24 replies to this topic

[elwoods_gurl]

Hello all.

I am currently writing 2 Blues Brothers fics (based off the first movie), and I desperately need help.

I'm looking for a BETA.

My friend who usually BETA's my fics isn't much help, because she has yet to see Blues Brothers and I have the feeling she has no intention of seeing it in the near future. So I turn to the good people of this community.

Here's what my 2 fics are about
1. Jake/OC. So basically, it's mainly the same plot of the movie + 1 gurl. I figure at the orphanage there must have been more nuns working there. So, when Jake and Elwood go to visit the orphanage, Curtis tells them to take a nun in training with them to the church. Her name's Sarah. So she goes with them and is a pain in the ass to Jake. But by the end... well, it'll be good. This one's rated PG-13, but I might have to change it further in, but only because of language. It's a comedy/romance.
2. Elwood/OC. Everybody needs somebody to love, even Elwood. This takes place 3 months before the start of the movie, so Jake's still in jail. He’s reunited with an old childhood flame, thus romance happens. It's rated R for viole.nce, language, and brief s.exual content. Angsty romance (my specialty :wink: )

So who's up to being a BETA? I need BETA's who:

1. Are bigger fans of the movie than I. Though I'm a huge fan, I forget things easily, therefore I'm liable to make a mistake somewhere. I need someone who's a HUGE fan and knows everything in the movie by heart.
2. I make a few spelling errors.
3. Bah, I'm not the best at grammar.

So yes. Reply if you'd like to BETA it. It wouldn't hurt to have more than one BETA either.

[bbcentral]

Maybe you might want to explain what you meant by BETA. I almost moved the topic to 'merchandise', thinking you wanted a BETAMax version of the movie on video

[ChAnOoD_bLuEs]

bbcentral said:

Maybe you might want to explain what you meant by BETA. I almost moved the topic to 'merchandise', thinking you wanted a BETAMax version of the movie on video

I was thinking on the same, on the Beta video...

[elwoods_gurl]

ack, sorry.

In fanfiction terms, a BETA is someone who edits a fic for you. They tell you if you have spelling errors or any noticable mistakes.

[JakeandElwood1]

I would love to help you, but I'm not great with grammar mistakes. Actually this past year was the first year we were actually forced to learn something about it. I find it strange with what little they taught us in Elementary school then to give us huge tests on it when in high school. So if you still want my assitance I'd be glad to help if you don't mind if I might not pick up on grammar mistakes.

[elwoods_gurl]

JakeandElwood1 said:

I would love to help you, but I'm not great with grammar mistakes. Actually this past year was the first year we were actually forced to learn something about it. I find it strange with what little they taught us in Elementary school then to give us huge tests on it when in high school. So if you still want my assitance I'd be glad to help if you don't mind if I might not pick up on grammar mistakes.

Yes, I'm still interested in you BETAing my fic. But as long as you're a fan of the movie and can tell me if it does or doesn't fit with the plot, then you'll be a big help. :D

[JakeandElwood1]

Then I'll help you just send me a PM and we can go from there!! Glad I can help!!

[Jo_Pierce]

I know it's too late for this, but is there a running list of BB Betas?

Add me to the list, if you would like. I can do the first movie and SNL. Sorry - no BB2000 for me.

[TakkunEG]

I'm happy to beta any BB fic, since I'm interested in having more BB fic in my life, but have run out of decent plotbunnies lately (only 1 in progress).

I will beta for all timelines, since I have all the source material (BB, BB2000, Private, novel, Best-of DVD*). *That little bit of canon skewing that it does can work for some fics.

I will definately beta BB slashfic (and give additional hosting/listing for it on Brotherly Love, if you wish).

I prefer not to beta anything with OCs in it, but I will still consider the job (I want to help in the fight to keep OCs from wandering into Sue territory and keep canon characters from becoming grossly OOC). OCs can be good.

PM me here or IM me if I'm online (just ID yourself by forum SN at the beginning and I won't give you the third degree)

Jo_Pierce said:

I know it's too late for this, but is there a running list of BB Betas?

I don't think there's enough BB fic to warrant fandom-specificbetas. What I've done in the past is get my other bookish friends to beta for grammar-only. Anyone else in fanfic betas bigger fandoms and doesn't know this one, probably. I've never actually asked.

[Jo_Pierce]

I actually think there is some reason to warrant BB specific betas - since they will know if something is spot on, or will catch if something is way off. It's great to get someone to check grammar and spelling, but it's more important in my humble opinion to know that it's Elwood and not Jake who likes dry toast (for example). I can get passed the ocasional mispeling, but keeping things in character is even more crucial for good fanfic in my opinion.

Although there may not be fanfic writers knocking down the doors (yet?) sometimes it's nice to have a list or options for a few Betas around in a central place - like here! :D For the other (even RARER) fandom that I write, we have a forum where most of us go and check. So it's nice that this thread is here as a central station...

I like what you did - of not just offering to Beta, but letting people know WHAT you can Beta. I offered to Beta, but I can only do the Blues Brothers movie. BB2000 is just not my thing. :D

[TakkunEG]

*visibility bump*

[captjakeblues]

Dumb question: whats an OC?

[TakkunEG]

captjakeblues said:

Dumb question: whats an OC?

Original Character, one who isn't part of canon.

Mary Sue/Gary Stu, an OC who is too sooper speshul for her/his own good.

[TakkunEG]

I'd like to run an addendum to my beta offer that I've decided to accept stories with OCs. I've been reading a few stories in other fandoms with decent OCs.

[Jo_Pierce]

Ok. I've got a new fic, almost ready to post. I've never had a beta, but I probably could use one.

Anyone?

Vinnie mentioned she could. Anyone else? The more the merrier.

The story is slightly Alternate Universe. Blues Brothers 2000 never happened in this world...just like in mine.

Without Each Other
by Jo Z. Pierce
Summary: Jake is gone. Elwood's out of the joint. Can Elwood keep the music alive?



It's about 5 pages, 1600 words. I maybe can send it in PMs. Otherwise, let me know in a PM where I can send the text.

Thanks!

[TakkunEG]

I replied to your PM

[Robster]

I'd be willing to give it a go..if anyone feels they can trust me enough to be a BETA.

[Jo_Pierce]

Thanks Rob! Next piece I put together, I will pass it by you! Thanks for the offer.

The beauty of Beta readers is that everyone who reads sees something different, and can catch different errors. So the more eyes, the better!

[Harper-Chris]

Jo_Pierce said:

Ok. I've got a new fic, almost ready to post. I've never had a beta, but I probably could use one.

Anyone?

Vinnie mentioned she could. Anyone else? The more the merrier.

The story is slightly Alternate Universe. Blues Brothers 2000 never happened in this world...just like in mine.

Without Each Other
by Jo Z. Pierce
Summary: Jake is gone. Elwood's out of the joint. Can Elwood keep the music alive?



It's about 5 pages, 1600 words. I maybe can send it in PMs. Otherwise, let me know in a PM where I can send the text.

Thanks!

What about me..?!..
I´m very interested in BB fic

[Harper-Chris]

Blues Brothers 2000 never happened in this world...

...just like in mine...