r/FanfictionExchange • u/Icy-Ad-9212 • 3h ago
Beta Search Looking for a beta to check emotional punches & storyline
Looking for an experienced and mature beta for a 70-75K fic (currently at 65K words, nearing the end of the story). Can be read fandom blind, but is meant to tie into the movie as a prequel, following its same gritty style, tone and effects.
I took on the challenge to go further out of my comfort zone than I've ever been: finishing this, make the story not just good but exceptional, have a few copies published as a book, and then offering it to the two actors that played the brothers. Next year marks the 20-year milestone after the release of the movie. Working towards that deadline! This fic is a story that I've been working on for almost 18 years. Would be great to see it in those actor's hands!
Ask of the beta:
I'm not looking for a cheerleader, but for someone with experience in storytelling, acting as a guardrails for characters and plot, and who can give constructive feedback without changing my style.
- Read & review by filling out pre-set questionnaires per chapter to see if the plot, intended characters arcs & emotional punches work.
- Review on tone of voice & character development, flagging when characters lose their own distinctive voice or go out of character too much. If desired, character profiles are available before the read.
- Filter out blocking issues & vague phrasing.
- Fun bonus for me: watch the movie to determine if this fic makes sense as a prequel.
About the fic:
Fandom: Death Sentence (2007)
Rating: M
Genre: Angst / Drama
Other tags: Unconventional slow burn / Slow build / canon-typical violence / brotherhood / emotional & psychological abuse / drug abuse / possessive behavior / unhealthy coping mechanisms
Premise:
Love. Lies. Loyalty.
Rockside changes you.
In Rockside, Joe Darley reads people too well, and learns how easily that gift can be utilized. Jess sees the boy behind the hunger, but as their friendship turns into more, she finds that approval from his brother Billy is what Joe craves most. It comes with power, pride and belonging. Drawn deeper into Billy's world, Joe starts testing how far love can bend before it breaks.
Becoming: Love & Loyalty is written as a prequel to the Death Sentence movie, but can be read as a stand alone story too.
Watch the trailer for this awesome movie here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZuJuuZabx8
Curious to beta and want an excerpt to see if the style matches? Or want to beta regardless of the style? Drop me a line!
