Deliberations... help?

[SillyLady]

Ok, here’s the scoop -- I've been writing for myself (and a few friends) for quite awhile. Now a close friend (and an obvious friend of literotica) is encouraging me *publish* here.

I’ve read the FAQs related to publishing stories, and don’t feel too intimidated. However, I have a few questions:

1. How do you choose an editor… and well do you have to? Well I know you don’t have to, but should you? (I know how to use spell check, and have passed grammar 105 (four steps above the basics) I did a search here on the board, but couldn’t find a good answer to this question, so pardon the repeat.
   
2. If you publish, how many stories should you have ready… or at least have in mind? For example, have a sequel / next chapter ready?
   
3. How long should your story be? I know there’s a minimum number of words to publish, but is there a recommended length that most folks like?
   [/list=1]
   
   Thanks to all, looking forward to your honest advice.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

Ok, here’s the scoop -- I've been writing for myself (and a few friends) for quite awhile. Now a close friend (and an obvious friend of literotica) is encouraging me *publish* here.

I’ve read the FAQs related to publishing stories, and don’t feel too intimidated. However, I have a few questions:

1. How do you choose an editor… and well do you have to? Well I know you don’t have to, but should you? (I know how to use spell check, and have passed grammar 105 (four steps above the basics) I did a search here on the board, but couldn’t find a good answer to this question, so pardon the repeat.
   
2. If you publish, how many stories should you have ready… or at least have in mind? For example, have a sequel / next chapter ready?
   
3. How long should your story be? I know there’s a minimum number of words to publish, but is there a recommended length that most folks like?
   [/list=1]
   
   Thanks to all, looking forward to your honest advice.

1. 
   
   I didn't personally choose an editor and it shows in my early works. Self editing is a pain in the rear. I thankfully met several people online through the boards who help me with editing, proof reading and ideas. My understanding is the volunteer ediotrs programis outstanding.
   
   You can post one story, no need to have a back log waiting. In my personal opinion you are better off without one. You will find the Pcs and feedback will help you grow as an author and much that you wrote previously will seem to need work.
   
   Lenght isn't important, it's what you do with the words. Some of us write pure smut, with a view to staying under 2 lit pages. Some of us (myself included) are long winded, my stories running to as many as 6 lit pages. Length matters little, although some have noted a correlationbetween length and votes/views.
   
   Welcome to Lit

 

[minsue]

Ok, here’s the scoop -- I've been writing for myself (and a few friends) for quite awhile. Now a close friend (and an obvious friend of literotica) is encouraging me *publish* here.

Welcome! Be warned that I don't write, but I've an opinion on everything and lack of experience &/or knowledge has never stopped me from expressing it before so....

I’ve read the FAQs related to publishing stories, and don’t feel too intimidated. However, I have a few questions:

1. How do you choose an editor… and well do you have to? Well I know you don’t have to, but should you? (I know how to use spell check, and have passed grammar 105 (four steps above the basics) I did a search here on the board, but couldn’t find a good answer to this question, so pardon the repeat.

1. 
   
   I think having a second, unbiased eye look over your stories is a good idea, but it certainly doesn't have to be anyone from the volunteer editors or even from Lit.
   
   

   [*] If you publish, how many stories should you have ready… or at least have in mind? For example, have a sequel / next chapter ready?

   
   Sequels, I've heard tell, actually get fewer reads/votes than stand alone stories, so I don't think it's necessary to have multiples waiting in the wings before taking the plunge and submitting your story.
   
   

   [*] How long should your story be? I know there’s a minimum number of words to publish, but is there a recommended length that most folks like?

   
   Personally, I prefer longer stories. Three Lit pages minimum. The majority of the readers seem to prefer shorter ones. Write your story your way, you'll find an audience.
   [/list=1]

 

[matriarch]

What Colly said.

If you are confident that your spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting are all fine, then go ahead.

I also did not use an editor in the beginning, and only occasionally do so now. What I am more likely to do is ask a colleague writer to scan it over for me.

Some people have months and months between posting stories, others seem able to produce one every week or so. Its an entirely individual choice as to how often you submit a story.

I can't add on the length of story, whatever you are comfortable writing.

Welcome aboard, SL (I'm sorry, I cannot call you 'Silly'.......at least not until I know you better) - looking forward to reading your first submission.

