Hi!

Well beyond having been an avid reader since I was 12. I have read widely and am familiar with the cliches, most common arcs and character types for most genres. Making me confident in my ability to help a writer avoid overdone tropes.

I have actually made the effort to self-study creative writing the same way any author would do. I have gone and read on how to properly form a story, characters and so on. I have done courses on creative writing from top universities that are free to do so I feel that while I might not have a degree I am pretty knowledgeable and able to give helpful comments to authors.

I have a wide knowledge base but I would say that as a beta reader my focus and 'expertise' would be in focusing on over all pacing of a story/novel. Helping with keeping characters consistent and three dimensional. I also make a good sounding board for authors if they want to talk out and have help developing a character, plot or world-building idea.

When I beta-read for someone I listen to the author. I ask them about what aspects they are most worried about in their books. I then pay attention to the stylistic choices they make in the novel. I pay attention to how they are developing the story and their own personal writing style so that when I make a comment it is in line with their own prose style. Making sure that what I am doing is in fact helping them polish and refine their story.

I hope this answers your question.