Well, as the author, I have to say that I totally agree with all the advices they give you. That's exactly what I need.
Knowing that you're working with a non-native English speaker, I think that the language-related aspect should be your first priority. This includes: grammar, spelling, syntax/awkward phrasing, correct use of vocabulary... Basically, you try to make everything sound as English (and even better, as US English) as possible - without altering the meaning the author wants to convey, of course.
Yes, definitely the areas where I need more help.
I think that it wouldn't hurt to edit the rhythm or flow if it seems that the story is weak in thoses areas. But if you feel that you maybe encroaching on the author's style, just remind the writer that what you edit of the flow and rhythm of the story is purely you Opinion and they don't have use what you suggest if they don't want to.
Not a problem for me. It's very difficult for me to write in english, so I don't have a style (except if we count "not knowing to talk in enlish" as a style). So I won't even notice if you change my style because I'm not good enough in english for these literature things (and I don't know what flow is).
For example, you might think that 'that' way of closing the scene is a little abrupt, or that the description of a character's looks is too extensive and puts the reader off... stuff like that. Then there's also checking for out-of-character-ness and consistency with canon.
Yes, that's exactly what I was talking about in my mail with part 4 when I wrote to you "Don't hesitate to tell me if there's things you don't like, or if there's things you think would be better if I wrote them differently. I can rewrite the scenes that doesn't work well."
I'd much rather have a 'problem' pointed out to me by my beta than 20 readers after I post.
How true! When I posted my first story, "A Special Relationship", I was completely terrified that there was problem in the story that the readers will point to me in mass. It wasn't beta read, so I really didn't know what kind of reaction I'll get. I was lucky, I get exactly the reactions I hoped: everyone found my fanfic very funny, and many people said to me (on the boards or by mail) that it was the funniest thing they read in a long time. That was exactly what I wanted, so I was relieved, but when I first post it, I was so terrified I cried a little because of my nerves.
So no, don't think beta reading is all just about fixing typos. Part of the fun of beta reading for me through the years has been the comments and ideas that beta readers have come up with.
In my most recent story, for example - the one I wrote for the Fundraiser disk - two major plot details belong to my beta, CC. One of her ideas resolved a problem I had with the ending and brought the entire story to life for me and the other was a funny aside that I just couldn't resist adding in.
Yes. I agree again. Actually I have an experience of this kind too. One of the first L & C fanfic I worked on (still unfinished - but that was one of my firsts ideas for fanfic - and I'm still working on it when my muse is okay with it) had majors plot problems. But I was lucky enough to have Kaethel accept to help me discuss the story. She told me she didn't have time to beta read for me, but she was willing to help me construct my story. I've sent her a very long and detailed summary of the fanfic I wanted to write - and she pointed to me everything that was wrong on the plot, and suggested many things. I kept some - I refused others. One of her suggestion even permitted me to resolve the biggest problem I had with my story (and not a little problem: how would I do with Clark persona?) She asked me too a lot of questions on things I hadn't considered. She made me really think. And because of her intervention, when I'll finish and post this story, that will be a MUCH better story than what I would have done all by myself.
you won't hold back on anything you think about the story as you read and will be entirely honest with them.
Definitely the most important thing.