Question on etiquette from an editor

[ShePervs]

I'm unsure if comments I made like "Why is the character feeling this, before this happens?" are appropriate. I didn't see anything in the pinned posts about this. I tried to ask in Lit Chat but couldn't get a response.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[NotWise]

I'm unsure if comments I made like "Why is the character feeling this, before this happens?" are appropriate. I didn't see anything in the pinned posts about this. I tried to ask in Lit Chat but couldn't get a response.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

I think that's entirely appropriate. I don't edit here, but I think part of the job is to catch things like that.

 

[AlphaLyon]

I have three modes as an editor:
1. formatting (spacing, proper pagination, etc.)
2. spelling and grammar guru
3. story miner (characterization, pacing, motivations)

If you're in Mode-3, then absolutely it's your job to think about those things.
Your job as an editor is to ask questions and find the parts that are broken/bent in the stories. I give every thought and comment that comes through my head (positive, negative, constructive).
If, at the end of the day, they don't want to listen to your advice (because some of it does just come down to opinion and stylistic choices), then that's on them to decide.
And if your styles don't mesh, they can always find a different editor that better suits what they are looking for.
Don't take it personally. You're doing the things spellcheck can't, so that's awesome.

 

[ShePervs]

Thank you for your response it was very helpful. This was my first time doing this so I appreciate it.

 

[KeithD]

Yep, questioning the motivation for an action is a frequent content editing question.

 

[LAHomedog]

I'm unsure if comments I made like "Why is the character feeling this, before this happens?" are appropriate. I didn't see anything in the pinned posts about this. I tried to ask in Lit Chat but couldn't get a response.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

I am an editor here frequently. My answer is yes. Totally appropriate as long as you have established the relationship and ground rules with the author first.

I always respond to a request with a "Thank you for asking me... This is how I work as an editor...." and then I politely list how I work and ask the writer if that is OK. If they agree you are good to go and it makes the author/editor relationship so much better and more creative.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I'm unsure if comments I made like "Why is the character feeling this, before this happens?" are appropriate. I didn't see anything in the pinned posts about this. I tried to ask in Lit Chat but couldn't get a response.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

Yes, unless the author has specifically said they only want spelling/punctuation/grammar edits (or whatever), that kind of feedback is one of the most valuable things an editor can give.

 

[ShePervs]

thank you

 

[ShePervs]

Thank you