Mat(riarch)

 

[Guest]

Ok, here’s the scoop -- I've been writing for myself (and a few friends) for quite awhile. Now a close friend (and an obvious friend of literotica) is encouraging me *publish* here.

I’ve read the FAQs related to publishing stories, and don’t feel too intimidated. However, I have a few questions:

1. How do you choose an editor… and well do you have to? Well I know you don’t have to, but should you? (I know how to use spell check, and have passed grammar 105 (four steps above the basics) I did a search here on the board, but couldn’t find a good answer to this question, so pardon the repeat.
   
2. If you publish, how many stories should you have ready… or at least have in mind? For example, have a sequel / next chapter ready?
   
3. How long should your story be? I know there’s a minimum number of words to publish, but is there a recommended length that most folks like?
   [/list=1]
   
   Thanks to all, looking forward to your honest advice.

1. 
   
   Hi SillyLady. Welcome, from me, to the AH.
   
   As for answers to your questions...
   
   1. I have never used the volunteer editor program. I don't mean to sound big-headed, or owt like that, but I don't think I need an editor for Lit. But, I do have a close friend who "beta-reads" all my stories for me. He just looks out for typos and other such errors. As for how you might go about finding a good one and striking up a good working relationship with one, I wouldn't know. Hopefully others might! But, quite honestly, if you think you write well enough, without the help and editing eye of another, just go for it.
      
   2. When I first began posting to Lit, I had a handful of stories already written (about a dozen), and I posted them each about two weeks apart. It isn't necessary to have prior written stories, though, you can just post them as and when you write them.
      
   3. How long is a piece of string? In my experience, I have found that most people like stories to be about one and a half to two Lit pages long. Sometimes just the one. One Lit page is the equivalent of about 3,200 words. But, it's like everything... a story's length should be governed by the story alone, not by what people might prefer. If it takes 2,000 words to tell a story, so be it. If it takes 10,000, fine. Some are much longer than that and still attract a high number of reads
      [/list=1]
      
      I hope some of that helps.
      
      Lou

 

[LadyJeanne]

Re: Re: Deliberations... help?

Hi SillyLady. Welcome, from me, to the AH.

As for answers to your questions...

1. I have never used the volunteer editor program. I don't mean to sound big-headed, or owt like that, but I don't think I need an editor for Lit. But, I do have a close friend who "beta-reads" all my stories for me. He just looks out for typos and other such errors. As for how you might go about finding a good one and striking up a good working relationship with one, I wouldn't know. Hopefully others might! But, quite honestly, if you think you write well enough, without the help and editing eye of another, just go for it.
   
2. When I first began posting to Lit, I had a handful of stories already written (about a dozen), and I posted them each about two weeks apart. It isn't necessary to have prior written stories, though, you can just post them as and when you write them.
   
3. How long is a piece of string? In my experience, I have found that most people like stories to be about one and a half to two Lit pages long. Sometimes just the one. One Lit page is the equivalent of about 3,200 words. But, it's like everything... a story's length should be governed by the story alone, not by what people might prefer. If it takes 2,000 words to tell a story, so be it. If it takes 10,000, fine. Some are much longer than that and still attract a high number of reads
   [/list=1]
   
   I hope some of that helps.
   
   Lou

1. 
   
   Everyone's already given you good answers, so I'll just add my welcome to Lit!
   
   Have fun!
   
   Oh, and if you want a review of your story before submitting, you might try posting it in the Story Feedback board. There are some great authors in there who might have some time to take a look and give you some feedback.

 

[Bridget69]

Welcome to Lit!

In terms of having someone edit your work, it all depends on how satisfied you are with your story. Personally, I don't really like the idea of having someone changing something I've written.

As for length, I find that anything between 1 to 3 pages is appropriate. I tend to lose interest if a story is longer than that.

 

[cloudy]

I just wanted to welcome you to the AH.

Everyone's pretty much answered all your questions....I don't use the volunteer editor program, but like others, have a friend or fellow author here, give it a once over fairly quickly.

There's also the Newbie Support thread, and there's tons of answers in there for all those little niggling questions that come up when you first start posting in the forums. Well, that, and some flirting, too, but that's pretty normal here.

Enjoy!

