Perfect Imagination

Can I register more than one account?

No. Please only register one account per individual. Registering more than one account per individual results in a breach in our terms of service and may result in disciplinary action.

Do I need to register an account to apply to become a beta reader?

Yes. Please go to our registration page to register an account.

How do I become a beta reader?

To become a beta reader you must register with the site. Once your registration has been confirmed you should go to your account and request a test. You must pass the test with 80% or more to become a beta reader for Perfect Imagination.

How do I delete my account?

Please contact the administrators, who will delete your account for you.

How do I get hold of the entry test?

After you have registered, go to your account and select "Request a Test". A test will then be sent to the email address you have provided.

How long do I have to complete the test?

You have one month to complete the test from receiving it. You can view the time left before your application is deleted in your account.

How long will it take to mark my test?

We have a team of people marking tests as they arrive. You should receive your mark within ten working days, although this is not a guarantee. If you are concerned that your test may have gone astray then please contact us.

I am trying to register with an AOL email address but it is not working. What is the problem?

Delivery of emails to AOL addresses often fails. Please use an alternative email address when registering with Perfect Imagination.

I did not pass the entry test. Can I retake it?

A new test is published every quarter. When a new test is published the system will allow you to request another test. You can only attempt the test once in every session. Please note the valid to/from dates on the test document.

I have been asked to confirm my account. Where do I find my confirmation code?

Your registration details and confirmation code will be sent to the email address you provided on registration. If you are having difficulties please contact the administrators for assistance.

I have different usernames in different fandoms. Should I register with each one?

No. Please choose one username to register with. You can list alternative usernames in different fandoms in the "Biography" section of your general profile.

I have had marks deducted for my application, why?

Marks are deducted for inserting errors into the test text and/or for dramatic re-writing of the test passage in a way that the marker believes has an impact on the inherant writing style.

You will receive more information in your mentoring email.

I have received the test. How do I show my changes?

Please use the method that you feel most comfortable with. Some people use the "Track Changes" feature available in Word while others may highlight their changes with the highlighter tool. In any situation our test markers will be looking hard for the corrections you have made.

I have requested a test, but it has not arrived at my email account. What should I do?

You can either request an additional copy in the "Request a Test" section of your account, or contact the administrators for another copy of the test.

I passed the Perfect Imagination entry test. What happens next?

Congratulations! You can now add beta profiles to your account by going to your account and pressing the "Add a Profile" link.

I want to make a complaint about quality of a beta reader's work/my beta reader's conduct/the site in general. What should I do?

Please <a href="/ContactUs/">contact the admins</a> providing full details of your complaint. We will quickly investigate the issue and implement disciplinary actions where necessary.

Is there a minimum number of profiles that I must have listed on the site?

Yes. You must have a profile in at least one fandom. People who pass the test but do not list a profile are deleted on a regular basis.

My account has been deleted because my account remained inactive for too long. Can I re-apply?

You can re-apply once after an account has been deleted in any given year. If your account is deleted a second time, for any reason, then Perfect Imagination retains the right to refuse any and all future applications.

My account was deleted because I failed to reply to a preliminary email on time. Can I re-apply?

Perfect Imagination retains the right to refuse any and all future applications from beta readers who have been deleted due to their failure to respond to a preliminary.

We will consider re-applications on a case-by-case basis.

What are the definitions of cheating?

Cheating is defined as taking the test more than once in a given test period. By attempting the test more than once you have an unfair advantage over other applicants. Collaborating with a partner or an existing beta reader is also considered cheating. Tests must be attempted by individuals, not by consensus.

Punishment for cheating in any form is a ban from applying to be an official beta reader. Any applications made by an individual who is deemed to have cheated previously will be deleted.

Applicants suspected of cheating will be informed and given twenty-four hours to contest the allegation before account deletion occurs. "I did not know it was cheating." is not a valid defence.

What is a beta reader?

A beta reader is a person who looks over your work and corrects grammatical and technical mistakes. Additionally, they may make suggestions with regards the writing content and style.

A beta reader should not re-write a piece of work to suit their own style.

What is a mentor?

A mentor is a member of the Perfect Imagination team who has volunteered to help you with any questions or problems you may have once you have received your test results.

What is my username?

Your username is the name by which you will be known throughout Perfect Imagination. It must be at least five characters long, and must use only letters and numbers. All other characters will not be accepted.

Where should I return the completed test?

Please save your file in .doc or .rtf format and return it to the address show in the instructions at the top of the test document.

Why do I have to take a test?

Perfect Imagination tests all applicants to ensure that they are able to provide a skilled editing service.

Why do I need to enter my date of birth when registering?

The date of birth is for our records only. The option to show or hide your age in your general profile is available to you to help maintain your privacy. Please note that entering an incorrect date of birth on registration or changing your date of birth to an incorrect date once registered is a breach in our terms of service and will result in a ban.

You used to offer accreditation without being listed in the directory. Why has this closed, and will it be opened again?

When the site expanded into a multi-fandom resource we closed down separate accreditation permanently. This was because we do not have the resources to maintain a separate database, or to conduct so much testing.

Only beta readers who are listed in the directory will receive an accreditation certificate.