Editor vs Author - Thoughts and Opinions?

[RogueLurker]

Hi all,

It's very hot and I should have had a new central air system installed in the spring ... so here I am, hiding in the basement, thinking deep thoughts. I'm technically taking a break from the boards, but my dog really isn't interested in anything but rolling over and groaning when I try to discuss editor/author questions with her.

Okay ... so this is what popped into my head at 5:30 AM. I thought some of it was interesting and hoped to get some discussion going on the Forum and perhaps lure some of the quieter editors out of the ether. The following is a bunch of questions, thoughts that I hope will tweak someone's interst. If the thread takes off, but you think one of the questions is being overshadowed by other discussions, please feel free to break it out into a new thread and start a seperate discussion on it.


1. From what I've read on the boards and seen from profiles, the majority of people that post here (can't say about those who stay cloaked) are both editors and writers. Some write for Lit ... some write elseshwere ... others write and just store it on their hard drive. Some are editors who write, others are writers who edit. How do you see yourself ... an editor who writes or a writer who edits? Are there others, like me, who just seem to edit?

2. For those who do edit and write... do you find that editing helps your writing? Do you find that editing other pieces helps you tighten your own writing, help you recognize common pitfalls or be more aware of what/how you are writing? Does it make you feel better to know that others seem to struggle with the same things you might (whether its spelling, grammar, laundry lists, etc) and more confident in your own abilities. (not talking about putting someone else's stories down .. talking about seeing common struggles and understanding that most people don't put out a perfect story first time out)

3. Do you find that editing can hinder your own writing you in that you worry about being influenced by another's writing ... I'm not talking about plagarizing ... I'm talking about unconsciously adopting a different voice, being influenced by a certain style or seeing a plot device that you would like to use. Do you measure yourself against other's writing ... and perhaps become too critical of your own work.

4. For those who edit ... is it that you are not interested in writing at all or do you plan to write, but aren't ready to commit pen to paper or finger to keys?

5. For those who edit and write ... when it comes time to send out your story to be edited ... do you find it difficult to let another editor look at it, are you particular about who you let touch your story ... are you more sensitive to editorial styles ... do you take the advice given?

Just some random thoughts on a hot and sticky Saturday morning ...

Feel free to discuss ... I'll pop in later to see if there's been any action/opinion/snide comments.

 

[kbate]

In the cellar? heh. I know what you are up to.. :emoticon:

 

[RogueLurker]

In the cellar? heh. I know what you are up to.. :emoticon:

No you don't.

Okay ... since I started these questions, I should provide my own answers. Sorry, I'm naturally shy and retiring ... and part of the reason I asked these questions is that I wasn't so sure of what I thought myself.

This set of questions is pretty easy for me to answer. I edit. I do not write.

I don't think that I'm overly creative ... or that I can find a story that is worth someone else reading. There are times when I think I'd like to try my hand at it ... I suspect that I'm much too critical of my own work and I expect perfection on the first draft. The glaring lack of perfection on the first go frustrates me, and I put it away. Its rather odd, because one of the things I like best about editing is helping someone develop the story/style/characters ... and keep reminding newer authors that a story isn't written in one draft ... each version is an improvement on the last and it is always a work in progress. What I can do for others, I don't seem to be able to do for myself.

But one day ... I might get over my reticence. For now, however, I enjoy editing.

 

[Selena_Kitt]

It's very hot and I should have had a new central air system installed in the spring

oh good god! No air conditioning in this awful stuff!??!?

an editor who writes or a writer who edits? Are there others, like me, who just seem to edit?

I'm a writer who edits... reluctantly edits... I'm a pretty good technical editor, picking up mistakes (although there are others way better than I!) and I can usually tell you if a story is good or not... but I'm not so good on the "why" and "how to fix it" part... because I'm not an outlining kind of writer who plans things, my stories usually write themselves while I'm not looking... so I'm not good at the editing part most of the time. I've offered to edit things for people whose glaring technical errors made me cringe in the midst of a great story... and there's the whole "reciprocal editing" thing... other than that, I don't edit much, mostly because I'm busy writing...

do you find that editing helps your writing?

hm. not sure. maybe I just don't do it enough.

Do you find that editing can hinder your own writing you in that you worry about being influenced by another's writing ...

No. Otherwise I'd never read anything else! lol but I have found myself unconsciously adopting the style of things I've just recently read, though, so I suppose I should be careful...

when it comes time to send out your story to be edited ... do you find it difficult to let another editor look at it, are you particular about who you let touch your story ... are you more sensitive to editorial styles ... do you take the advice given?

I love my editor... she's willing to do things with my writing that most editors aren't... I don't know if editors on Lit just aren't used to clean first drafts or what, but I've found too many editors return my stuff with, "This looks great, nothing to add!" It's a fairly disappointing thing when that happens. So I guess I am picky. I want FEEDBACK, and I've only found one editor on here ( ) really willing to give it to me. Of course, she's not always available, and I've used other editors--but she's my first choice, hands down.

