How I like to approach proof reading. · 9:26am Jul 19th, 2012
[EDIT:] I've just started a new job, and I don't really have the time to be a proof reader just now. That said, you can ask, but unless I find your story really interesting, the answer will almost certainly be either a flat 'no', or 'try again in a few months'. Oh - and PS: If you came here from the proof reader list, thank you for not simply being a lazy toerag and just sending your story to the first writer you find who's still accepting! ^.^
I'm a proof reader. Or pre reader if you prefer. I have volunteered my time to try and help you get your work ready for publication. In exchange for this time, and based on some of the experiences I've had on this site over the past week alone, there are a few things I'd like to ask of you in return, and a few things that I'd like you to bare in mind:
If you want me to review your story, I'd like to know at least some of the following:
*What is your story called?
*Where is it located online?
*What genre is it?
*How long is it? / How much do you want reviewed?
*What kinds of feedback are you looking for?
*Is there anything you're particularly worried about? (Amongst other things, this is the place to mention any extremely kinky fetishes!)
*Why are you asking for me specifically? I hope it's not just because 'my name is near the top of the list'!
My areas of expertise are engineering, physics, aerospace, and the military. I can offer detailed advice in these areas. I like science fiction and fantasy, drama, mystery, and mind screws. I love character conflict. I'm quite tollerant of HiE stories, especially HMiE stories, but I've learned to dislike BiE stories, and alternative versions of Equestria. I have made exceptions in the past, and honestly believe you can make a good story out of anything though, so if you've written a wrong-context-brony story, I'd be very interested. I am British and a 14 year veteran furry so I have little problems with kinky induendo or tasteful pornography; even if it involves humans and ponies. I greatly prefer stories, or chapters of stories, that are either finished or have a preplanned plot.
However I have very little interest in homosexuality, horror, or some of the more specialised fetishes available online, and probably won't be able to give you useful feedback. If I get to a point in your story that I find particularly unpleasent, and which you have not warned me about, I may stop reading and chose not to give feedback.
And on that subject, there are a few things I'm not here for. It is not my job...
1) To get blood out of a stone. You have to give me a URL before I can look at your story. If we get to a situation where we're five and six messages in, and you haven't sent me anything, I will assume you're a time waster and block your account.
2) To catch basic problems. Before you give me the URL, you should have made a decent effort to check spelling and grammar. Spelling can be handled by Openoffice, which is free. Grammar is generally best checked by reading the work aloud, which will trick your brain into actually reading the words, instead of reading what's supposed to be there.
3) To read your mind. Tell me what kind of feedback you are looking for. Are you looking for technical advice? Canon spot check for pony characters? You're almost absolutely certain you've got everything but just want another pair of eyes to check? Be clear, or what you get back might not be useful to you.
4) To publish your story. If you don't know how to put up a chapter/story on googledocs or this site, you should work that out before PMing me.
5) To be wikipedia or google. I will help you with obscure technical information, and correct flubs, but not supply easily obtained information.
6) To be your nanny. Seriously, if you're 8 years old, then I am four times your age, and you really should not be contacting me online at all.
That said, if you think I can help you with your story, give me a PM. I don't bite. Much.
Implies to me haha
105319
This applies to people to people who were far worse than you! 
Actually no.
One thing I forgot to mention (hate not being able to edit blogs!) is that it usually take a few days to read stuff. Don't worry. Your story's still in the queue.
105328 What a minute
YOU didn't pre read my story?
SHIT SHIT SHIT I ALREADY SUBMITTED IT!
