editor's stories?

[Guest]

Hi all,
I was looking at the volunteer editors' list trying to decide if I wanted to impose on anyone by asking for help. I found it odd that most of the editors are not found in the authors' index or the members profile list. I was interested in reading someone's work before sending them mine. Am I missing some connection between the editor's name and their stories?

 

[Laurel]

The editors aren't necessarily writers on the site - they're usually readers who are volunteering their time to help you better your story. While some are writers, and some are editors by profession, others are readers who are willing to give you a reader's perspective.

Because of the nature of the stories here, many of our writers are hesitant to ask their wife/husband/friend to read it over, but at the same time they would like someone to check it out and make sure there are no glaring grammatical or consistency errors. However, other writers are looking for deeper criticism - comments on language use, sentence structure, or overall plot & character development.

Here's my $0.02 for any writers looking for an editor: Before you look at the volunteer editor's list, decide EXACTLY what you want from an editor. Are you looking for an extra pair of eyes to read over your story and make sure there's no consistency errors or typos? Are you looking for someone with specific interest or experience in the subject you're writing on, an editor who can provide insight and useful detail? Or are you looking for someone with editorial experience, someone to thoroughly criticize your piece? And be honest with yourself! Don't seek out thorough criticism if that's not something you're ready for yet.

Once you know what you're looking for, read over the ENTIRE list of editors, carefully. Pick a few that sound like they can provide the assistance you need, and send them an introductory email stating 1) what level of criticism you're looking for, and what you need from them, and 2) what time frame you'd like to have it edited in (and be reasonable - deeper editing jobs WILL take longer), and 3) what format they would prefer you send the story in. Some may have Word, while others don't - make sure you're compatible. Remember: some editors may have more on their plate than others, which is why it's a good idea to email a few at once.

They should get back to you within a few days or so. If you email an editor and don't get a response within a week or so, let me know. (I don't want to put undue pressure on our courageous, giving editors, but neither do I want a list full of people who don't currently have the time to edit, ya know?) Once you find an editor you can work with, you'll find yourself sending your stuff to them on a regular basis. If that editor becomes overloaded, repeat the process.

The volunteer editors are a wonderfully diverse group, with varying interests, assets, and experience levels. If you have a specific question regarding an editor's experience or knowledge of a subject, feel free to send them an email.

DO NOT - I repeat, DO NOT email your story to an editor without sending an inquiry email.

If anyone has an questions/comments/suggestions on the program, I'd love to hear from both editors and writers!

 

[Weird Harold]

I found it odd that most of the editors are not found in the authors' index or the members profile list. I was interested in reading someone's work before sending them mine. Am I missing some connection between the editor's name and their stories?

My stories are posted under the pen name of Dirty Old Man. I'm currently on a hiatus from editing because of other commitments through late October or early November.

One thing to consider about choosing an editor: A good editor will not try to change your style to match theirs. Reading an editor's stories can tell you a lot about how they write, and how well they use grammar and puctuation. It won't however, tell you much about how good they are as an editor.

Reading my two stories would probably lead you to believe that I'm inconsistent, because they're not very similar. I like to think of myself as "adaptable" rather than inconsistent. <G>

 

[Guest]

The editors aren't necessarily writers on the site - they're usually readers who are volunteering their time to help you better your story. While some are writers, and some are editors by profession, others are readers who are willing to give you a reader's perspective.

Thanks Laurel for the insight. I certainly appreciate the time the volunteer editors spend helping the writers and thanks again for filling me in on the "how to" stuff.

 

[Guest]

My stories are posted under the pen name of Dirty Old Man. I'm currently on a hiatus from editing because of other commitments through late October or early November.

Thanks WH. I was wondering if other editors have pen name also.

 

[Guest]

Editors tories

Thanks WH. I was wondering if other editors have pen name also. [/B][/QUOTE]

I have a pen name and I edit for a few people. I am also pleased to say that I receive (verbal) bouquets for my work.

I couldn't write a story to save my life. Don't have the imagination, patience or interest.

Writing and editing or proofreading are not related. The ability to nit-pick and to look for faults is useful. The ability to look for continuity is essential.

So, you people with imagination write your stories and we editors will tell you when you make the occasional mistake - "she was wearing a blouse" and "he slid his hand up under her sweater".

We enjoy our role in the process and are happy to spend our time in your service. Especially when you appreciate us.

FTE

 

[robertreams]

Thanks WH. I was wondering if other editors have pen name also. [/B]

I have a pen name and I edit for a few people. I am also pleased to say that I receive (verbal) bouquets for my work.

I couldn't write a story to save my life. Don't have the imagination, patience or interest.

Writing and editing or proofreading are not related. The ability to nit-pick and to look for faults is useful. The ability to look for continuity is essential.

So, you people with imagination write your stories and we editors will tell you when you make the occasional mistake - "she was wearing a blouse" and "he slid his hand up under her sweater".

We enjoy our role in the process and are happy to spend our time in your service. Especially when you appreciate us.

FTE[/QUOTE]
I am an editor and an author on this site. I have submitted both erotic and non-erotic stories. I also have written a novel under my real name.. Robert Reams is my nom de plume. And no, I don't think it is strange that your stories differ from one another. How boring it would be if they didn't. I love the writing process and also i love editing.