There are three fundamental things you should do before posting a story to any mailing list or website. 1) Spell check! It only takes a couple of minutes maximum and your potential readers will thank you for it, instead of lynching you; 2) Make sure you include all the necessary information in the header of your story: the title of the story, your name, your e-mail address, a plot summary, rating for sexual/language/violence content, distribution notes, disclaimers and spoiler warnings, etc; 3) Most importantly of all, darlings, have your story beta-read.

Even the greatest of grammar gurus or spelling sophisticates can often miss mistakes or errors that a more objective person might have picked up on. Your plot may also be somewhat dubious in places - Joyce eating babies? I don't think so. Ultimately, using a beta-reader means getting a second opinion. After all, you want your masterpiece to be perfect, do you not? That's not to say that beta readers are experts, they simply offer their time and knowledge to help authors improve their works of fiction.

So listed below are the kind and fabulous people who have generously offered to volunteer their services. They offer constructive criticism, not damnation, so don't take what they have to say personally if it isn't all glowing praise. A good beta reader can make an average story better and a good story glittering and fabulous. Take heed.

If you would like to be listed as a beta reader, email the JOYFFA Dictators.

When approaching a beta reader you should first give a summary of your fic. Do NOT send the entire story to them until they agree to edit your story. It's common courtesy.

Name:	Faithtastic (JOYFFA Dictator)
Previous Experience:	Have beta-read for four people in the past ten months. I also studied English Literature at university for so I'm comfortable with critiquing poetry, drama and fiction.
Areas of Knowledge:	British geography, basic History. My degree is in Politics. Out of all the characters in Buffy/Angel, I think I know Faith inside out. Oh, and the works of Madonna is my specialist subject. *g*
What they look for:	I'm a stickler for spelling and I can't abide bad grammer. So those are the two things I come down hard on. Plot is always a bonus but I'm willing to suspend my disbelief for most stories. As for characterisation - if I think you're wrong, I'll tell you.
Likes:	I'm keen on slash but I'll read most things.
Dislikes:	Spike. Can't stand him. Also rape, torture, BDSM, and incest fics.
Harshness:	I'm by no means scathing. However, I'm not a pushover either.
Response Time:	A week. Sometimes sooner. I have a lot of websites to maintain and not a lot of time for fic, I'm afraid.

 

Name:	Dolores Labouchere (JOYFFA Dictator)
Previous Experience:	Beta read for 4 different authors in 3 fandoms over the last 18 months.
Areas of Knowledge:	World history, classics, geography, Britain in general.
What they look for:	I'm very good and very picky with spelling and grammar.
Likes:	Most everything.
Dislikes:	Incest fic.
Harshness:	I'll be honest, but tactful. So medium, I guess.
Response Time:	Generally two or three days at the most.

 

Name:	Spacetart
Previous Experience:	None.
Areas of Knowledge:	None.
What they look for:	Grammer, spelling, characterisation. The usual.
Likes:	Slash.
Dislikes:	Het.
Harshness:	Not very.
Response Time:	As soon as I can.

 

Name:	Roz
Previous Experience:	A quantity of Buffy and Angel fanfic, much of it here, plus I read and review for a living.
Areas of Knowledge:	Humour, eroticism...
What they look for:	Obvious stuff like grammar and spelling, but also some sense of how the idea you've had can be best made to work.
Harshness:	Stern but fair.
Response Time:	Up to four days.

 

Name:	Mr. Livedog
Previous Experience:	I've been reading and writing in English for most of my life.
Areas of Knowledge:	Bilingual (French), Film History, Music History, Cooking
Harshness:	I've heard from people that I'm a little mean in person. I do hope I don't make anyone cry.
Response Time:	Like a cat, or a ninja. 1-3 days, depending on the time of the week.

 

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