Positive Handoff and Accountability

[AsylumSeeker]

Okay, so my military blood is showing through. Not ashamed at having served my 20 years in the USAF, doing my work during conflicts and wars.

What annoys me is the lack of positive handoff and accountability.

So you're probably thinking I'm off my rocker, drunk, or worse (and might probably be right, LOL).

Seriously, what I am referring to are the requests for editors and a PM. People, a PM is PRIVATE, nobody else can see this communication! And so how are other editors to know if your request has been settled? All I am asking for is a simple post so I, as an editor, know you are either still looking or have been taken care of. A positive handoff in military terms.

From this point forward I will make the assumption that your story has received editor assistance if nothing more is said of it.

 

[snoopercharmbrights]

... What annoys me is the lack of positive handoff and accountability. ...

Why does it worry you so much? The rest of us seem to manage OK, and it never bothers me to be told "I already found an editor" in reply to a PM.

P.S. Some others of us here have also been shot at by our countries' enemies. As far as I can tell it doesn't affect our editing.

 

[sr71plt]

I'm with Snooper here. I consider all communications on editorial support just fishing/checking out until an agreement is set and a project arrives. And except for established clients I don't block out time time for a project that hasn't arrived. For all others, if I no longer have an open window when they are ready to send material, that's too bad.

 

[_Lynn_]

If there are no replies to an initial request for editing help, I assume the OP will bump their own thread. Otherwise I figure they found someone to work with them.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

If there are no replies to an initial request for editing help, I assume the OP will bump their own thread. Otherwise I figure they found someone to work with them.

Okay, good thoughts on all sides. Perhaps I am being a bit demanding, LOL. Points taken.

 

[bronzeage]

Okay, good thoughts on all sides. Perhaps I am being a bit demanding, LOL. Points taken.

Not really that demanding.

If a person creates a thread to request an editor, its a courtesy to the rest of us to simply make another post to say one has been found.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

My thought as well, but apparenrly not the same as the "editor" body.

 

[_Lynn_]

Not really that demanding.

If a person creates a thread to request an editor, its a courtesy to the rest of us to simply make another post to say one has been found.

My thought as well, but apparenrly not the same as the "editor" body.

The forums can be a little overwhelming, and asking for help isn't easy for some people.

Considering many who ask for editing help are newbies, how are they supposed to know the 'preferred' way to go about posting here?

How many of those asking for help are first-time writers and never come back to Lit?

Just because Lit has guidelines, how many people read all of them before they ever post?

 

[AsylumSeeker]

The forums can be a little overwhelming, and asking for help isn't easy for some people.

Considering many who ask for editing help are newbies, how are they supposed to know the 'preferred' way to go about posting here?

How many of those asking for help are first-time writers and never come back to Lit?

Just because Lit has guidelines, how many people read all of them before they ever post?

This is why there needs to be a Weclome Mat, a place the newbies can wipe off their feet, leaving behind their inadequacies, and learn the rules.

But of course this idea was shot down eons ago by another. So be it.

 

[driphoney]

This is why there needs to be a Weclome Mat, a place the newbies can wipe off their feet, leaving behind their inadequacies, and learn the rules.

But of course this idea was shot down eons ago by another. So be it.

While a Welcome Mat would be nice, you're still assuming that newbies would find it and then hang-out while learning ropes they don't even know they must climb. If you have time to hang around giving newbie advice, why are you upset over sending one pm asking if the newbie has found the (or many) editor(s) they're looking for?

 

[sr71plt]

I seriously doubt there are going to be any enhancements to the official editorial help on this site. Such as there ever was, along with other once-existing systems (e.g., organizated reviews of the new list daily), have gone dormant. The Volunteer Editor program is a shambles and more of a mine field than an aid.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

While a Welcome Mat would be nice, you're still assuming that newbies would find it and then hang-out while learning ropes they don't even know they must climb. If you have time to hang around giving newbie advice, why are you upset over sending one pm asking if the newbie has found the (or many) editor(s) they're looking for?

You would have to extend hope that in a new environment, a Welcome Mat might attract them. Sort of like a fly trap. But then I am assuming again.

I seriously doubt there are going to be any enhancements to the official editorial help on this site. Such as there ever was, along with other once-existing systems (e.g., organizated reviews of the new list daily), have gone dormant. The Volunteer Editor program is a shambles and more of a mine field than an aid.

Of course there won't be enhancements. It is what it is. We make it work, for better or worse. My intention was just to streamline it a bit, and to make some conversation other than to read requests for editors.

Mission accomplished.

 

[Raisa_Greywood]

I agree - it's always nice to see an update. Either a "I found a great editor to help me" or a 'still looking" sort of update. I've made it a point not to look at editing requests more than a week old. If the post isn't updated, I assume the writer's been helped.