Just some random thoughts on a hot and sticky Saturday morning ...

time for jello wrestling!

 

[CopyCarver]

5:30 AM! The day doesn't begin at noon?

1) I'm a writer who edits. True, I've spent more time editing than writing the last couple years and editing currently accounts for about 60% of my income, but but I'm still a writer at heart, and I'm trying to atavize to the halcyon days of no-binding-ties freelancing on a full-time basis.

2) None of the above. When I write, I write; when I edit, I edit. There is virtually no spillover between the two. (Not sure whether this ability to balance the two roles makes me a classic Libra or a classic schizo.)

3) Nope--never happens.

4) Neither. I got into editing years after I began earning my daily gruel and cognac as a full-time writer.

5) I'm not shy about having anyone--editor or reader--disagree with my thesis or my style. I'm perfectly willing to accept constructive advice. (One of the biggies here is my habit of assuming that readers will know and understand allusions that they may not really "get.") On the other hand, I'll fight like a Tasmanian devil when someone tries to water down a significant point simply because it's controversial or because some focus group determined that 68.3% of the readership wants to believe Death Valley is an ocean.

 

[SweetErika]

1. From what I've read on the boards and seen from profiles, the majority of people that post here (can't say about those who stay cloaked) are both editors and writers. Some write for Lit ... some write elseshwere ... others write and just store it on their hard drive. Some are editors who write, others are writers who edit. How do you see yourself ... an editor who writes or a writer who edits? Are there others, like me, who just seem to edit?

At the moment, I see myself primarily as an editor. I write a fair amount here on the boards, and have little saplings of stories floating around on my HD, so I suppose I consider myself a writer in some respect. Maybe Editor and Lit Author To-Be would be the most accurate title.

2. For those who do edit and write... do you find that editing helps your writing? Do you find that editing other pieces helps you tighten your own writing, help you recognize common pitfalls or be more aware of what/how you are writing? Does it make you feel better to know that others seem to struggle with the same things you might (whether its spelling, grammar, laundry lists, etc) and more confident in your own abilities. (not talking about putting someone else's stories down .. talking about seeing common struggles and understanding that most people don't put out a perfect story first time out)

As I said, I don't have any published Lit stories yet, but have some thoughts on this anyway.

Even after editing just a dozen or so stories, I'm seeing a positive impact on my writing. I usually do a fair amount of research when I edit, which never fails to add something new to my knowledge base. I'm finding it far easier to see and correct my own mistakes, and am thoroughly enjoying exercising my new-found skills.

You make an excellent point about how editing can help us understand virtually all writing has some room for improvement. Admittedly, I was intimidated by some of the stories here, fearful to try my hand at erotica knowing my work would pale in comparison to the better pieces. However, that fear disintegrated when I saw one of the better authors here go through quite a few edits. I understood the massive amount of work it takes to get to what I deemed a very high quality piece, and now I'm not fearful of starting the process for myself because I know good editors, readers and time will help me get there eventually.

4. For those who edit ... is it that you are not interested in writing at all or do you plan to write, but aren't ready to commit pen to paper or finger to keys?

I thought editing would help me break down stories into what does and doesn't work, which I'd then apply to my own writing. I believe that's happening, though I haven't tried to apply it to erotica yet. The wheels are turning, but I'm just not quite at the point where I feel compelled to sit down and transfer my thoughts into something tangible. That's okay, because I know everything I'm learning in the meantime, even technical stuff, will help immensely when I get started.

 

[AchtungNight]

I'm a writer mainly, though I have beta read for people in the past. I may become a full-fledged editor for Lit someday, who knows?

I agree that all writers need editors, especially when they get a big head and think they've done everything right. Yes, I know I'm prone to this myself sometimes.

Good luck with your writings, Erika.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

I think you've got bit by the 'or' bug.

You ask why would one edit and not write? Why not inquire why one so talented would seek your question?

In hindsight I sees I'm drunk. But that does not alleviate <confident>

 

[SesameStreet]

I am a writer. I have never edited and don't see myself ever doing that. Why? When I first sent in my novellas to a publisher that publisher insisted that my work be edited by one of their editors. That editor wanted to change about every other sentence. By the time she finished hacking up what I had written it was no longer mine. I asked that publisher to release me from my contract for that reason. As a result I have a deep dislike for editors in general.

 

[SexSweetheart]

Don't Blame You

I am a writer. I have never edited and don't see myself ever doing that. Why? When I first sent in my novellas to a publisher that publisher insisted that my work be edited by one of their editors. That editor wanted to change about every other sentence. By the time she finished hacking up what I had written it was no longer mine. I asked that publisher to release me from my contract for that reason. As a result I have a deep dislike for editors in general.

