Signing on as an editor?

[NotWise]

The volunteer editor program here used to have prospective editors fill in a form and authors could use those responses to select an editor. Now that system is broken. It would be nice if Laurel and Manu could bring something like that back in their site revisions, but it may not be a priority.

The VE system seems to work now either through this forum or through authors offering to edit each others writing. Is there any reason at all for someone who wants to offer their service to go back and complete the old form?

 

[Tigersman]

Ve

If I remember correctly, I filled out the form you are talking about some time ago. At one time I was receiving email request for my service that originated from that form. When I'm not busy, I check out the Editor's forum for writers wanting an editor. Sometimes when I offer my services I either receive a reply or don't.

 

[LadyVer]

The volunteer editor program here used to have prospective editors fill in a form and authors could use those responses to select an editor. Now that system is broken. It would be nice if Laurel and Manu could bring something like that back in their site revisions, but it may not be a priority.

The VE system seems to work now either through this forum or through authors offering to edit each others writing. Is there any reason at all for someone who wants to offer their service to go back and complete the old form?

Yes. But if a VE doesn't want a lot of emails for stories that aren't a good fit, the VE learns to disable their VE profile.

 

[NotWise]

Yes. But if a VE doesn't want a lot of emails for stories that aren't a good fit, the VE learns to disable their VE profile.

Is that why no-one seems to get a response through the old system? I tried twice before submitting my first story to Lit without getting any response at all. Others have had the same experience.

 

[_Lynn_]

Is that why no-one seems to get a response through the old system? I tried twice before submitting my first story to Lit without getting any response at all. Others have had the same experience.

The VE system doesn't have a way to stay current. Check the profiles of some of the names on the list to see when that person last visited Lit. You'll find people who haven't been here for years.

 

[sr71plt]

The best ways to get to the "current listing" for both writers and editors is to use the monthly updated board Lynn provides (http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=1276868) and to post directly to the Editor's Forum.

 

[NotWise]

The best ways to get to the "current listing" for both writers and editors is to use the monthly updated board Lynn provides (http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=1276868) and to post directly to the Editor's Forum.

The list gives us three editors for the month, one with unknown availability -- and then there are the subject matter limitations. My guess is that the number of writers looking for an editor at any one time generally exceeds the number of editors contributing, and that there would be even more writers looking for an editor if it weren't for their past frustrations of finding one.

 

[sr71plt]

The list gives us three editors for the month, one with unknown availability -- and then there are the subject matter limitations. My guess is that the number of writers looking for an editor at any one time generally exceeds the number of editors contributing, and that there would be even more writers looking for an editor if it weren't for their past frustrations of finding one.

Yes, but if the list were used more--by available editors and seeking writers alike--it would become more useful. There's little chance in hell that the VE system is going to be anything but delaying hell for anyone trying to use it at this point. So, I'm suggesting that the "monthly available" list and this forum be used more as the only viable option.

 

[LadyVer]

Is that why no-one seems to get a response through the old system? I tried twice before submitting my first story to Lit without getting any response at all. Others have had the same experience.

My guess is that the primary issue in finding a decent VE who has the time and is a good fit is difficult on a free site. Editing can take a lot of time. I would also guess that some editors don't want to tell authors that they don't like their stories and/or sex themes. VE's are contributing their free time and effort, and it's not easy working on projects with Lit authors who either don't provide enough info on their story, don't understand that VE's can't provide a 24-hour turn-around, and then tell the editor that basically they don't know jack shit. And then there are the "authors" who are really just looking for a virtual sex partner, or someone who will edit their 200k book for free.

There is no easy answer. One possibility is talking to authors and editors on the forums as a way to develop relationships which can lead to working together.

 

[sr71plt]

My guess is that nearly all of the VEs in the systems have flown the coup.

 

[NotWise]

There is no easy answer. One possibility is talking to authors and editors on the forums as a way to develop relationships which can lead to working together.

That is a solution for people who have established relationships on the forum. It doesn't work for new authors.

I have this vague concept of new authors who don't have other resources getting anonymous editing from reasonable people. This is totally not the relationship that you need between and author and an editor, but possibly something that would work for new writers on this site.

 

[sr71plt]

Of course, I doubt there are many folks trained in editing on this site at all. A second pair of eyes on a story is worthwhile, though.

 

[LadyVer]

That is a solution for people who have established relationships on the forum. It doesn't work for new authors.

I have this vague concept of new authors who don't have other resources getting anonymous editing from reasonable people. This is totally not the relationship that you need between and author and an editor, but possibly something that would work for new writers on this site.

