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

[All-Star Gamer]

Are you a new writer trying to get your story off the ground? Looking for someone to give you a review of your work? Are you a veteran who suddenly got a case of the nerves about your new story, and would like someone to give it an expert review? Well have no fear, because the Beta Reader Request thread is here!

Basically, this is where you can come to ask for someone to read and review your fic, and then give you their thoughts, and make you aware of anything that might need to be approved on, whether it be punctuation, run on sentences, paragraph clumping, anything that might seem to warrant improvement.

You can request either one of two ways. The first is to post the request using the following format:

[Name of story]
[Author's name (or username if you prefer)]
[Date of when story is posted]
[Chapter]*
[Link to thread]

The second option is to PM it to one of our beta readers. If you don't want to post your story quite yet, but still wish to have it reviewed, simply ask for permission for permission to PM your story to a beta reader, and if one gives you permission then you are free to PM it at your leisure. Please note that there is a character limitation when sending PMs, and you may be required to send your story in two PMs. You can also, if the beta reader agrees, e-mail to it to them.

If you wish to be a beta reader, then simply post asking to be one. But be aware that by being a beta reader you are agreeing to abide by the following guidelines:

1. To review each story with an impartial and fair mind set.

2. Stay in the best interests of the author of the story you are reviewing.

3. Be tactful and considerate when relaying your thoughts and advice for improvement to the author. Be sure to tell them everything that you found to be sub standard, and advise them on what they can do to improve. (Keep in mind, this doesn't mean you can say things such as "OMG YOU CAN'T WRITE FOR ****!!" and at the same time, it means that you should hold anything back. If it's bad, then tell them "This is a bad story." But follow up by "Here are some things you can do/try to improve." It doesn't have to be that cut and dry, mind you, but remember that we are doing this entirely for the writer's benifit.)

4. Not so much a rule as it is a suggestion, but if you are stumped and can't think of anything to say, try to ask for a second opinion from another beta reader. Ask them to give the one you are reviewing a quick read, and then throw some ideas back and forth at each other. We're a team, so don't be afraid to ask for a little support.

New! 5. Beta Readers, don't be afraid to review fics that have already been reviewed by another Beta Reader. Different people are able to pick up on different things. And it's entirely likely that you can find an error that somebody else missed.

New! 6. Beta Readers, when reviewing a request that was linked, I must ask you to relay your thoughts to the writer by replying to the source thread, i.e., posting in the thread that they posted the link to. If you reply here, there is allways a chance that they won't check back and they might miss any vital advice you might have to give.

The Beta Reader Team:
All-Star Gamer
Grimmjow Jaggerjack
Time
Snowdog
-Arcana-X-
Frozen Fate
Coldman9
giuocob

And to close, here is a tip that I, and many writers here at KHI, find extremely helpful:

Use the edit button. Don't wait until the next update to correct your mistakes. Use the edit button to fix what ever might be the problem. They are located at the bottom right corner of every one of your posts. Take pride of your work, and make it the best it can be.

So that's about it. Hope that everyone finds this to be extremely helpful.


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*NOTE: Apply only if you are unsure about your update and wish to have a beta reader review it. Don't post a request for every single one of your chapters. Beta readers may not have the time nor desire to review every one of your chapters, and are not obligated to read every single request. ABUSE THIS AND IT WILL BE REVOKED!

Edit: New writers will be given some leeway here, but not much. This isn't a personal review service, it's a thread to help you learn.

Edit2: A List of possible points BRs could look out for. Just a guideline. Thanks to giuocob.

Originally Posted by giuocob

(Possible)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.

This list is only a starting point. Not any actual guideline. Remember, anything goes.
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Mods, feel free to edit this if needed.

Special Thanks to Takushi Rena and Arcana-X for giving me the idea!

[Grimmjow Jaggerjack]

Nice idea. I'll sign up for beta reader, if its ok?

[All-Star Gamer]

As long as you agree to the standards, and rules, then it's fine.

[madammina]

[Timefixer]
[madammina]
[4/5/08]
[Chapter 3]
http://forums.khinsider.com/fan-fict...ml#post2876335

It just seems a little bland so far. Any ideas to spice it up?

[Time]

I'll apply for a beta reader spot. Sounds interesting.

[snowdog]

May I join in too, ASG? <3

[All-Star Gamer]

Okay, I've added you both. And madammina, I've given you some advice in your topic.

[Zoidberg!]

I'm going to ask about a chapter in the future. Not quite yet, as I have had massive writer's block for a long, long time. Now I have an idea. But, does it matter how long the series is so far? Like, I'm a good 7, 8 chapters in. Does it matter?

[All-Star Gamer]

It's okay if you ask once or twice, but don't post a request every time you post a chapter. If you haven't written anything in a while and have recently started again, then that's a valid reason for posting a request.

Basically, What I'm trying to say is that the chapter option is something that really shouldn't be used all that often. Idealy, it should only be used after long breaks between writings and at what the author might consider major story points.

[Time]

Now, the people who are asking advice should PM us, correct?

[All-Star Gamer]

Not exactly, they post their requests along with a link to their thread. If they have a story but aren't ready to post it, they can ask to PM it to one of us. After reading it, then we give them our comments.

[Dragonstar1715]

I've been needing an expert opinion on my fic for a while, despite the numerous grammar errors i may have >.<

Mainly Absolution's Reign, but if you have time maybe my Crossover fic too

[Grimmjow Jaggerjack]

Links please? Or haven't you posted it yet?

[bizness86]

My fic is very dialogue driven, especially since Act 1 was merely an introductory act to introduce most of the cast ensemble. It has been a long while since I wrote anything between Act 1 and the sub act Act 1.1. In conclusion:
1) A Beta Tester would doesn't mind reading a fic that's less action oriental would be best, and
2) Thank you for this topic, and hopefully I'll receive a regular reader from this; it is difficult to continue writing a story when you have no readers.

for the sake of reading the older material and comparing to the recent writings
[Shines One Year After: Act 1]
[bizness86]
[2/27/08]
[Chapter 3]
[Chapter 10]
[Chapter 19]
[Chapter 21] (Act 1.1)

[Shines One Year After: Act 2]
[4/4/08]
[Chapter 1]

Jiminy's Journal
Act 1
Act 2

Thank you

[Grimmjow Jaggerjack]

What part of your fic exactly do you want C&C for? Act 2?