Question about using Volunteer Editors

[Hisscarlett]

I am still relatively new here and have only just plucked up the courage to ask an Editor to look at an unsubmitted piece of writing this past week. I sent it to him yesterday.

I was wondering is it wrong to ask someone else to edit another piece or is it best to stay with the one Editor?

I don't want to be presumptuous and try to overload someone, because I know it is a voluntary role, or to offend them by asking someone else.

I am just asking for advice on the protocol really I suppose.

Thank you
scarlett

 

[Dreamthiev]

I don't think there's anything wrong with using multiple editors, just make sure you make it clear to them that you are. Some might object, some won't. If they object you'll have to decide if you want to just stick with that one editor, or go with the editor(s) that don't object instead.

 

[snoopercharmbrights]

... I was wondering is it wrong to ask someone else to edit another piece or is it best to stay with the one Editor? ...

I believe most authors use more than one editor for different stories. Some authors use more than one editor for the same story simultaneously.

In the latter case it is polite to tell the editors that you are using multiple editors simultaneously, on the principle that "two heads are better than one". Of course, the author then faces the problem of what to do when the editors' comments clash.

If a VE doesn't like it, well, authors are volunteers also.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

Good Question

I am still relatively new here and have only just plucked up the courage to ask an Editor to look at an unsubmitted piece of writing this past week. I sent it to him yesterday.

I was wondering is it wrong to ask someone else to edit another piece or is it best to stay with the one Editor?

I don't want to be presumptuous and try to overload someone, because I know it is a voluntary role, or to offend them by asking someone else.

I am just asking for advice on the protocol really I suppose.

Thank you
scarlett

I would suggest that open and honest communication with your editor would be best (that's just my humble opinion). If you submit an edited piece to another editor I don't see that as a problem and no editor should, upon learning such an event has taken place, be critical of it.

We're tools in the shed. Some sharper than others, I'll admit. Use one, put us away, and grab another. Our intent is to help writers. The "hoe" isn't jealous of the "scythe", atleast I don't think, lol.

Of course the opposite could exist, kidding.

 

[snoopercharmbrights]

... The "hoe" isn't jealous of the "scythe", at least I don't think, ...

In my experience ho's can get very jealous ...

 

[AchtungNight]

A lot depends on the needs of your stories and scheduling. You can get an established relationship with one editor and that is good, but then things may come up in their lives and you may have to seek another. Contests, the editor's own writings, family- many things may conflict. You may also want to have multiple perspectives on certain stories that are unusual or controversial. Whatever you do, I agree you should let your regular editors know about it. Good luck.

 

[Hisscarlett]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I have just had a piece returned by the first VE I have ever worked with (thank you Asylum Seeker!) and am really pleased with his comments and corrections.

I just don't want to overload someone with lots of writing as there are times when I write non stop for days and other times when I cannot string two words together!

Thanks for the advice

 

[AsylumSeeker]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I have just had a piece returned by the first VE I have ever worked with (thank you Asylum Seeker!) and am really pleased with his comments and corrections.

I just don't want to overload someone with lots of writing as there are times when I write non stop for days and other times when I cannot string two words together!

Thanks for the advice

Damn, the secret's out. I went to great trouble to disguise this fact in an earlier post. Oh well (just kidding HS)

 

[AsylumSeeker]

In my experience ho's can get very jealous ...

Yes, tis true. Ball-scratchers they can be, and not in a good way. Claws can dig in deep. There's a story there... hmmm.

 

[kbate]

Hell, I used to turn most of my VE work over to other VEs. Saved me hours of time and I got the credit for the finished works. I could edit 8 a day and still have time to watch Oprah, Ellen and Judge Judy.

*Not really, but it makes a good scandal for Lady C to scold me about.

**Yes, I am aware my blurb about being scolded contains improper grammar.

 

[sr71plt]

*Not really, but it makes a good scandal for Lady C to scold me about.

Don't hold your breath. I'm sure I'm the only one in "Lady" C's stale vitrol sights.

 

[LadyCibelle]

Hell, I used to turn most of my VE work over to other VEs. Saved me hours of time and I got the credit for the finished works. I could edit 8 a day and still have time to watch Oprah, Ellen and Judge Judy.

*Not really, but it makes a good scandal for Lady C to scold me about.

**Yes, I am aware my blurb about being scolded contains improper grammar.

Nope, won't happen, K

Like you too much to scold you about anything. How's the baby going?

 

[CopyCarver]

Hell, I used to turn most of my VE work over to other VEs. Saved me hours of time and I got the credit for the finished works. I could edit 8 a day and still have time to watch Oprah, Ellen and Judge Judy.

*Not really, but it makes a good scandal for Lady C to scold me about.

**Yes, I am aware my blurb about being scolded contains improper grammar.

Dangling prepositions are a construction error up with which Sir Winston will not put...but he probably isn't in any condition to give you much backchat.