As a companion to my last new thread try these:
1. When first contacted as a VE, DO try to understand what the author wants from the editing process. Some authors welcome ideas for plot extensions, others only wish orthographic and grammatical advice. Some authors need an urgent response, others prefer a thorough edit.
2. If an author says that it is essential that an edit is completed by a certain date DON'T rush your edit. If it isn't possible for you to work fast enough on this task to meet the author's deadline, remember you are a volunteer and politely tell the author you can't do what (s)he wants.
3. When first contacted by an author, DO make it clear whether you mind if the author is using more than one VE.
4. The very last moment before sending something back to an author, DO run a spell check on your comments.
5. When you receive a story for editing, DO acknowledge its receipt. Email is still unreliable from time to time.
6. When you have looked through your edited version, DO amplify any comments the author may not understand.
7. When you have looked through your editing, if you think the author can learn a general lesson about writing, DO try to indicate that to the author without "talking down" to them.
8. Remember always that the amateur author is just that, an amateur. DON’T expect an amateur to write like a top literary genius.
9. DON'T praise bad writing just so the author will like you.
1. When first contacted as a VE, DO try to understand what the author wants from the editing process. Some authors welcome ideas for plot extensions, others only wish orthographic and grammatical advice. Some authors need an urgent response, others prefer a thorough edit.
2. If an author says that it is essential that an edit is completed by a certain date DON'T rush your edit. If it isn't possible for you to work fast enough on this task to meet the author's deadline, remember you are a volunteer and politely tell the author you can't do what (s)he wants.
3. When first contacted by an author, DO make it clear whether you mind if the author is using more than one VE.
4. The very last moment before sending something back to an author, DO run a spell check on your comments.
5. When you receive a story for editing, DO acknowledge its receipt. Email is still unreliable from time to time.
6. When you have looked through your edited version, DO amplify any comments the author may not understand.
7. When you have looked through your editing, if you think the author can learn a general lesson about writing, DO try to indicate that to the author without "talking down" to them.
8. Remember always that the amateur author is just that, an amateur. DON’T expect an amateur to write like a top literary genius.
9. DON'T praise bad writing just so the author will like you.
), DO decide early on how much of a teacher/editor you're prepared to be in order for the story/concept to be understood by the English-speaking Lit public. If you're not willing to hand-hold &, in some cases, spoon-feed the author through what could be a painful editing process for you both, DO consider passing on the project and/or recommend another VE. If you're multilingual, use that to both of your advantages & I'll be jealous that I'm not as smart as you.
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