Subject: Permission answers
Author:
Posted on: 2011-09-26 17:52:00 UTC
I'm not a PG, but...
1. Depends. I think it shouldn't be a NaNoWriMo sized monster of epic proportions. The sample is there to judge your style and your ability to write for the PPC.
2. Beta readers are always a good idea. There's no reason you shouldn't ask.
I'm almost done with my permission sample, and I have some questions.
1. I'm worried that it might be a bit long. Is there a recommended length for the sample pieces?
2. Am I aloud to ask someone to beta read it?
3. Can anyone beta read it for me?
Beta reading is great and all, and we always do it here gladly.
But Permission is also kind of a test of your own skills, too. Proofread it like, as superdoubleplusbest you can before you hand it to a beta reader. I'm pretty sure PGs want to judge you on your writing, not the beta reader's editing.
But that aside, I submitted a total of three pieces. Which is way overkill. I think you'll be fine.
I think I've seen a few PGs comment on permission pieces with words of the effect of "get thyself a betareader". Getting a betareader shows you respect the reader.
Though PPC authors should try to uphold the highest standards (we criticise others so people are going to point out every error we make), we don't think we are perfect. We know that one of the easiest things is to read over a typo you made yourself. PGs know this too. I doubt it is going to reflect negatively on a person if they admit to having asked someone to betaread their permission piece.
Besides, how much editing is a beta reader really going to do? I think if someone's own (unedited) writing was so bad that permission would be witheld, then there would be very few betas taking on the task of betareading the piece. Too much work for them in it.
You can find a list of available beta readers (complete with their preferred subject matter and favorite continuums) at the PPC Beta Reader Directory (http://ppc.wikia.com/wiki/PPCBetaReader_Directory.)
I'm not a PG, but...
1. Depends. I think it shouldn't be a NaNoWriMo sized monster of epic proportions. The sample is there to judge your style and your ability to write for the PPC.
2. Beta readers are always a good idea. There's no reason you shouldn't ask.