The amount of work editing.

[Dearelliot]

I wonder if writers shouldn't feel obligated to an editor. You're asking someone to spend hours of their time reading and editing their story, then replying with the suggested changes, all for a story that for the most part is pretty mediocre.
I kinda think that's like asking someone to come and work in my garden because I'm not so good at it.
Take a story with say 7000 words, how many hours of their time might the editor have to spend helping the writer get his story printed?
My thoughts, it is a lot to ask.

 

[AlinaX]

Which is why I don't do it very often, and usually only when something about the plot catches my interest.

It is a lot of work, time-consuming and unpaid, but ultimately worth it if the writer engages with the corrections and comments.

 

[CiaoSteve]

I don't mind on the shorter stories, but sometimes I draw the line when it seems that the way forward is basically to take their idea and end up writing the story for them

 

[MarieWriter]

I agree with CiaoSteve-- writing a short story to post here is a far cry from trying to write a novel or chapter after chapter and expecting a free edit from a VE-- which is also why I stepped away from it for the most part.

 

[Cobaltofdark]

I've appreciated every editor who has worked with me without the help of others. I wouldn't have readable stories so from one ameature writer to any editor you're greatly appreciated!

 

[erialfor]

Yes, I can't help but feel obligated by asking a stranger to offer editing assistance, and don't think I would if I were a native speaker. They don't get paid for it, but I guess you could say the same about us, authors. However, editors are invisible to most, in a 'behind the scenes' kind of way. And don't get a thanks other than from the writer (I think).

I hope editors find satisfaction or joy in the knowledge they are the first to read the story, and if the author allows it, can make suggestions, since it's not published yet. Some editors do not write, so they contribute to this site, and thus the stories on here, by editing it, and if the author is open to it, even help shape the story. As I see here this is viewed by some people as writing the story for them, which I don't understand. You can make suggestions, you don't have to write it for them. Even if the only thing needed is spelling, it will make all the difference, I personally don't like reading stories that have poor grammar, etc, and I don't think anyone does.

I really wonder though, what is must be like for an editor to work on a story they don't like. Like, you can't send it back saying ''I dislike reading this, it's boooring!" I assume they'll ignore you next time or tell you they're too busy, but still, like you said, ''mediocre'' is what most stories are.

Either way, the editor becomes a part of your story, so to speak.

 

[AlinaX]

As an author, the temptation to rewrite is always there. Pointing out grammatical errors is straightforward, but frustration with the plot can lead to wild flights of fantasy: "Why don't you do this..."

The worst, really, is when the story is uninspiring, because then editing just feels like work.

 

[alohadave]

Yes, I can't help but feel obligated by asking a stranger to offer editing assistance, and don't think I would if I were a native speaker. They don't get paid for it, but I guess you could say the same about us, authors. However, editors are invisible to most, in a 'behind the scenes' kind of way. And don't get a thanks other than from the writer (I think).

I hope editors find satisfaction or joy in the knowledge they are the first to read the story, and if the author allows it, can make suggestions, since it's not published yet. Some editors do not write, so they contribute to this site, and thus the stories on here, by editing it, and if the author is open to it, even help shape the story. As I see here this is viewed by some people as writing the story for them, which I don't understand. You can make suggestions, you don't have to write it for them. Even if the only thing needed is spelling, it will make all the difference, I personally don't like reading stories that have poor grammar, etc, and I don't think anyone does.

I really wonder though, what is must be like for an editor to work on a story they don't like. Like, you can't send it back saying ''I dislike reading this, it's boooring!" I assume they'll ignore you next time or tell you they're too busy, but still, like you said, ''mediocre'' is what most stories are.

Either way, the editor becomes a part of your story, so to speak.

I'm working on editing my first story ATM. It's 50,000 words, so maybe a lot to take on for my first time.

The work is mostly formatting, word choice, and grammar fixes. The author is not a native English speaker, so there is a lot of little things to fix. I'm trying to balance the tone that the author has written in, while changing things to help with the flow where appropriate.

For the story, it's not something I'd normally read, but I look at it that I'm helping this author, so I concentrate on the mechanics. And the author deserves help getting their work out there, because I know that I'm no writer, and I have great admiration for the people who do write and put their soul out there for people to enjoy.

 

[erialfor]

50k is a lot. It might give you an idea whether you like editing or not. It's nice to hear from an editor what he likes about his 'job'. Good luck and have fun!

 

[KeithD]

I wonder if writers shouldn't feel obligated to an editor. You're asking someone to spend hours of their time reading and editing their story, then replying with the suggested changes, all for a story that for the most part is pretty mediocre.
I kinda think that's like asking someone to come and work in my garden because I'm not so good at it.
Take a story with say 7000 words, how many hours of their time might the editor have to spend helping the writer get his story printed?
My thoughts, it is a lot to ask.

The standard where I've done professional editing has been an average of 2,000 words/hour for technical editing (spelling, basic grammar, context continuity, general suggestions on structure). And that's what was used to set up estimated editing fees. Substantive editing was estimated as half that--1,000 words/hour.

The arrangement I have with one of my publishers is that he gets everything he publishes of mine edited at his expense and I edit everything else he publishes without charging. The buddy system--I'll edit yours if you edit mine--is probably the best arrangement, if you both have editorial credentials/experience.