I don't blame you to dislike editors. They do help if you get the right one. I'm not very happy when editors change the meaning of a paragarph or sentence.

 

[SexSweetheart]

I'm a writer who edits her own stories. I do this before sending to an editor and than again after the editor sends it back.

I have helped with editing other authors stories. But I know that I'm not the best at editing. I also have a thing about rewriting what they have written.

I like an editor that does some rewriting of badly constructed sentences or paragraphs. The editors that doesn't help with this I find not to be helpful.

I also enjoy the editor that tells me what is wrong with the story. Makes suggestions on how to fix the stories. Makes comments on how good the story is come along or little praise.

I find one of my editors is a man that chats with me on-line, helps me with rephrasing things that I know is not coming out right.

I work with a number of editors, with a various stories. Now a days, I never post a story unless it has gone back and forward a few times. And many times I have several editors reviewing the same story. I find that is very helpful in my writing. Every editor looks at different things, thus points out different problem areas.

 

[RogueLurker]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond to this thread ... I've found the answers interesting and thought provoking. I'm also glad to see many new faces stopping in (welcome to SweetErika, AchtchungNight, SesameStreet and SexSweetheart) as well as the usual suspects (Selena, kbate, CC and AsylumSeeker) .

I think one of the key things to remember (and I must remember to cross post this to the other thread) is that this is a volunteer site. I am not a professional editor ... nor do I think I ever will be. I suspect that there are very few editors here who also edit in real life (CC and maybe one or two others). I offer what technical skills I have as well as my opinions. Just like the authors offer their talent and imagination for those who want to read their stories. You may not be an editor, AchtchungNight, but that shouldn't stop you. Everybody needs a second set of eyes and a voice of reason to get things back on track ... that's what I see as a primary job for an editor.

Like SweetErika, I think that I have grown and improved my editing skills over the short time that I've been on this site. I've learned a tremendous amount from working with different authors ... I learn something new from every author... as well as from listening and talking with other editors on this site.

I am sorry, SesameStreet, that you had such a bad experience with editing in the past, but on this site ... if an editor suggests changes that you don't like, you don't have to accept them. You also can choose not to work with that editor again. This forum is for Volunteer Editors ... not the Editors that approve stories. There is no correlation between the two groups. So if you don't like the editing you get from the EF or the VE list, it won't impact if the story is approved or rejected. As SexSweetheart says, it is important to find the right editor for you. Not every editor looks at things the same ... everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

Finding the right editor to match an author's style, requirements, expectations and who undertands both what their potential is as well as where they want to go in a story ... it's not always easy. But I think it is worth it in the end if you can find a good match between editor and author.

Part of the onus is on the author to make sure that the editor undertands what they want ... straight technical editing or a full blown commentary and suggested revisions. I also find that editors need feedback just as much as authors do. If someone doesn't speak up, then I'll never know if I've stepped on someone's toes. I know that I can improve ... I just need to be told where.

 

[Guest]

 

[AchtungNight]

Thanks for your encouragement, RL.

 

[RogueLurker]

Hey, RL, do you accept answers from someone who is neither a writer nor an editor, but merely an insomniac scribbler who proofreads from time to time?

*waits for a screamed negative*

*doesn't hear one*

Good good.

1. See above "scribbler who proofreads."

2. No, because I don't ever "edit," either my own stuff or others. I just catch the sort of errors spellcheck doesn't, like ham instead of him.

3. I always worry about being a sponge, no matter whether I'm proofing another Lit story or reading a novel. Some things I have read have made me back away from a certain type of writing until I've squeezed out the sponge and know I'm no longer under the influence.

4. N/A

5. See #2.

Sorry, I'm sure this wasn't all that helpful.

Hmmm, let me look at your submission page ... yes, there are stories there. What's that? A W? Two W's? Let me look at your posts ... yes, yes, you've offered to help people with their stories ....spelling and grammar... you like that crap.... very interrrrresting.

So, Jammies, I hate to break it to you ... you are a writer and an editor. There isn't a secret club or an initiation (although I remember the promise of a secret decoder thesaurus at one point). You just roll up your sleeves and "get 'er done".

You don't have to have a steady stream of stories going in or out of your mailbox to be an editor ... every person that you knock ideas around with, every story that you proof .. that's editing. At least in my mind. How others define it, may differ. That's kind of the point of these threads ... to get people talking about it.

This discussion thread is open to everyone ... whether they are an editor, an author, a reader, someone who is interested in anything that has come up in the posts, or a combination of any or all.

 

[RogueLurker]

Thanks for your encouragement, RL.

You're more than welcome, Achtung.

 

[CopyCarver]

Hey, RL, do you accept answers from someone who is neither a writer nor an editor, but merely an insomniac scribbler who proofreads from time to time?

