How were you (the editor) selected?

[ErosKeys]

As a new writer, I'd be interested in knowing if any editors know how they were selected by the writers asking for their help.

I have read the Editor's List three times now (over 10 pages with 10 editors per page) and have picked out 10-11 I feel comfortable in contacting.

However, I've noticed a couple things:
---- some editors have not posted any stories here at Literotica.
(they may just like reading the stories...)
---- some editors have mistakes and errors on their posted "bio" pages.
---- some editors admit to barely having highschool experience.

Surely, there should be some sort of quality assurance in allowing people to become editors here?

 

[snooper]

As a new writer, I'd be interested in knowing if any editors know how they were selected by the writers asking for their help. ...

No idea!

... Surely, there should be some sort of quality assurance in allowing people to become editors here?

There is no QA on anything posted at Lit. If you read some of the stories it is clear that many of the authors don't have the first idea about spelling, grammar, plot, characters or locations; other than that their writing is superb. For such writers, little skill is needed to improve their offerings.

PS If I was among your ten or eleven, please don't choose me if you haven't mastered the use of a spell checker.

 

[hiddenself]

However, I've noticed a couple things:
---- some editors have not posted any stories here at Literotica.
(they may just like reading the stories...)
---- some editors have mistakes and errors on their posted "bio" pages.
---- some editors admit to barely having highschool experience.

Surely, there should be some sort of quality assurance in allowing people to become editors here?

Nope, no QA at all for editors (there is now some rudimentary such for authors, before any story is posted by Laurel).

For your first observation, a good editor does not necessaritly make a good author or vice versa. Two different sets of skills required. So, the absence of stories per se does not mean much.

For your second one, I personally would give those a pass. It's like looking at a resume that has mistakes and sloppy formatting -- does not inspire confidence in the candidate's skills, does it?

For the third one, I would say it depends. The editor appears honest. And formal education level is not a great indicator of specific skills. I would not rule them out.

 

[HawaiiBill]

As a new writer, I'd be interested in knowing if any editors know how they were "selected" by the writers asking for their help.

We all know that, I'm sure. The drill is we get a note from Literotica's system saying WriterX wants an edit and we are asked to contact that person directly.

My practice is to ask the writer to send copy with the agreement that I'll be right back with it including quick notes about what I think needs doing. That occasionally includes a firm recommendation they find a different editor if the copy is not interesting to me. At my age, there is no point in breathing fire into dead dragons.In those cases it is always my intent to give some gentle advice including reference to the Literotica online Writers Resource page.

But the good ones get a quick edit returned with my response. The writer, if as careful as you seemed to be, gets a notion of my interests and whether they want the sort of suggestions I offer.
If they like -- and an overwhelming number do -- we continue. I've got a group of regular writers now and that pleases me because we have established friendship beyond the chores at hand. They have also had their stories posted, which is the main point, after all.

I am a professional writer and editor. I agree with Literotica's philosophy including the welcome mat for all writers -- and editors -- regardless of talent. That's the territory we've been given and it's large enough to find lots of pearls among the craggy-rocks.

I volunteer as an editor because it's pay-back for the enjoyment I get from Literotica but I don't write for free if I can help it! That is to say, how much energy does an old man have for this discipline? Writing is painful at best but editing provides an opportunity to help young writers -- and some not so young -- find their voice. That's a pleasure.

Every now and then I write a private story for one of my writers. The only story of mine posted here started that way and, after being hounded to do it, I whittled it into shape and sent it in. No Tony awards there.

I like your sharp eye for what's going on and hope you enjoy Literotica and the massive variety contained.