 

[rgraham666]

Ok, here’s the scoop -- I've been writing for myself (and a few friends) for quite awhile. Now a close friend (and an obvious friend of literotica) is encouraging me *publish* here.

I’ve read the FAQs related to publishing stories, and don’t feel too intimidated. However, I have a few questions:

1. How do you choose an editor… and well do you have to? Well I know you don’t have to, but should you? (I know how to use spell check, and have passed grammar 105 (four steps above the basics) I did a search here on the board, but couldn’t find a good answer to this question, so pardon the repeat.
   
2. If you publish, how many stories should you have ready… or at least have in mind? For example, have a sequel / next chapter ready?
   
3. How long should your story be? I know there’s a minimum number of words to publish, but is there a recommended length that most folks like?
   [/list=1]
   
   Thanks to all, looking forward to your honest advice.

1. 
   
   As far as an editor goes, I have a someone who writes here check my stories. She never rewrites my stuff, but she will note when something doesn't work for her. She's usually right and I very much appreciate the time and effort she takes to help me.
   
   There's no need to have a body of work. I didn't the first time I submitted a piece. That was such a pleasant experience that I had to write more.
   
   The story length is entirely up to you. Whatever it takes to tell the story you want is the right choice.
   
   So welcome to Lit. I'm looking forward to reading your stuff.

 

[CrimsonMaiden]

Just a heads up on the volunteer editors program. You might have to email 10 just to get one response and even then you might not gel with the editor who does respond.

You might be able to find a good one, but it is liable to take quite a bit of effort.

 

[SillyLady]

wow

Hey guys & gals... MERCI BEAUCOUP.... THANKS.....

(I know I'm shouting... but I really wanted y'all to hear!)

Thanks for the advice... and words of wisdom. Now to take the leap.

 

[minsue]

Re: wow

Hey guys & gals... MERCI BEAUCOUP.... THANKS.....

(I know I'm shouting... but I really wanted y'all to hear!)

Thanks for the advice... and words of wisdom. Now to take the leap.

Just don't forget to tell us when your story is up!

 

[cloudy]

Re: wow

(I know I'm shouting... but I really wanted y'all to hear!)

Someone else says "y'all" besides me!

Wait a minute - if you're in Canada, you can't possibly say it right.

 

[minsue]

Re: Re: wow

Someone else says "y'all" besides me!

Wait a minute - if you're in Canada, you can't possibly say it right.

 

[cantdog]

People do move, Cloudy.

I could live in Merida, but my Spanish would still have a German accent.

 

[minsue]

People do move, Cloudy.

I could live in Merida, but my Spanish would still have a German accent.

I just love that the Cali transplant is judging the Canadian y'all....

 

[cloudy]

People do move, Cloudy.

I could live in Merida, but my Spanish would still have a German accent.

Good point, cant.

(I'm having trouble imagining Spanish spoken with a German accent. Is it as atrocious as my Danish spoken with a southern accent )

Min: I have to plead extenuating circumstances - both my parents were born and raised in the south, so I probably would've had a little southern in my twang regardless. But, yeah, you're right.

 

[SillyLady]

Re: Re: wow

Someone else says "y'all" besides me!

Wait a minute - if you're in Canada, you can't possibly say it right.

You'd be surprised on all the accents I've collected in my travels. I've got an ear for them... or something like that. It seems that I pick them up easy, and without realising it start using the accent.

Though I will say, that when I speak French with southern accent, it doesn't sound quite right.

 

[cantdog]

I've heard French with a Southern accent. The vowels and the intonation pattern are just wrong.

German was my first foreign language, and I always have a german accent when I start learning another one. German is spoken much more forcefully than Spanish, and I catch myself using the german r, which is in the throat, and the German rolled r, even worse, because it's done with the uvula.

 

[Weird Harold]

1. How do you choose an editor… and well do you have to? Well I know you don’t have to, but should you? (I know how to use spell check, and have passed grammar 105 (four steps above the basics) I did a search here on the board, but couldn’t find a good answer to this question, so pardon the repeat.[/list=1]

1. 
   
   One point about using an editor that hasn't been made -- the more editors who look at your work the better!
   
   It's been a couple of years since I last posted a story, but with each one I have posted, I used several different editors and every editor found something the others missed and/or had a different solution or proposed correction for the things that more than one of them found.
   