And for the most part, I'll only respond to the "editor wanted" threads if the plot description interests me. I'll do the cold calls if I have time, regardless of category.

Bella

And while we're on "annoying author tricks", I would love to see some feedback from authors I edit for. I don't need a glowing dedication at the beginning (although I won't turn it down!) but a quick "Thanks, my story's been posted" is awesome.

 

[GrumpyGamby]

mentor instead of editor?

What if you wonderfully experienced writers, editors and others associated with this site posted a thread offering to mentor newbies. Perhaps or perhaps not, the relationship might include editing. But as a newbie myself, I've had a lot of questions and have ended up, through luck, finding someone I can send a PM to for a quick answer to what is probably a dumb question, but typical for many newbies; even those who have read the FAQs and searched unsuccessfully for the answer.

Those with patience and fortitude may identify themselves as available to mentor. Once mentoring has sufficiently progressed, the mentee then agrees to return the favor to another newbie.

I have been helped tremendously by Darkniciad. Last night I got an email from a new author asking some typical questions.

Just a thought...

GG

 

[_Lynn_]

What if you wonderfully experienced writers, editors and others associated with this site posted a thread offering to mentor newbies. Perhaps or perhaps not, the relationship might include editing. But as a newbie myself, I've had a lot of questions and have ended up, through luck, finding someone I can send a PM to for a quick answer to what is probably a dumb question, but typical for many newbies; even those who have read the FAQs and searched unsuccessfully for the answer.

Those with patience and fortitude may identify themselves as available to mentor. Once mentoring has sufficiently progressed, the mentee then agrees to return the favor to another newbie.

I have been helped tremendously by Darkniciad. Last night I got an email from a new author asking some typical questions.

Just a thought...

GG

Or people can post editing questions here in the EF.

While your idea sounds good, I have to wonder who would decide if someone has the experience and knowledge to mentor another. Asking general spelling or punctuation questions isn't the same as needing full writing or editing advice. And because someone says they know the answers, are they giving the correct ones or what they think are right?

Just a thought.

 

[bronzeage]

The forums can be a little overwhelming, and asking for help isn't easy for some people.

Considering many who ask for editing help are newbies, how are they supposed to know the 'preferred' way to go about posting here?

How many of those asking for help are first-time writers and never come back to Lit?

Just because Lit has guidelines, how many people read all of them before they ever post?

We do what we can. I don't know if there is a preferred way to find an editor.

Most of my editing jobs come from people who saw my post in the available editors thread. Of those, only a few have submitted stories which were accepted.

Everyone has at least one erotic story in their head and many people have only one. I hope we do not discourage anyone, but editing is time consuming. When a person offers help, it's common courtesy not to waste that time.

 

[_Lynn_]

We do what we can. I don't know if there is a preferred way to find an editor.

Most of my editing jobs come from people who saw my post in the available editors thread. Of those, only a few have submitted stories which were accepted.

Everyone has at least one erotic story in their head and many people have only one. I hope we do not discourage anyone, but editing is time consuming. When a person offers help, it's common courtesy not to waste that time.

The available editors thread is where I direct people as well. And you're right about editing. It is time consuming. Editing can take more time to do than the person spent on writing the story after adding comments and explanations along with notes and tips for improving.

 

[GrumpyGamby]

Or people can post editing questions here in the EF.

While your idea sounds good, I have to wonder who would decide if someone has the experience and knowledge to mentor another. Asking general spelling or punctuation questions isn't the same as needing full writing or editing advice. And because someone says they know the answers, are they giving the correct ones or what they think are right?

Just a thought.

And a good thought at that. How would a newbie know any editor knew what they were talking about for that matter. Just because someone raises their hand doesn't mean they're really cut out for the job.

I would guess the same standard would apply for mentors.

When I was posting my first story I had a bunch of questions, not related to punctuation or verb tense, a few of which I posted here. I combed through these threads and others trying to find my way around. In doing so, I saw a lot of newbie questions posted in various places and also saw some flip, borderline rude, or completely missing the point of the question answers. When newbies see posts directed to other newbies that are condescending it tends to shut down the feeling of being free enough to ask a dumb question.

I ended up finding someone who was kind, patient and responsive and simply went to him for the rest. Unofficially, he became a sort of mentor. And when someone asks me a question and I don't know the answer, or I'm not sure, I always say "I don't know" or "I'm not sure." Not terribly tricky to do.

I guess the point I'm really trying to make here is that the people who answer the posted questions, whether in this forum or another, are generally very kind and patient. But not all. And it is those few who keep people like me from participating more fully.

