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I've been with GA for a few years now. When I first joined I would have killed to have immediately found a good beta and editor. Over time, for most things I found myself settling down and working with the same two or three incredible people over and over again. It was comfortable, and I knew I could rely on their honest opinions of my work. Flash forward to recently. While there are some damn fine editors working on site the Betas seem to have vanished. What is a Beta? Glad you asked. A beta reader is not an editor. A beta reader is just that, a second reader of a story. They look for things that an author missed or screwed up. I'm not talking spelling or punctuation primarily. A beta is the one who catches when an author changes a character's name by mistake, hasn't given the reader enough information to follow a part of a story, or will point out where an author might have gone over board with the details and is bogging his or her story down making a reader lose interest in what was happening. They help you fill in when you are lacking and cut when you went overboard. They help by asking questions while they read over the work. What did you mean here, because I didn't understand? Where did character A go, because you never mentioned them again? Would love to know what Character B does for a living. You told us a few times he goes to work but as what? Be aware you started this story from Kelly's pov but for the last chapter you switched to Dan's pov and it is the only time you have done that in twenty two chapters. Yes, a beta reader looks for the mistakes, points out where you did well, and helps an author to craft a story worthy of putting before a reader. A good beta is worth their weight in gold. Why am I explaining all this? I will be honest. I am a selfish son of a bitch who has gone looking for a beta since my usual betas have personal issues and are/continue to be unavailable. Therefore I went to the site's Gay Author's Writing Community and asked for a beta. Unfortunately, a once rich source seems to have dried up. Do you enjoy reading? Can you be honest without being offensive? Can you work well with temperamental people? Then go talk to Louis and Jo Ann. There are authors who could use your assistance. Thank you

Hi All, Usually I am all about sharing and letting people read what I am in the middle of to see if they want to help. No can do on this one. I've written a piece for the Secret Admirer Contest and am looking for help in a beta and possible editor. For those who have worked with me you know me. I am easy to get along with. I want help to make sure this is as easy to read and makes sense. If you say expand, I expand, You need less, I cut, and if you need explanations, I will do my best to explain whatever it is. Because this is a contest I can't go into detail about what the story is. I do follow the theme and therefore you know it is a romance story. Beyond that, my lips are sealed. If you decide to work with me, it means you are silent on the details as well. The story presently stands at just over nine pages, is written in word. I prefer comments and corrections. I was a teacher so the red pen means nothing to me, feel free to comment. Thanks in advance. Wayne

Im looking for a Beta reader for my newest story. Its a high school romance. The story is completed, 16 chapters 8-12 pages each (although im thinking of splitting them up differntly). Looking to post first chapter asap and about a week inbetween each next one. Mostly I'm looking for plot holes or incansistancies. Things that feel unbelievable. I prefer using google docs with a share link but if need be other arrangements can be made If we work well together i have more in the works and will probably be able to keep you busy if wanted. SAMPLE: Antonio Mancini stepped off the bus and adjusted his bag. He took a deep breath and looked up at the large brick building in front of him. It was the fifth school in three years, and yet he felt like he'd been here a hundred times. It was always the same story, ending with his expulsion and the disappointment on his Mother's face. He remembered her pleading look when he left this morning, "Just try to fit in this time Toni. Promise me, you're going to try. No fights." "It's not my fault..." "I know, it’s never your fault. Just try Antonio, we're running out of options." "Okay Mama, I'll try." "That's all I ask Bambino." He had spent all summer taking classes to catch up, the many expulsions had caused him to fall behind. His first day at Mc Greggor High coincided with the beginning of his Junior year. At first, he had been a little excited about this new chance. A chance to make friends and reinvent his reputation. But looking around at the flashy cars and preppy clothes, he began to rethink that idea. It seemed like it was going to be another year of just getting by. If he managed to last that long.

Hi all. I just wanted to say thankyou to all our new beta readers and editors who have stepped up to help our writers. I also want to highlight that being an editor/beta on GA has one simple aim, that is to assist writers to better their work. The title of editor is a free purchase from the store, and it does not mean that once purchased, one may sit back. If one has chosen to be an editor, i emplore you to step forward and volunteer to assist. Please Don't be a ghost. Our writers should be working with a team, and if there is no editor/ beta to assist, then the writer's chance of promotion is severely compromised in the long run. Please don't be a ghost editor. Step up. At the moment JL is seeking an editor/beta. Any volunteers?

