What is a Beta Reader?
A beta reader is basically someone who reads your fanfic and gives you feedback on it before you post the chapter on the net. Beta readers help point out grammatical errors you may have made, point out typos, and can even help or offer suggestions on plot and characterization.

What does it take to be a beta reader?
Beta readers must be familiar with the show and characters, but that's obvious. Beta readers should also have some experience writing or at least know what good writing is, and should generally enjoy reading. They should have a general knowledge of proper grammar, although no one has to be perfect. (You don't have to be an English major, but please know what a run-on sentence is!) And the most important thing...beta readers give detailed feedback. Not just "great chapter" or "more soon!", (but yes, that feedback is always a nice ego boost) but rather, they tell the writer specifically what they liked about the chapter. (Was it a particular scene you really liked? A line? Did you enjoy the way the chapter ended or perhaps the way the character acted? etc.) They can also offer advice on how to improve a part of the story (aka: constructive criticism - "I like that scene, but perhaps you could try this instead..."). And, they make great sounding boards for the writer. ("Can you see Alison's facial expression in that chapter? Did I capture Nana right...is that how she would act?", etc.)

Do I need a beta reader?
Personally, I think every writer should. After all, don't professional authors have editors? With my fanfic...I couldn't tell you how many times I was about to post something stupid or something that didn't make sense and Rachel stopped me. (Thanks, Rachel :-)) Really, beta readers are great to help you catch errors you may have made and not even noticed, and the suggestions they offer can really improve your story. They're even really good for helping you break out of that nasty little thing called writer's block. Look below or click here for a list of people willing to beta read your story.

Would you like to be a beta reader?
If you would like to be a beta reader, please fill out the form below as completely as you can. Also, be honest. If you don't want to beta read a fanfic that centers around, for example, vampire slaying, say so. If you feel you can best help with plot and characterization, list it!

Why am I doing this?
I really love to write, mostly fanfic, and I just want to help other writers. As you know...fanfic writing is not always easy!

Rules and Guidelines - for writers and beta readers
---Beta readers...please don't sign up unless you are willing to be a true beta reader. Some may be tempted to do this just to be the "first one to read a fanfic". Yes, reading it before anyone else is a perk, but really, you need to offer true feedback on the story. Your writers are depending on YOU! And remember...you give detailed feedback!
---Writers...be kind to your beta readers! They are taking time to read and critique YOUR story. Never forget to thank them. Keep in mind they may be busy at times, so ask a person first if they are willing to beta read your story. Sometimes, they just don't have time.
---Writers...your beta reader is not trying to tear apart your story. You want to be a better writer, right? So let them offer suggestions to help you. However, please let me know if you have any problems with the beta readers. I reserve the right to remove anybody from the list if I feel it be needed.
---Beta readers...it is your job to help the writer improve her story, not attack her. Always say what you liked about the story. Also, don't just say you don't like something...but rather, offer suggestions for improvement! (PS: I know I said "her", but guys write too!)

Any questions?? Email me at melodyghfan@yahoo.com

Name: Samantha
Email: samantha2003042003@yahoo.com
Age: Over 18
Response Time: Can reply back the next day
Would you prefer for the author to ask you first before sending you stories to make sure you have time?: No
Have you written fanfic before?: Yes
Strengths: What are you best at?: My biggest strength lies in plot BUT I also have strengths in characterization and spelling. Grammer isn't my biggest strength but I am good at it.
Do you prefer certain kinds of Rali fanfic or just anything with Rali in it?: I like anything with Rafe and Alison in it as well as a good representation of the other characters on Port Charles.
Anything you prefer NOT to read?: pretty much read everything but I am not a big fan of crossover fanfictions(for some odd reason,lol).Other fanfictions I can deal with but with crossovers I need to get to know that character(s) that is crossing over and I rarely watch the other soaps any more(Port Charles is the show I watch daily).

Name: Erin Malay
Email: erinmalay@yahoo.com
Age: 32
Response Time: Most likely same day response
Would you prefer for the author to ask you first before sending you stories to make sure you have time?: No
Have you written fanfic before?: Yes
Strengths: What are you best at?: I am pretty good at all of those categories. I am an English teacher sub and specialize in creative writing. The summer is coming up and I need something fun to do, and I love Rali!
Do you prefer certain kinds of Rali fanfic or just anything with Rali in it?: I don't have any in particular that I love over another, I love reading all different assortments of Rali fanfiction.
Anything you prefer NOT to read?: None, I love reading all different kinds of fanfiction.
Would you be interested in beta reading fanfics other than Rali as well?: Anyone that you want to send. I am pretty open to anything.