This thread and others, for instance, are clear demonstrations of dissatisfaction and impatience about dealing with newbies. SO you tell me, where can a newbie find answers to questions about submitting and authoring and posting and writing, with out being made to feel a fool?

 

[_Lynn_]

And a good thought at that. How would a newbie know any editor knew what they were talking about for that matter. Just because someone raises their hand doesn't mean they're really cut out for the job.

I would guess the same standard would apply for mentors.

When I was posting my first story I had a bunch of questions, not related to punctuation or verb tense, a few of which I posted here. I combed through these threads and others trying to find my way around. In doing so, I saw a lot of newbie questions posted in various places and also saw some flip, borderline rude, or completely missing the point of the question answers. When newbies see posts directed to other newbies that are condescending it tends to shut down the feeling of being free enough to ask a dumb question.

I ended up finding someone who was kind, patient and responsive and simply went to him for the rest. Unofficially, he became a sort of mentor. And when someone asks me a question and I don't know the answer, or I'm not sure, I always say "I don't know" or "I'm not sure." Not terribly tricky to do.

I guess the point I'm really trying to make here is that the people who answer the posted questions, whether in this forum or another, are generally very kind and patient. But not all. And it is those few who keep people like me from participating more fully.

This thread and others, for instance, are clear demonstrations of dissatisfaction and impatience about dealing with newbies. SO you tell me, where can a newbie find answers to questions about submitting and authoring and posting and writing, with out being made to feel a fool?

You have a point, and did the first time. I didn't deny that.

It wasn't all that long ago I was the newbie. Three years is all I've been writing. I posted in the AH and learned by watching how others replied. The first year I was a VE I replied to requests here from authors looking for help. But I still watched other threads to learn more myself. The Story Feedback forum had good information then and I read it daily, later participating as well.

By observing I found who I could approach. Even back then. If a newbie is serious about learning, they can scour the threads for help. No one sees a person lurking.

Writerly threads come and go. But the AH has a library thread that's a stickie so it never leaves the first page. To be honest I have not looked there for a while so I cannot even say what's in it anymore.

Lit could put 100 Q&A's in a brand new forum for newbies and there would still be things they miss. And there would still be newbies who don't see it and ask questions in a forum.

Don't let the few win. There will always be someone who isn't patient. Ignore them and join in with the majority who are. Post to threads where you see people you're comfortable with. With this many people on a forum, you'll find all moods. And not everyone has the same mood each day. Just like in life.

So next time you have one of those questions? I dare you to PM me.

 

[bronzeage]

And a good thought at that. How would a newbie know any editor knew what they were talking about for that matter. Just because someone raises their hand doesn't mean they're really cut out for the job.

I would guess the same standard would apply for mentors.

...
I guess the point I'm really trying to make here is that the people who answer the posted questions, whether in this forum or another, are generally very kind and patient. But not all. And it is those few who keep people like me from participating more fully.

This thread and others, for instance, are clear demonstrations of dissatisfaction and impatience about dealing with newbies. SO you tell me, where can a newbie find answers to questions about submitting and authoring and posting and writing, with out being made to feel a fool?

I don't think this thread is a clear demonstration of dissatisfaction or impatience with newbies or anyone else.

I prefer to work with one writer at a time, but I have yet to turn someone away. I am fortunate in that I know exactly how many hours a week are free for editing work. I always have time to answer a question.

As for knowing if any particular editor knows what they are doing, it is easy to tell by their product. I can't lay an egg, but I know a rotten one before I get a fork full in my mouth.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

What if you wonderfully experienced writers, editors and others associated with this site posted a thread offering to mentor newbies.GG

Mentoring is a time-consuming process. Don't get me wrong, it can be a realtionship that can be very rewarding for both parties. But it requires frequent communication and, again, time. When done correctly it is not taken lightly.

As much as I enjoy mentoring, I simply do not have the time to devote to this cause to do it justice. Although retired military my paltry pay only supplements another full-time income. I also enjoy writing and editing, which consumes what little time remains.

That being said, GG, I'd be willing to make an attempt to mentor you, since you've asked, with time being a limitation. If you can work within these constraints I'll do what I can.

All I ask is that you first familiarize yourself with my writing style, as I will naturally mentor you in this style. If this style does not meet your writing pursuits, then we may not be a good match.

I'll provide a link to my stories, just sample a few at your leisure. Let me know.

http://www.literotica.com/stories/memberpage.php?uid=479657&page=submissions

PM me if interested.

Others reading this thread seeking mentors, no promises. While the need is there and I would love to help everyone, I simply cannot afford the time.

 

[snoopercharmbrights]

One other place to look, and to get some idea of which editors are considered good is here.