Rudeness

[LissaSue]

How does one, as an editor, handle rude writers? I recently had someone PM me and practically demanded that I edit their work. Isn't there a set standard for soliciting an editor? Or are people just that stupid?

 

[sr71plt]

If they are rude before you agree to edit, just tell them "no thanks" and let them stew without further exchange. The difficulty is when you find out they're rude and demanding after you start working with them. In a volunteer situation, you could just cut them off at that point too, if you like.

 

[roomfor1more]

I agree with sr71plt that a short "no thank you" works. Also I find, any time I post that I am available to edit, such as your profile or in editors available for the month section, I include my expectations. My expectations covers the types of works that I am not interested in editing and include a short statement about when contacting me about editing the information that I would appreciate knowing. For me, I find this helps with communicating with writers and I feel it helps to cut down on potential issues.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

How does one, as an editor, handle rude writers? I recently had someone PM me and practically demanded that I edit their work. Isn't there a set standard for soliciting an editor? Or are people just that stupid?

You are kind enough to volunteer time you can never get back to edit stories. You do not, have not signed up for, abuse. Please don't be intimidated. You have a kind heart and feel as if you must edit for anyone but there are limits.

As an editor, saying yes is grand, but saying no is alsoyin your vocab.

 

[PennLady]

Absolutely say no. Tell them no, or soften it by saying you're swamped, but there's no reason to take any abuse.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

How does one, as an editor, handle rude writers? I recently had someone PM me and practically demanded that I edit their work. Isn't there a set standard for soliciting an editor? Or are people just that stupid?

Unfortunately the world as we know it has no shortage of jerks. And I am sorry to say you have been attracting them. If my perception is right you're like me, a kind-hearted soul trying to help out. But there has to be a boundary. And when it's crossed, tell the writer.

Or if you prefer refer them to me after you have notified me of their ill treatment of you.

And then I'll send them to SR, he'll straighten them out, lol.

 

[sr71plt]

And then I'll send them to SR, he'll straighten them out, lol.

Nope. Since the story is their problem, I'd just give them a pass. I wouldn't argue with them. Just slough them off.

 

[rwsteward]

If the guy was rude when he was asking for your help, just think what a pain in the ass he would be tying to work with.

 

[CassieJo]

As both an editor and a writer I can see both sides to this issue. As an editor I would say that you have every right to just email them and tell them 'I don't like how rude you were and would like to have no further communications with you.'
As a writer there is only one way that rudness would ever, if even then, be acceptable. That would be when the writer sends a story to their editor to be edited and does not hear anything back for weeks. Even then rudness is not necessary.
If you have not started working with the writer that did that do NOT start. It would only get worse.
Best of luck.