Editing étiquette

[namelessflame]

A question about finding an editor: is it appropriate to ask a an author to be an editor?

My first piece is in progress, and I'm struggling. I can't make it appeal to both genders, and maybe it doesn't pay enough attention to detail. But I can't find an editor interested in my topic who wants to help with anything but grammar. There's a writer whose work I really idolize. . . .

So, my question to you seasoned authors:
Would it bug you if someone asked for your help editing content? Would you be flattered or feel pestered? Any notes on etiquette?

 

[sr71plt]

I think that's on of the best ways to get at least a second read of your story. Pick out an author with similar stories to yours whose stories you think are well done, and ask them if they'll give your story a read and give whatever advice you'd like to have on it.

 

[TE999]

A question about finding an editor: is it appropriate to ask a an author to be an editor?

My first piece is in progress, and I'm struggling. I can't make it appeal to both genders, and maybe it doesn't pay enough attention to detail. But I can't find an editor interested in my topic who wants to help with anything but grammar. There's a writer whose work I really idolize. . . .

So, my question to you seasoned authors:
Would it bug you if someone asked for your help editing content? Would you be flattered or feel pestered? Any notes on etiquette?

I have been asked to take a look at folks stories before and didn't mind it in the least. I was where you are at one time and others here on the site helped me with my first stories, so I have no trouble reciprocating.

 

[Noira]

I figure people are smart cookies who can figure out grammar and spelling themselves. Granted, yes, I tell them how to fix their grammar but mostly I generally tear through the story and characters and pacing and suchnot. I'm extremely busy at the moment but if it's a short story, feel free to jab me. Repeatedly. What's your topic? Anyway, PMs are on if you want.



And as an author I have been asked many, many, many times to edit for people. Not HERE specifically, but other sites. I think it's common enough that most authors would be flattered, even if they say no.

 

[Boxlicker101]

A question about finding an editor: is it appropriate to ask a an author to be an editor?

My first piece is in progress, and I'm struggling. I can't make it appeal to both genders, and maybe it doesn't pay enough attention to detail. But I can't find an editor interested in my topic who wants to help with anything but grammar. There's a writer whose work I really idolize. . . .

So, my question to you seasoned authors:
Would it bug you if someone asked for your help editing content? Would you be flattered or feel pestered? Any notes on etiquette?

Most authors would be glad to help out, but a word of caution: Don't expect somebody to rewrite it for you. Editors will correct grammar and spelling and make changes in sentence structure or, at least, advise you on changes. However, it will remain your work, and they won't make any major changes. Editor/authors might point out a loose end you have left, but they won't tie it up.

 

[Noira]

Yes, that's right. Expect that if you ask someone to help you with plot, structure, characterization... that you will have rewriting to do. I won't even fix sentence structure. I send back notes and suggestions and make people do the work themselves.

Expect to get notes on how you can tighten things up, but be prepared to do all of the work yourself once you have that advice. If someone starts rewriting for you, run away! It's important that you find your voice, and that you learn how to do it right with experience.

 

[SamScribble]

Editing is a strange business. I know; it’s what I do in another life.

Some people want their editor to tidy up their spelling and their grammar. Some people want their editors to help them say what the want to say. And some people want their editors to help them work out what they want to say – and then, possibly, help them do the other stuff as well.

With a bit of to and fro, most issues can be sorted. But I sometimes think the most important decision for a new writer is: what help do you really want? What help do you really need?

If you know of a writer whose work you like – and if you think a discussion with that writer will help you with your own writing – just drop them a note. Start a discussion. That might be all you need. And, if you need more than that, you may find you have two heads on the case rather than just one.

Good luck.

 

[talismania]

I think a polite request is a wonderful way to interest an author. Right off the bat you indicate a respect for their work and their time. Time is something writers, just like any other professional, cherish and most of us are cautious in taking on something that will place demands on our time. If someone dropped me a note, I would probably ask to look at the piece before making a decision, but I certainly would consider the request.

Also, writers know editors. We use them ourselves and develop a circle of beta readers. If the writer cannot help you, he or she may be able to suggest someone who can.

 

[Firebrain]

I agree -- I'd send a polite request. If you have a look on the editor's forum, lots of us edit for more than technical issues.

Also, I wouldn't worry about your work appealing to both genders. Some of the most popular stories on Lit are specifically appealing to one gender over the other; they're all about the wish fulfillment. Get that right and you'll be ok.

 

[sadangel]

I would suggest letting any potential editor know what genre you are writing in right off the bat. Many will not want to edit incest/taboo, or perhaps gay/lesbian. Some don't want to edit the "How to" or essays. By telling them in the initial contact what genre, you can get a clearer answer because of the information you have. Perhaps consider telling them ahead of time what you are looking for in an editor. Some one to correct spelling/grammar; someone to do a line by line edit; someone to be honest about your work.

