When I beta, I pretty much point out anything I notice. Some of it's grammar, some of it's phrasing or characterization or plotting... some of it is off-the-wall "hey, that reminds me of..." stuff. But if I point out something that I think should be changed, I'll say so, and I always try to have an alternate suggestion -- just to illustrate what I'm trying to say. At no point do I assume that the author *must* do what I say or it means they don't love me anymore goofy

One thing I noticed in this thread...

Quote
Should I edit for rhythm and flow as well, or would that be encroaching on the author's style?
Definitely point it out and make suggestions. "I love what you're going for here, but I think maybe it would work better if you arranged it *this* way instead..." You'll quickly get an idea of whether your suggestions are helpful to a particular author.

But definitely don't just go ahead and change it. Which probably isn't what you meant, but I thought I'd make sure smile

PJ

"You told me you weren't like other men," she said, shaking her head at him when the storm of laughter had passed.
He grinned at her - a goofy, Clark Kent kind of a grin. "I have a gift for understatement."
"You can say that again," she told him.
"I have a...."
"Oh, shut up."

--Stardust, Caroline K