Editors who write vs Editors who don't

[Sextified]

While researching various VE's, I noticed that a great many editors didn't have posted stories of their own. I also found that many editors, who do write, say that they like using volunteer editors themselves.

Currently I am using the stories VE's have written to help narrow my search. So this question is for the editors who have used the VE system:

In your opinion, who makes the best editors?

Writers
Non-writers
Doesn't matter

 

[LadyCibelle]

While researching various VE's, I noticed that a great many editors didn't have posted stories of their own. I also found that many editors, who do write, say that they like using volunteer editors themselves.

Currently I am using the stories VE's have written to help narrow my search. So this question is for the editors who have used the VE system:

In your opinion, who makes the best editors?

Writers
Non-writers
Doesn't matter

It doesn't matter in the least as writing and editing involves two different set of mindframe. When editing you're outside looking in, whereas when you're writing you're inside looking in 'pretending' to be looking out. You can never see your own errors as your mind is only seeing what you intended and not what's actually there.

Some damn good editors have never in their life written a story and some writers have never once edited someone else's story.

You have to go with trial and errors I would say. Pick one, two, three, four, how many you want and see what each of them has done with your story, (don't forget to let them know they're 'fighting' for a place to work for you as some editors are insulted to know they're not the only one editing a piece), and then decide who you think did the most accurate, the best, well the most of what you wanted.

There's no secret recipe, you know, you have to throw yourself out there and try it, that's all.

Good luck in your quest.

 

[MarshAlien]

It doesn't matter in the least as writing and editing involves two different set of mindframe. When editing you're outside looking in, whereas when you're writing you're inside looking in 'pretending' to be looking out. You can never see your own errors as your mind is only seeing what you intended and not what's actually there.

Some damn good editors have never in their life written a story and some writers have never once edited someone else's story.

You have to go with trial and errors I would say. Pick one, two, three, four, how many you want and see what each of them has done with your story, (don't forget to let them know they're 'fighting' for a place to work for you as some editors are insulted to know they're not the only one editing a piece), and then decide who you think did the most accurate, the best, well the most of what you wanted.

There's no secret recipe, you know, you have to throw yourself out there and try it, that's all.

Good luck in your quest.

Her Ladyship is right [size=-2]for once[/size] - a good editor may or may not possess good writing skills. What he/she does have is good editing skills. My own editor is not a writer; he's simply a very good editor. But I've seen other pieces edited by talented writers who also do a good job editing.

 

[cloudy]

There are some that are both good writers and good editors, but they tend to be busy.

 

[MarshAlien]

There are some that are both good writers and good editors, but they tend to be busy.

With nearly 29,500 posts? How busy can they be?

 

[LadyCibelle]

Her Ladyship is right [size=-2]for once[/size] - a good editor may or may not possess good writing skills. What he/she does have is good editing skills. My own editor is not a writer; he's simply a very good editor. But I've seen other pieces edited by talented writers who also do a good job editing.

Marsh, baby, I know you love me...so I'll pass over the fact that you can't admit my greatness...some men are scared of it.

 

[LadyCibelle]

There are some that are both good writers and good editors, but they tend to be busy.

Yep, that too. When you catch one of those you have to hang on for dear life and not let them go.

 

[MarshAlien]

Marsh, baby, I know you love me...so I'll pass over the fact that you can't admit my greatness...some men are scared of it.

I do admit your greatness, my Lady. I just find that a little teasing is necessary to make it even more apparent.

Scared of it? Eh, not so much.

 

[LadyCibelle]

I do admit your greatness, my Lady. I just find that a little teasing is necessary to make it even more apparent.

Scared of it? Eh, not so much.

Awww, aren't you a sweet one. I see that Molly instilled the fear into you....good girl!

 

[SweetWitch]

Awww, aren't you a sweet one. I see that Molly instilled the fear into you....good girl!

Just trying to do my part for womankind, Doll.

 

[sexylaila438]

Just because a VE does not have stories posted on Lit does not necessarily mean that they don't write. They just choose not to post anything here.

Good luck with your search!


SL

 

[sr71plt]

Just because a VE does not have stories posted on Lit does not necessarily mean that they don't write. They just choose not to post anything here.

Good luck with your search!


SL

However, I think the point already made that writing and editing are two different skills is most relevant and doesn't require "dressing up" (and negates any real need to come up with possible writing credits for editors to somehow make them look more qualified to edit--because the relevant point is that it doesn't. A good editor is a good editor because she/he has specific editing skills, not writing skills. If they don't have independent good editing skills, having good writing skills can actually get in the way--they are then prone to start turning your story into their story. No author should want that.).

 

[sexylaila438]

However, I think the point already made that writing and editing are two different skills is most relevant and doesn't require "dressing up" (and negates any real need to come up with possible writing credits for editors to somehow make them look more qualified to edit--because the relevant point is that it doesn't. A good editor is a good editor because she/he has specific editing skills, not writing skills. If they don't have independent good editing skills, having good writing skills can actually get in the way--they are then prone to start turning your story into their story. No author should want that.).

Agreed! I did not want to restate all that had been said already and simple wanted to point out that Lit is in no way the be all for writers wanting to share their work. Which I think is as relevant as any other point.

Further, I completely agree with your comment about editors with good writing skills. I think that while some editors might not write, I do believe that if they do or chose too, they at least know enough mechanically to do well. I often struggle with semantics. Wordsmithing can really suck you in. I often will not change something just because I think a specific word is better. When it comes to sentence structure, if something is amiss, I do my best to maintain the writer's voice so it is consistent with the rest of the work.

IMO, the relationship between the writer and editor is just as, if not more, important than the level of skill. You can have an excellent editor and just not 'click' with them.

Sextified, hopefully all of this banter isn't making your head spin!

SL

 

[Sextified]

Appreciating all of the behind the scenes info, too!

SL,

All of the discussions have been very helpful. I am trying to absorb as much as I can. After lurking here for years under my reading only account name, I am trying to switch gears into writing mode again.

I had over 20,000 posts and was a forum leader at my last site, but got burned out on it.

Its nice writing again and I appreciate all of the help and info.

"Hopefully" my latest direct email will work. I am really intrigued by her background and think she will really be able to help main female character.

Thanks everyone!

Sextified