If you're wanting hand-holding and to be told it's good, when it has a lot of work...don't expect that from some of the ones that do a large amount of editing in addition to their own writing. Don't waste their time--or yours.

 

[evanslily]

A question about finding an editor: is it appropriate to ask a an author to be an editor?

My first piece is in progress, and I'm struggling. I can't make it appeal to both genders, and maybe it doesn't pay enough attention to detail. But I can't find an editor interested in my topic who wants to help with anything but grammar. There's a writer whose work I really idolize. . . .

So, my question to you seasoned authors:
Would it bug you if someone asked for your help editing content? Would you be flattered or feel pestered? Any notes on etiquette?

Well, if you don't ask... The worst that can happen is that whoever you pick says 'no' or simply ignores your request (which is probably worse, come to think about it).

But the thing that struck me reading your post was that line about making it appeal to both genders. Well, who says it has to? One of the wonderful things about Literotica (and you'll discover there are many) is that you can write the story you want to write - and other people actually like it too. Don't try too hard to write the story you think other people will want to read. Write what you want to write!

Good luck with finding an editor.

 

[estragon]

Never Up, Never In

As the golfers say. So ask. However, please do not do as one author asked of me. Do not send every story you ever wrote and ask for copy editing; authors have their own work to do. And if by some fortunate chance your author agrees and does edit, please give an acknowledgment. I copyedited three stories for an author who didn't bother to say thank you until I called her on it. If you want to make sure an author never acknowledges your existence again, just do as that author did.

 

[PennLady]

First, I would check the monthly sticky to see who's available for editing, and as someone else suggested, check their work to see if it might be a good fit. Even if they aren't in the same genre, you may like their style.

Second, send a polite request via PM, Feedback link or the Volunteer Editor program (if they are part of that). It helps to know which genre you're writing in, how long it is, and when you need it back. If an author has specified they do not edit certain genres, don't ask them to break that.

I'd think most authors would be flattered to be asked to edit, although they may not have the time or experience or inclination. In those cases, they should be the one to return a prompt, polite response.

 

[_Lynn_]

As the golfers say. So ask. However, please do not do as one author asked of me. Do not send every story you ever wrote and ask for copy editing; authors have their own work to do. And if by some fortunate chance your author agrees and does edit, please give an acknowledgment. I copyedited three stories for an author who didn't bother to say thank you until I called her on it. If you want to make sure an author never acknowledges your existence again, just do as that author did.

However, before acknowledging an author somewhere in a submission, be sure to ask permission. Not everyone wants his or her name mentioned.

 

[sr71plt]

However, before acknowledging an author somewhere in a submission, be sure to ask permission. Not everyone wants his or her name mentioned.

Nope, I certainly don't--especially on Literotica. Not unless I'm the last one to see the work before it gets published. When I edit, I'm only pointing to issues I see and giving possible alternatives. It's the author's work, and they are responsible for considering whatever I suggest, making up their minds, cleaning it up to their satisfaction, and pushing the button. In the mainstream world, they also have to satisfy a publisher (who I'd also be working for), but at Lit.? Not so much.

I've looked at a whole lot of stories at Lit. where the editor is thanked and the text is a mess. Who's to say whose fault that is? The reader will naturally think it's the editor, "who should have fixed it." But if it's the author who had the text last and who submitted it, who's to say what they took from the editor and what they didn't?

 

[Firebrain]

However, before acknowledging an author somewhere in a submission, be sure to ask permission. Not everyone wants his or her name mentioned.

Indeed. What if you don't listen to any of my awesome advice and put my name on your piece of crap? Teeeerrible things would happen.

(I'm joking.)























(Kinda).

 

[_Lynn_]

Indeed. What if you don't listen to any of my awesome advice and put my name on your piece of crap? Teeeerrible things would happen.

(I'm joking.)























(Kinda).

Oh, I've had that--and the nasty PCs saying . . .

Well, you can imagine what anonymous had to say without me repeating anything.

 

[Firebrain]

Oh, I've had that--and the nasty PCs saying . . .

Well, you can imagine what anonymous had to say without me repeating anything.

[wags finger] if you will edit so selflessly and prolifically, these things are bound to happen. You evidently need to be scarier. Like me

 

[_Lynn_]

[wags finger] if you will edit so selflessly and prolifically, these things are bound to happen. You evidently need to be scarier. Like me

Ahh, so I can be good but not nice?





*biting my tongue at all those ly's in such a short space*

 

[Firebrain]

Ahh, so I can be good but not nice?

[/COLOR][/I]

[dusts shoulder] That's how I roll.