Lit is a free erotica site. It's like a box of chocolates for both writers and editors. If a writer is unable to find a VE here, maybe he/she could look elsewhere.

 

[astuffedshirt_perv]

Is that why no-one seems to get a response through the old system? I tried twice before submitting my first story to Lit without getting any response at all. Others have had the same experience.

The VE link from the Lit home page Volunteer Editors works in the sense that you can sign up and see VEs who have signed up, but the link to actually contact the VE does not send an email. A work around it to go the VE's profile page and contact them from there. Also, be sure to only pick a VE that posted very recently for the best chance of getting a contact. Still hit or miss. YMMV.

 

[NotWise]

The VE link from the Lit home page Volunteer Editors works in the sense that you can sign up and see VEs who have signed up, but the link to actually contact the VE does not send an email. A work around it to go the VE's profile page and contact them from there. Also, be sure to only pick a VE that posted very recently for the best chance of getting a contact. Still hit or miss. YMMV.

Should this information be fleshed out and added somewhere so that new writers can find it? When I was looking for an editor I didn't know what a "profile page" was, much less how to get to it.

 

[MarieWriter]

editing

** steps into the posting and retrieves soap box from the closet.**

I have been watching these types of posts for sometime now-- I find them interesting. I sign up in the monthly available post from time-to-time- and receive very few requests- Of the requests I received this month, I edited one, did a quick two pages on another and rejected another one or two based on not meeting my criteria.

If these blog postings are any indicator, quite a few writers are looking and bemoaning not getting responses, and if that's the case, then perhaps something is wrong in your request... Usually, when I get a request, it is absent any information on the story itself.

Nothing.

Just a "will you edit my story?"

Then I have to go asking for that info... I used to always respond, asking for info or saying no thanks and then I get feedback about how snotty I am for not editing this or that... So... I've grown frustrated from that so now, if it is absent information that I tried to make plain in my posting... I will no longer always respond to them via email because it sends out my email address,(yes it's just used here, but...), that invites the aforementioned responses. Yes yes yes - I know, not everyone is like that.

But it seems many of the authors looking are forgetting this is a VE program. And that means restrictions on time and some availability.

I do not post here in the EDITING blog to edit except in the "available this month" section... I figure if someone wants it, and meets my criteria, and yes, I know mine has some limits, I figure they will take the time to find me. Even if it's through the PM here, as my PM's are always turned on, and those I always answer.

So I can't speak to other VE's way of doing things... But failure to post compete info on your story may be one reason VE's do not return contacts.

I have seen posts here in this forum by people like SR71 and others who faithfully remind posters to put more information in their posts about their stories when seeking an editor... I'd say they know what they speak of...

Good Luck

** steps off soap box and returns it to the closet.**

 

[NotWise]

I didn't mean to question any of the editors and I'm sorry if it came off that way.

My original question was simply *if* I decided to volunteer, was there still any reason to go through the site's process for signing on as an editor. The answer seems to be "No."

Lynn put together an ad hoc system to replace the site's broken system and I think that system is workable. Unfortunately Literotica is still telling everyone to go through their broken system to find and editor, and I don't know of any clear statement here or elsewhere that says "Check the Editor's Forum and PM someone who's available on the monthly list."

And of course, this only works through the forum, which some people may not want to use, and it assumes some familiarity with how the system works (PM's and such). I'm sure the problems are all fixable, but it sure would help if the information on the LIterotica pages weren't in the way.

 

[sr71plt]

I didn't mean to question any of the editors and I'm sorry if it came off that way.

My original question was simply *if* I decided to volunteer, was there still any reason to go through the site's process for signing on as an editor. The answer seems to be "No."

Lynn put together an ad hoc system to replace the site's broken system and I think that system is workable. Unfortunately Literotica is still telling everyone to go through their broken system to find and editor, and I don't know of any clear statement here or elsewhere that says "Check the Editor's Forum and PM someone who's available on the monthly list."

And of course, this only works through the forum, which some people may not want to use, and it assumes some familiarity with how the system works (PM's and such). I'm sure the problems are all fixable, but it sure would help if the information on the LIterotica pages weren't in the way.

Yes, right. The Web site hasn't cleaned up its broken features for years. It's just ignored the problems with the VE system. They have been saying there's a big overhaul "soon" for years. Until then, the users do what they can to help other users. Telling the Web site they have problems only gets you called a troll by the Web site editor.