Confused about editors...???

[RandyPanda]

Hello. I've been a long time reader and just now decided to join lit and post stories.
So I've been reading up on the guide lines and it was recommended to use an editor. It went on to say - "friendly message describing your story or poem as well as what sort of editing you would like done (i.e. beta reading, grammar and structural editing, continuity, etc.)"

Well I didn't know editing could be broken up into different tasks like that. So I don't really know what I should be requesting from any potential editor. My expectations would be the editor can point out flaws in any and all areas of a given text. What normally happens? Any help guidance appreciated.

 

[MarieWriter]

Most editors want information on the story before they take on the project of editing it. Remember, it is a volunteer program. So somethings to include with your requests: Genre', i.e Loving wives, incest, non-sexual, etc.. Then the medium you have used, Microsoft word, Google docs, and a word count. THEN yes what kind of editing you might be looking for. Generally, if it is just simply editing in general, say so. The editors should have confidence that the writers have the basics down, punctuation, sentence structure basics, etc. BUT you are right, editing is to check those things. So you can be as in-depth as you want or as vague as you want with your editing needs or request.
When I was doing some VE stuff here I wanted a basic idea of what an author was looking for. I did not want to go too deep into a story if they just wanted a courtesy glance at it for "readability." A good editor should have some experience and not just run your story through the editor tab on WORD or Docs, you can do that. Good editing can make a huge difference, but basic info helps to get things going.
Good Luck- MW.

 

[RandyPanda]

Thanks for the reply Marie. The more I learn about it the more it makes sense... or rather seems common sense. A VE that is not into horror or non-con wouldn't like to edit those genres. I can also understand some authors might not appreciate somebody else fiddling with their story too much. So a discussion needs to happen first outlining the parameters of what each party is expecting and willing to do. Including, of course, an outline of the story itself.

My idea of the purpose of an editor is to make minor changes and suggestions to the text in general to make it better for readers ...to read/ understand/enjoy. Having never been through the process before I don't know what level of editing I want or need. Conversely my level of writing ability might be well below the standards of what a VE is willing to take on. With that in mind I have already submitted a short story so if I ask a VE for help in the future I can point them to that story so they can get a feel for my level.

Having said all that, I'm not a writer at all. I'm just having some fun on this forum. But like I said I do appreciate you taking the time to spell it out for me. thanks

 

[MarieWriter]

No problem, and yes, write for fun, post for fun. But keep writing! it is like most things, the more you do it, the better you get at it...
-MW