*waits for a screamed negative*

*doesn't hear one*

Good good.

1. See above "scribbler who proofreads."

2. No, because I don't ever "edit," either my own stuff or others. I just catch the sort of errors spellcheck doesn't, like ham instead of him.

3. I always worry about being a sponge, no matter whether I'm proofing another Lit story or reading a novel. Some things I have read have made me back away from a certain type of writing until I've squeezed out the sponge and know I'm no longer under the influence.

4. N/A

5. See #2.

Sorry, I'm sure this wasn't all that helpful.

What Rogue said! There are nine and ninety ways to edit and all are useful.
(Of course, my way is the one true right way, but that's another story )

BTW, Lurker, I never got my secret decoder thesaurus or my can of alphabet soup that spells out "Literotica" even though I sent 12 Ovaltine labels and $1 to Battle Creek, Michigan. What gives?

 

[LadyCibelle]

BTW, Lurker, I never got my secret decoder thesaurus or my can of alphabet soup that spells out "Literotica" even though I sent 12 Ovaltine labels and $1 to Battle Creek, Michigan. What gives?

My fault, my fault. The funds for this year's decoders and soup have been taken away due to some editors last year eating the soup without making words and using the decoders as probes.

The higher management (eg: ME ) have decided to wait to see if this year's editors would be more mature before reinstating the funds.

We now go back to the normal programming. Don't jump on furniture, be nice to the newcomers and I'll see you in a couple of days. Herniated disc is a bitch, the pain is atrocious today so I'm going back to bed with painkillers for companions.

 

[fieryjen]

My fault, my fault. The funds for this year's decoders and soup have been taken away due to some editors last year eating the soup without making words and using the decoders as probes.

The higher management (eg: ME ) have decided to wait to see if this year's editors would be more mature before reinstating the funds.

We now go back to the normal programming. Don't jump on furniture, be nice to the newcomers and I'll see you in a couple of days. Herniated disc is a bitch, the pain is atrocious today so I'm going back to bed with painkillers for companions.

*hugs* I don't like the thought of you being in pain. Get better!

I want a decodersoupthingi too, but if the giving out of those is based on maturity level, we don't stand a chance.

 

[fieryjen]

Hmmm, let me look at your submission page ... yes, there are stories there. What's that? A W? Two W's? Let me look at your posts ... yes, yes, you've offered to help people with their stories ....spelling and grammar... you like that crap.... very interrrrresting.

So, Jammies, I hate to break it to you ... you are a writer and an editor. There isn't a secret club or an initiation (although I remember the promise of a secret decoder thesaurus at one point). You just roll up your sleeves and "get 'er done".

You don't have to have a steady stream of stories going in or out of your mailbox to be an editor ... every person that you knock ideas around with, every story that you proof .. that's editing. At least in my mind. How others define it, may differ. That's kind of the point of these threads ... to get people talking about it.

This discussion thread is open to everyone ... whether they are an editor, an author, a reader, someone who is interested in anything that has come up in the posts, or a combination of any or all.

Also, I thought that the initiation was done by handing out the Red Pen of Doom? Damn, I'm losing track again.

 

[RogueLurker]

*hugs* I don't like the thought of you being in pain. Get better!

I want a decodersoupthingi too, but if the giving out of those is based on maturity level, we don't stand a chance.

I distinctly remember being promised the decoder thesaurus as welll ...
And how come Jen got a Red Pen?

Since we don't stand a chance of reaching the appropriate maturuity level ... let's jump on the furniture and raid LadyC's liquor cabinet.

for LadyC .... hope you sleep soundly, because we're going to be raising a ruckus over here.

 

[fieryjen]

I distinctly remember being promised the decoder thesaurus as welll ...
And how come Jen got a Red Pen?

Since we don't stand a chance of reaching the appropriate maturuity level ... let's jump on the furniture and raid LadyC's liquor cabinet.

for LadyC .... hope you sleep soundly, because we're going to be raising a ruckus over here.

*flashbacks to the last time LadyC was out*

If this is only half as good as the last time, I'm in

Who wants pizza?

 

[CopyCarver]

*flashbacks to the last time LadyC was out*

If this is only half as good as the last time, I'm in

Who wants pizza?

Me! Me. With lots of beaks and claws and squiggly things!




Lady C,
Feel better soon and, if necessary, sing some rewritten Paul Simon to your doctor: "Please don't take my Demerol away."

 

[fieryjen]

Me! Me. With lots of beaks and claws and squiggly things!



Lady C,
Feel better soon and, if necessary, sing some rewritten Paul Simon to your doctor: "Please don't take my Demerol away."

That's a bird's nest, not a pizza, silly man

 

[CopyCarver]

That's a bird's nest, not a pizza, silly man

Bird's nest pizza: let the bird's nest soup evaporate for a week or two and bake whatever's left. Yum--garbage just like Mom used to make.