Editing Question.

[the_bragis]

I have noticed several times, over the few months I have been here, authors making references to their editors. "I couldn't have done it without my editor", "thanks to my editor", and such in response to feedback. Most authors, who use an editor, will put a note of thanks at the beginning of their stories, but not all. When I see this missing, I just can't help asking - why didn't this kind person rate a mention with your story?

Since I don't have the experience or expertise to edit, this doesn't effect me directly, but I still find it disappointing.

I think more editors would volunteer their services, if their efforts were always acknowledged.

Alex

 

[Weird Harold]

When I see this missing, I just can't help asking - why didn't this kind person rate a mention with your story?

I can think of two situations where an editorial attribution would not be included:

1: The editor doesn't WANt the attribution.

2: Multiple editors were used. (I sometimes get as many as ten editors to look at a story and acknowledging them all would turn into an "oscar acceptance speech")

 

[Whispersecret]

Alex, you're wrong. I've read your feedback on the feedback board. I think you're qualified enough.

See the problem is that the expectation of what an "editor" does varies greatly. I think most people think of an editor as a proofreader. In actuality, an editor does MUCH more than proofread for mistakes.

My "editors," are friends with whom I exchange pre-submission critiques. I give them my story and they give me back...well, anything they want. If they want to find typos, GREAT. If they want to comment on plot, GREAT. Basically, I will appreciate anything at all they care to tell me about my writing.

What I do in return is similar to what you see in my "500 Word" thread, except without so much explanation. When you have an ongoing relationship, some things are already understood, and I don't have to worry about hurt feelings as much.

Most of the time I thank the editors. On the other hand, I often don't want the recognition myself when I edit. Although the recognition is nice, it sometimes garners a bunch of people asking me to edit. And then I have to decline and decline and decline. <sighs>

 

[Star of Penumbra]

I edit my own work.

 

[Octavian]

Acknowledging editors

Weird Harold posted

I can think of two situations where an editorial attribution would not be included:

1: The editor doesn't WANt the attribution.

2: Multiple editors were used. (I sometimes get as many as ten editors to look at a story and acknowledging them all would turn into an "oscar acceptance speech")
____________________________________________
There is a third, namely bad manners and I am guilty of this.

Weird Harold did run his beady eye over my story in the Humour and Satire category. "A Day To Forget" He made a number of useful suggestions, most of which I adopted.

Thank you WH, and please forgive my bad manners.

 

[wildsweetone]

Like Whispersecret, I too had a story feedback thread where anybody could ask for my feedback on their stories.

I stopped for a couple of reasons.

I was doing fine with the thread itself, though there were occasions when I was asked to look at a story that travelled over 3 or 4 webpages - my concentration span seems to be best for the first two pages at most - after that I tend to miss typos.

I managed to average one or two 'editing' type feedbacks each work day.

The difficulty began when I was asked to give feedback on unpublished stories privately. I was swamped with requests, found it difficult to keep up and discovered I was getting no writing of my own done. (I mean no offense to anyone here - just explaining ).

I stopped the thread, I felt it was unfair to keep doing something for others when I myself was so disorganised.

Now, my editing consists of work basically from three other authors.

I feel honoured when I am asked if I would like my name connected to their story, hmm am blushing now actually.

For the first time ever, the other day I turned down a request to have my name as editor on an author's story. I don't feel so good about saying 'no', but there were enough uncertainties in the future where that particular story is going to go, for me to hesitate adding my name to it.

As we're all different, I would suggest that if you want to know why an editor isn't mentioned at the top of an author's story, just ask the author. I doubt they'd mind telling you why.

Oh flip I waffled again, sorry

 

[Quasimodem]

Perhaps Literocity should provide an input for Author:____________ .

And also for Editor: ___________.

The Editor line could default to "Self."

If the Editor (by name or Nom) declines credit, a name could be developed like the ‘Alan Smithee' identity used by the Director's Guild.

There should also be a "Multiple" setting, which opens a message screen where the editors used could be listed in sequence.

The Story Feedback Circle and WSO's previous offer to read both occur AFTER the story in question has been published. For anyone who seriously wants to use an Editor, this is one FATAL step too late.


These suggestions represent a kicking-off point, because I DO think we need Editors/Proofreaders/Story Bouncers in Lit.

Also, if Editors are going to expend the effort to fulfil the position, they DESERVE some credit.

I have mentioned this elsewhere, but it is worth stating again. In the real world, there are certain cases where the Editor can be more influential in selling a book than the Author.