Time to Completion

[Compleeter]

I've looked through the forums, and I could not find an answer to this question, so here it is:

I was curious about how long after you receive a story that you have volunteered to edit, should you take to finish the editing work.

I have recently accepted my first story as a VE, and was wonder what is a reasonable amount of time to take with it. This particular story is approx. 10,000 words.

Any feedback on expectations would be appreciated.

Compleeter

 

[_Lynn_]

I would think the time involved would vary depending on the type edit you do. If you're only checking spelling and punctuation you won't need as long as if you're looking at plot, flow, etc. In addition, I find using the Microsoft Word track changes takes less time than marking the text in red.

But I don't really think there's any standard time. Whatever works for you and the author is all that matters. I've read posts where someone said they can edit 10,000 words in a couple hours. On the other hand, I could never do an edit that fast and dare send it back as completed.

Find a pace you're comfortable with and enjoy.

 

[_Lynn_]

.....

 

[PennLady]

This would all depend on you. How quickly do you want to go through it? How quickly does the author want it back? As Mistress Lynn noted -- what kind of edit are you doing? Mechanics or plot/character? Some may depend on how quickly you read in general, or something like that.

I'd say keep in touch with the author, and ask when they'd like it back, and see if you can do that, or make a compromise if not.

 

[sr71plt]

I suggest that the editor indicate when the author should expect it back--and should make a realistic estimate based on what else they have to do. You probably should try to be able to do 10,000 words within a week or ten days.

 

[Compleeter]

All good advice, and thank you to all. In other words, just use some common sense and communicate. I've had the story two days, and I've gotten about 2/3 of the way through with my part. I just wanted to get a little input and opinions to see if there was an accepted standard of any kind.

Thanks