Pitfalls of editing

[Rustyoznail]

I like to edit the odd story when time allows, but recently I found myself wondering if it was worth it. I've found myself in this situation a couple of times, and then picked up the wrath of comments (by association) on somebody else's tale. What happens, and it is the author's prerogative, is that the you spend considerable time fixing grammatical errors, send it back to the author, but the author chooses to publish a version still containing the grammatical errors. No problem, I guess... except that the author adds their thanks to the editor (which is usually a real nice touch) ... and then you pick up the wrath of comments pointing out how bad the editor must have been. I should turn a blind eye, but actually these comments seem to hit harder than ones on my own stories, as at least I am in control of my own destiny.

So now I wonder... to edit or not to edit... that is the question.

Sorry, I'm just sounding off... not looking for sympathy... or even responses... unless you want to share your own pitfalls of being an editor.

@CiaoSteve, I'm pretty sure I know which story you're talking about. I'm having second thoughts.

 

[KeithD]

The OP's claim regarding writers returning grammatical errors is perplexing. Why would they do so? The only valid explanation for a writer to reject editorial assistance is when the editor strays from the original writing style and plotline.

Well, there is no vetting process for "editors" here, and as likely as not, the "editor" doesn't know anything more about editing than the story author does. The best one can hope for unless they uncovered a gold mine in editorial support is an independent set of eyes looking at the piece from a fresh angle and being able to point to obvious problems.

 

[KeithD]

Glasses?

We can't see the hump I guess...

There are levels of need for editorial support. Literotica isn't the New Yorker. While I agree that everyone would benefit from a competent editor (I'm a credential book editor but I have a vetted editor for my work here--not from the volunteer editor program here), no, if you can get it in good enough shape to get it past the submissions process here and enjoyed by readers, you don't really just have to have an editor. Part of that is what I've posted earlier. There is no vetting process for a Literotica volunteer editor. Most of them aren't even remotely qualified to be editing and aren't any more knowledgeable about it than the story writer is.

What is very definitely advantageous for a Literotica submission is a second pair of eyes looking at it and picking out what the original writer was too close to it to see. That you can get by picking out a writer who seems compatible with you here and doing a "read mine and I'll read yours" deal. I'm sure there's a fair amount of that going on. Beyond that, there's no real reason your copy has to be professional level for you and readers alike to make enjoyable use of Literotica.

 

[Voboy]

Additionally, people who discourage others from participating in the editing process are utterly worthless to this site or community.

Awesome.

Again, because you missed it the first time, second time, third time, and fourth time: nobody in this thread did this, despite what you think you read.

 

[CiaoSteve]

Well, there is no vetting process for "editors" here, and as likely as not, the "editor" doesn't know anything more about editing than the story author does. The best one can hope for unless they uncovered a gold mine in editorial support is an independent set of eyes looking at the piece from a fresh angle and being able to point to obvious problems.

Thanks @KeithD... I think you've made my mind up for me. No more editing... and maybe I'll give up writing too, as I don't know much about that either.

 

[KeithD]

Thanks @KeithD... I think you've made my mind up for me. No more editing... and maybe I'll give up writing too, as I don't know much about that either.

I haven't posted anything negative at all about writing as one wishes and I've affirmed the value of a second pair of eyes reviewing copy. If you chose to stop doing anything, take responsibility for it yourself. Don't link it to anything I've posted.