabulary to an extent where you don't have to struggle to find the right word. 'Higher mechanics' is stuff like sentence structure, paragraph transition, parallel structures, all that jazz. Used correctly, they make your writing flow smoothly. Also, describe everything that's happening to an extent that we know what's going on in good detail, but not so much that it clogs up the story. Don't worry, you find the right balance. Lastly, learn how to use literary devices like metaphor and simile, so that you can throw them in cleanly any time you get the urge.

IV: The word you should be thinking of here is 'vivid'. Remember, your characters are people, and people have distinct personalities. Help the reader to understand your characters, even the villains (you know, they're people too). A lot of people find it useful to fill out a character sheet to help themselves better understand the person they're creating. Myself, I recommend it. But more importantly, STICK TO THE SHEET. Every character has to have a coherency to his/her actions and emotions. Make sure this comes through. Things like vocabulary and description are integral to making your characters deep. Another major facet of character development is conflict. Conflict is the thing that makes stories interesting, so make sure you have plenty of it, and not just in the main storyline; emotional clashes between protagonists are wonderful. Think about this as you make your characters.

V. I myself am not quite sure what this means, but I can relate a pretty good idea. If you're really thinking about this one, it means you can create an engaging plot, stunning language, and vivid characters; now it's time to put it all together. The point of a novel, after all, is to engage the reader, and you have to figure out just how to do that. Advanced things like empathy, irony, humor, and the general integration of all your skills to make a book all fit here. This is what distinguishes your personal 'style'. This is the point where beta readers can't help you anymore; once you're here, it's up to you to find the way that YOU like to write and roll with it. All I can say to you here is, good luck!

I'm still working on this list. If anyone wants to help me with it, feel free to suggest changes.

[All-Star Gamer]

Wow. I never saw anybody get that technical. (Not on a fansite at least.) If you can shortan that down some, I could put it in the first post as a vague guideline of what to look for. Not to vague and not to specific either. The whole point of multiple people working on beta reading is to get as many different views as possible to catch stuff that other people might miss.

So, "genius," Do you think you can grace my humble chapter posted above a quick read?

[giuocob]

Originally Posted by All-Star Gamer

Wow. I never saw anybody get that technical. (Not on a fansite at least.) If you can shortan that down some, I could put it in the first post as a vague guideline of what to look for. Not to vague and not to specific either. The whole point of multiple people working on beta reading is to get as many different views as possible to catch stuff that other people might miss.

So, "genius," Do you think you can grace my humble chapter posted above a quick read?

This isn't meant as a guideline for how everyone should review stories, this is just how I do it. To be honest the main reason I posted it here is so I could quickly copy-paste it when I need it.

Sure, I'll take a gander at your story.

[All-Star Gamer]

Originally Posted by giuocob

This isn't meant as a guideline for how everyone should review stories, this is just how I do it. To be honest the main reason I posted it here is so I could quickly copy-paste it when I need it.

Sure, I'll take a gander at your story.

Well, what I meant is that it makes a lot of fine points, and a vaguer, less detailed version of it could be used to as a way to help BR's get an idea of what to look for. But if you want it for your own personal C&P use, that's fine and dandy.

[giuocob]

Originally Posted by All-Star Gamer

Well, what I meant is that it makes a lot of fine points, and a vaguer, less detailed version of it could be used to as a way to help BR's get an idea of what to look for. But if you want it for your own personal C&P use, that's fine and dandy.

Oh, you do want something similar to use as an example? I'll just put it all in a list format. That should do nicely.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHILE REVIEWING A STORY
-Grammar & Mechanics: I wouldn't even read their story if it has really bad grammar.
-Plot: look for coherency. Make sure it's interesting and well paced.
-Vocabulary: broad, but not too broad.
-Higher mechanics: Sentence structure and related concepts. Make sure the writing 'flows'.
-Description: Enough to make the story vivid, not so much that it drags.
-Characters: Key word is CONSISTENCY. Characters' actions, dialogue, and feelings should be fueled by a core personality.
-Emotion: See if the author can generate believable emotions.
-Conflict: It's almost always there, but make sure it fits well with the characters.
-WOW factor: Give the author a cookie.

I think I hit the high points. Will this do?

[All-Star Gamer]

Yeah, that'll work. Thanks a lot.

[Grimmjow Jaggerjack]

Originally Posted by giuocob

Oh, you do want something similar to use as an example? I'll just put it all in a list format. That should do nicely.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHILE REVIEWING A STORY
-Grammar & Mechanics: I wouldn't even read their story if it has really bad grammar.
-Plot: look for coherency. Make sure it's interesting and well paced.
-Vocabulary: broad, but not too broad.
-Higher mechanics: Sentence structure and related concepts. Make sure the writing 'flows'.
-Description: Enough to make the story vivid, not so much that it drags.
-Characters: Key word is CONSISTENCY. Characters' actions, dialogue, and feelings should be fueled by a core personality.
-Emotion: See if the author can generate believable emotions.
-Conflict: It's almost always there, but make sure it fits well with the characters.
-WOW factor: Give the author a cookie.

I think I hit the high points. Will this do?

This list is better than the long explanation. That first was more as a thing to keep true to as a writer, not really something a beta reader can review with. :/

Anyway, nice job.