Name: Amanda
Email: PinkRose3728@yahoo.com
Age: 15
Response Time: At the most, a day
Would you prefer for the author to ask you first before sending you stories to make sure you have time?: Yes
Have you written fanfic before?: Yes
Strengths: Grammer, Spelling, plot.
Do you prefer certain kinds of Rali fanfic or just anything with Rali in it?: I love lots of Rali love, and Rali in the future.
Anything you prefer NOT to read?: Something that involves the destruction of RALI.
Would you be interested in beta reading fanfics other than Rali as well?: Any Port Charles characters, other than Caleb/Livvie.

Name: Bethany
Email: RaliFan02@aol.com
Age: 19
Response Time: within a day
Would you prefer for the author to ask you first before sending you stories to make sure you have time?: No
Have you written fanfic before?: Yes
Strengths: spelling and plot
Do you prefer certain kinds of Rali fanfic or just anything with Rali in it?: anything with Rali and other PC characters as well
Anything you prefer NOT to read?: I'd rather not read anything that's over an R rating

Name: Allison
Email: alliecat221@aol.com
Age: 15
Response Time: Can reply back the same day
Would you prefer for the author to ask you first before sending you stories to make sure you have time?: No
Have you written fanfic before?: No
Strengths: Grammar, Spelling, Plot,I can give lots of detailed instructions (very detailed LOL)
Do you prefer certain kinds of Rali fanfic or just anything with Rali in it?: I love stories about Rali starting a family!
Anything you prefer NOT to read?: NC-17 just isn't my thing and Crossovers are OK...but still not my favorite, they get a little boring

Name: Kate
Email: Butterfly2194@yahoo.com
Age: 18
Response Time: 1 day
Would you prefer for the author to ask you first before sending you stories to make sure you have time?: Yes
Have you written fanfic before?: Yes
Strengths: What are you best at?: i can do anything, except for spelling, which isn't my strong point. I'd love to help, but preferable after June 1, cause then I'll be out of school and have time. I can help with characters, plot, and point of view.
Do you prefer certain kinds of Rali fanfic or just anything with Rali in it?: I can do anything, but preferbly stuff without tons of vamp stuff, more of the rali love,ect
Anything you prefer NOT to read?: I'd rather not read fanfics with original characters
Would you be interested in beta reading fanfics other than Rali as well?: GH shows

Name: Katelyn
Email: Canadian_Prinzess_88@hotmail.com
Age: 14
Response Time: A day
Would you prefer for the author to ask you first before sending you stories to make sure you have time?: No
Have you written fanfic before?: Yes
Strengths: I'm pretty good at characterization, plot, grammar and spelling. I love to read fanfics and write them.
Do you prefer certain kinds of Rali fanfic or just anything with Rali in it?: I love any Rali fanfiction. I've written various fanfics and I've been told that I have very creative ideas so I love anything.
Anything you prefer NOT to read?: I'll read anything and reply with really great feedback.
Would you be interested in beta reading fanfics other than Rali as well?: Sure, I also watch All My Children and Guiding Light so I'd beta any of those shows as well.

Name: Victoria Russell
Email: Victoria.L.Russell@pepperdine.edu
Age: 20
Response Time: A day.
Would you prefer for the author to ask you first before sending you stories to make sure you have time?: No.
Have you written fanfic before?: Yes. I have a yahoo group called JaxandBrendaFanfics@yahoogroups.com
Strengths: Since I write fan fictions myself I think my strengths are characterization, observation of history, diction and love scenes ;-)
Do you prefer certain kinds of Rali fanfic or just anything with Rali in it?: I like anything with Rali in it, Port Charles pairings of any kind don't really bother me.
Anything you prefer NOT to read?: I like anything and everything, I am not opposed to reading any type of story.
Would you be interested in beta reading fanfics other than Rali as well?: Sure, anything from JB or anything from Port Charles are really the only fan fics that interest me, but I do not like Sonny and Brenda fan fiction. (SB are okay with me but I don't like to read their stuff, I'm a JBer).

Name: Angel
Email: Conceitedangel666@yahoo.com
Age: 17
Response Time: a day or two
Would you prefer for the author to ask you first before sending you stories to make sure you have time?: yes
Have you written fanfic before?: no
Strengths: I am strong in grammer and spelling and can help somewhat in plot and characterization.
Do you prefer certain kinds of Rali fanfic or just anything with Rali in it?: I like to read almost everything. I like romance,witchcraft,suspense,horror you get the picture.
Anything you prefer NOT to read?: Don't do vamps or NC-17

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