Just asking

[devilishlydecadent]

Hi, I've been a regular visitor regards reading the efforts of other authors, and have been really impressed.

I've been scribbling away for some time now, but am wondering, should I want to submit some of my writings for publication, would it be wise to run them past an editor first? I'd hope to learn from them, and be a better author.

 

[meg1]

you should definately use an editor. even editors need a second set of eyes for their writing.

many editors (though not all), will explain the changes they make, so that you can learn from your mistakes. there is a thread in the stickies that tells you who is available right now. you can choose from those on the list, without going through the volunteer editors page and not knowing who is active.

 

[freshface]

I second the motion for an editor. It doesn't matter how many times you look at it, what you see will not match what's on the screen. It always amazes me what an editor can find. If none of the ones in this thread are available right now, you can also start a thread here soliciting an editor. Most editors will want to know how many words, what category, and what help you want before they volunteer. The help available ranges from a copy edit looking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling issues, to a full edit that will also look at character and story development. This thread provides some helpful guidance for how to get along with your editor.

Good luck and welcome.

 

[CopyCarver]

Most editors will want to know how many words, what category, and what help you want before they volunteer. QUOTE]


Absolutely! It's impossible for an editor to be helpful if he/she doesn't know what an author needs and wants done. Without that knowledge, an editor risks doing 1/10 of the job on one hand, or hijacking someone's story on the other.

"Fail-yah to communicate" is invariably as bad for the author and the editor as it was for Cool Hand Luke.

 

[devilishlydecadent]

I thank you for the welcome, and for the more than welcome advice. My first task is to get my stories onto the pc, at present they're all in a file, written longhand in pencil. Looks like I need to get my typing fingers flexed!

 

[sethp]

yes get an editor or at least a second set of eyes to proof read it for you.