   You are always the final judge of whether to accept or reject an editor's changes -- because YOU control the master copy of the story.
   
   I strongly recommend using the "reviewing tools" in MS-Word, Wordperfect, or other full-featured word processer to compare your master version to the edited versions so that you know every jot and tittle of the changes your editors and proof-readers make. (MS Word has a file compare function in the reviewing tools to combine several different versions into a single file with the differences highlighted so you can choose which version of each change to accept.
   
   Doing without a second (or third or fourth) set of eyes on your story leaves you open to seeing what you intended to type instead of what you actually DID type. Changing the font and/or font size and/or font color will help you overcome the difficulty in editing your own work but won't eliminate the problem completely.
   
   Nevertheless, whether you use no editor or ten editors, I can virtually guarantee that when you see the posted version of your story you'll spot at least one error that was missed. The question to ask is just how many errors are youwiling to submit to public scrutiny? The more eyes you have looking for errors the more that will be found and corrected before the cruel readers get ahold of your story.
   
   Also, FWIW, the Volunteer Editor program exists because many authors complained about not having any family or friends that were willing to proof-read their stories -- my daughters, for example, know I write for literotica but refuse to proof-read or edit for me because "there's no way I want to take a wlak through the fantasies of a Dirty Old Man," (in the words of my oldest daughter.)
   
   The Volunteer Editors (and/or other authors here who are willing to edit for you) are at least people who be upset or distracted by erotic content and ar also usually people who won't be afraid to hurt your feelings because they're too close to you in real life.

 

[SillyLady]

Re: Re: Deliberations... help?

One point about using an editor that hasn't been made -- the more editors who look at your work the better!

Good advice.

I strongly recommend using the "reviewing tools" in MS-Word, Wordperfect, or other full-featured word processer to compare your master version to the edited versions so that you know every jot and tittle of the changes your editors and proof-readers make.

I use this as part of my *real*job so I know all about these wonderful tools.

Nevertheless, whether you use no editor or ten editors, I can virtually guarantee that when you see the posted version of your story you'll spot at least one error that was missed.

LOL... boy do I know about that. I can't tell you how many reports, reviews etc that I've produced, and found that one error after I've sent it along to the requestor... sigh


Thanks for your advice.

 

[domjoe]

I just had to say, I just love the name "SillyLady".

 

[SillyLady]

Why thank you

I just had to say, I just love the name "SillyLady".

Thanks ... I figure it was a good fit for me... there were others, but I didn't want a name and number nickname

SL

 

[woodnymph_O]

i only have one story posted so far

so i'm no where near an expert here,but being oddly independent i wanted my first story to be accepted with no ones work on it but mine.I used all the spell and grammer help on word perfect 10 as my forum posts will reflect my story would have sucked without them lol. Maybe i will use an editor sometime in the future, i don't know yet.
anyway thats my two cents
Where's my change
Nymphy

 

[LadyCibelle]

Ok, here’s the scoop -- I've been writing for myself (and a few friends) for quite awhile. Now a close friend (and an obvious friend of literotica) is encouraging me *publish* here.

I’ve read the FAQs related to publishing stories, and don’t feel too intimidated. However, I have a few questions:

1. How do you choose an editor… and well do you have to? Well I know you don’t have to, but should you? (I know how to use spell check, and have passed grammar 105 (four steps above the basics) I did a search here on the board, but couldn’t find a good answer to this question, so pardon the repeat.
   
2. If you publish, how many stories should you have ready… or at least have in mind? For example, have a sequel / next chapter ready?
   
3. How long should your story be? I know there’s a minimum number of words to publish, but is there a recommended length that most folks like?
   [/list=1]
   
   Thanks to all, looking forward to your honest advice.

1. 
   
   
   Oooh another fellow Canadian and a Lady also Cool.
   Welcome to the AH from me to you
   
   Editing wise, I'd say it depends on you and how comfortable you are with your work. If you feel it doesn't contain mistakes and that you're pretty sure it's enjoyable then go ahead and post it without another thought about editing.
   
   If you do need an editor, look at the editor forum or even better go to the volunteer editor's page you'll find plenty of editors there and I'm pretty sure one of them will suit your need...
   
   A bit of self-service to myself here....I'm one of them