Hi Members, The GA Beta/Editing process is vital. So important that many a writer simply would not be able to continue a story without our help. They say a writer writes, and an editor edits, that is true to an extent. However, I know of some writers who are able to edit, and some editors who are able to write. Of-course there might be members who disagree completely, but then that's all a matter of subjective belief, or, as some might say; opinion. Personally, I feel that if you are good at catching common grammatical and usage errors in a story, then you are the person we seek to assist us in our program. But we're not only looking for editors, we would dearly love to meet proof-readers. Many stories require a proof-read to iron out typo's and spelling errors. We won't put you through a test, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding; as long as you make your writer happy, then we're happy. Simply put - we need more. Why? Well, it's GA's Beta/Editor program, amongst many others, that sets GA apart from similar sites. The Beta/Editor program has stagnated far too long. Having said that, I would like to echo sat8997's request (one which she posted 18 months ago): If you are part of this program, would you be so kind as to drop me a PM letting me know which authors you are currently helping and in what capacity, along with whether or not you are available for any assignments. Your preferred genres would be helpful too. Also If you are not part of this program, but are interested in volunteering some time and experience feel free to PM me... We're looking for people who want to help. How do you become an editor? You can buy the title (for free), from the store. Then PM me or Joann414 and we'll add you to the list. When you have done this, you may answer an ad found in the Writing Request Subforum of the Editor’s Corner. Once you have responded to the ad, please inform me or Joann414 that you are "booked", so to speak. Tell us the name of the author, and the project title. This will help us collate who is and is not available to edit/proofread/beta. Since March 2013, the following writers have requested assistance: Authors, please PM me or Joann414 if your request was, or was not, successful. Ryan Jacobs - seeking Beta/Editor - for details see post dated 02 Mar 2013 and 11 Feb 2013 JMH - seeking Beta/Editor - for details see post dated 15 March 2013 Johnathan Colourfield - seeking Beta/Editor - for details see post dated 06 April 2013 Vaniley - seeking editor - for details see post dated 05 April 2013 Rosenkrantz - seeking Beta - for details see post dated 19 April 2013 scotty94 - seeking Beta - for details see post dated 19 April 2013 Billy Brat - seeking Editor - for details see post dated 30 April 2013 comicfan - seeking Beta - for details see post dated 15 May 2013 W_L - seeking Beta/Editor - for details see post dated 17 May 2013 scotty94 - seeking Editor - for details see post dated 24 May 2013 Thorne Wilde - seeking Editor - for details see post dated 28 May 2013 I ask for your assistance in helping out our new and established writers, and if you can, it will be greatly appreciated. You can PM me: LJH or Joann414 Look out for some exciting Beta/Editor announcements and fun in the next couple of weeks. Also, if you have any fun ideas for the program, please let us know. Hugs all

I would prefer to develop a long term working relationsip with and editor and a beta as I have several projects, but if not I still need two works that need to be looked over right now. 1. short story for a writing event. About 6K right now may go up to around 10 k Must be turned into organizers by May 1st so I need feed back before then 2. Contemporary novella 36k words. Not so strict a deadline, but would like to head to publishing within the next couple months. I'd like both read for plot, connections of characters, typos, grammar, and advice on the stories. both are complete or in last revisions. Microsoft word compatible, Track changes turned on for line edits and/or comment bubbles accepted. Story example: Rob just nodded until he realized that he was still on the phone and Steve couldn’t see the gesture. “Okay, but I’m not going to talk about Adam and Chris tonight to the media. I need to figure some things out before I show up.” Despite his personal insecurities, Rob knew his appearance at this event was important for his professional image and he needed to make sure Adam didn’t throw him under the bus. He figured that if Adam could change his plus one, then so could Rob. Now all he needed to do was to find a new date. Rob finished the call and turned to his driver. Marc’s Native American heritage—from his mother’s side— shone brightly. He would look striking at Rob’s side. His shimmering, long, black hair, dark-brown eyes, and darker skin tone would complement Rob’s shorter black hair and lighter olive skin. Rob knew that Marc wouldn’t be offended if Rob asked him on a date, but he also knew that it was finals week. Marc would probably have to go home and study. On the off chance that he would know someone who was free for the evening, Rob said, “Apparently I need to find a new date for this evening. My boyfriend went behind my back, and is bringing someone else. You wouldn’t happen to know anyone who would like to go see a movie and pretend to date a movie star for a day?” Marc’s face brightened. “I just happen to be free for the evening. I’ve finished my last final this morning. I’ve always wanted to go to a premiere.” Then his face dropped. “Jason won’t be too happy about it though.” “You’re still seeing him? I thought you guys broke up a couple weeks back.” “He did, but then he came back and wants to try working things out. Let me call and run it by him first.” “Thanks Marc, I appreciate it.” Marc drove him home where they met up with Rob’s agent. Steve arranged for a car and a suit for Marc. Soon they were on their way to the theater. He closed his eyes and flopped his head against the back of the seat. Rob tried to calm his mind and think happy thoughts, but it didn’t seem to help. He was exhausted and overwhelmed by the events of the day.