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Your First Five Chapters

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auzerais

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I want to beta your first five chapters. I'm looking to improve my critting skillz and get myself in the mood for working on my own book.

Me: I am a brutally honest critic. I will not be needlessly cruel, but I will tell you I don't like it, and then I will tell you why. My literary interests are diverse, but mostly I prefer character-driven stuff. I am probably a terrible choice of a beta if you have a YA, romance, or vampire novel. No zombie novels need apply. I'm not usually interested in Sci-Fi or fantasy novels, but I'm somewhat open...I hated GoT but I love Neil Gaiman, so there you go. I write mainstream fiction myself (real-type stuff that happens to real-type people.)

You:
*should be patient with my timeline (I am a busy woman, working full time, writing my own book) although I will try to get my crit to you within a week or two once I start reading it.

*should meet the community guidelines of 50 posts.

*understand that results may vary, and that I will be brutally, painfully truthful, even if I love your work.

As previously stated, my time is limited, so at this time I will probably only have space for 2-3 people. Apologies in advance.

This is a free service, but in return for my hard work, I request attention. Any kind is suitable: reps, thank you cards, replies to this post about how wonderful I am, hand-knitted blankets, I am not picky because I JUST WANT TO BE LOVED.

Please PM me with a brief synopsis of your story and what you are hoping to get from my crit. Peace out.
 

Kay

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You're awesome for this! If I didn't write romantic women's fiction I'd jump all over your offer. If I could knit, I'd send you a blanket just because!
 

Bing Z

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I'm a terrible choice for you so I will not pm you with a silly flirt synopsis. But, on behalf of the community and from deep inside, truckloads of love.

Peace out.

PS: Can't knit but sending e-ice cream.
 

RobLineberger

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I write character-driven..... YA sci-fi fantasy. :(

Still, here is a hug and thanks for the offer.

*hug*

*whispers "thanks" in your ear*
 

auzerais

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Thanks you guys! I may or may not have mentioned this, but I LOVE attention!
 

auzerais

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All right, folks. I got exactly one bite to this thread and I really enjoyed the beta process, so I'd like to keep the ball rolling. Any other takers? Anyone? Bueller?
 

auzerais

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Ok, folks, full up at the moment. I do plan to keep this up for a few weeks, though, so keep your eyes peeled if you got here a bit late.
 

yetanotherheather

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Hooray for real-type stuff happening to real-type people!

I haven't reached 50 posts yet, but I'm working on it. Maybe by the time I get there you'll have an opening. I hope so because I too write real-type stuff that happens to real-type people and would be very interested in some honest feedback. Even if it's not meant to be, however, thank you for doing this!
 

maryland

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If you are looking for an in-depth appraisal, I do recommend Allycen. You receive three layers of close inspection - highlighting parts that are debatable, parts that don't hold together,( plus typos, P.O.V. changes,unbalanced tenses etc) and any parts that don't carry the story along.
It is a great help to see your writing through someone else's keen eyes like this. Like those washing powders that remove all stains, this was a success!
 

Katana

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auzerais (AKA Allycen) is an awesome beta. I wasn't online much to check my email, thinking that it was going to take a few days for her to get back to me, but she critiqued and returned my (fairly lengthy) chapters so quickly. I was blown away.

In addition to that, she was thorough, thoughtful, diplomatic, and spot on in many regards, mentioning a few things that bothered two previous betas, so that confirmed it. Time to make changes based on her recommendations!

I feel privilaged that she took a look at my work. A big thank you to you, Allycen, for the gift of your time. :heart:
 

auzerais

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Thank you, J Marks, for the public recognition! I'm loving it, and thanks for being a joy to beta for.
 

greendragon

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Thank you so much for a useful, incredibly detailed critique! I greatly appreciate it, and the suggestions will help immensely!

PS - I didn't feel any of your comments to be cruel or unjust - just honest and helpful. If I had wanted fluff, I would ask my mom for a critique :)
 
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rwhegwood

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If you are still doing this, I've a WIP I would like some focused feedback on. I'm not above the 50 threshold yet, but soon. Mines YA, sorta dystopian, but things eventually get better. I would be happy at the appropriate time exchange your consideration of my piece for a small box of kittens in assorted flavors.
 

auzerais

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Sorry, rwhegwood...I am currently plowing through a pretty immense backlog of responses. I will put out a call when I'm available again. :)
 

muse

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Wanted to say thanks a million for the crit, Allycen. Totally spot on. (Damn you commas!:Headbang:)

Sending lots of Karma Cookies.:Hug2:
 

havocride

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Author here of "real-type stuff that happens to real-type people" so posting here to remember to come back when i reach the qualifying number of posts! thanks for what you do!
 

Aloysius

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auzerais (AKA Allycen) is an awesome beta. I wasn't online much to check my email, thinking that it was going to take a few days for her to get back to me, but she critiqued and returned my (fairly lengthy) chapters so quickly. I was blown away.

In addition to that, she was thorough, thoughtful, diplomatic, and spot on in many regards, mentioning a few things that bothered two previous betas, so that confirmed it. Time to make changes based on her recommendations!

I feel privilaged that she took a look at my work. A big thank you to you, Allycen, for the gift of your time. :heart:

Hello, Alexander-lover. My main character is writing a biography of Alexander the Great. Any way of roping you in to take a look at it (or part of it)?
 
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