Using editors

[Leads2fun]

Are typical new writers using the volunteer editors or just submitting and seeing how the feedback goes? Do you typically use a single editor to check your work or do you send it to a few? I have a few stories that I would like to post but I would like to make sure they meet basic quality standards first. Finally, are there editors that are specific to certain types of stories?

 

[Leads2fun]

I just saw there is an entire editors forum, I will read through that one and should be able to answer my own questions.

 

[StillStunned]

I think there are far more writers here than editors. If I were you, I'd choose one of your stories and submit it for publication.

Give it a thorough read-through first - as a professional editor and proofreader I recommend using Read Aloud or another Text-to-Speech feature. Pay close attention, and you'll catch most of your typos, repetitions and general clumsy phrasing.

See what kind of response you get to your first story and proceed from there. If it's really bad - which is very unlikely - you can always ask for the story to be deleted while you work on your skills.

Good luck!

 

[joy_of_cooking]

I didn't start getting my stories read until after I had published a few. I think having those available as samples of my work made people more willing to offer me their time.

Also worth distinguishing between editing for spelling, grammar, and punctuation vs reading through and giving more conceptual advice on the story, how they felt reading it, etc. I do well enough at the former myself, but I find the latter invaluable.

 

[Bramblethorn]

VE quality and availability are patchy; you'll be lucky if "send it to a few" is an option.

 

[Rob_Royale]

I tried finding an editor when I first started, but no one replied. I have learned to just be more thorough in my editing and proofreading process. The MSWord, read aloud function was a total game changer though. I catch so much more stuff now, than I ever did just reading it. But things still slip through that might have been caught by an editor. I got this comment today.

Anonymous about 3 hours ago
Nora or Cora?

I changed the name of a character in my story. And not just once! In the beginning of the story she's Cora, in the end of the story, she's Nora. I feel foolish, but I'm also a little irritated that someone read the entire story and could only leave that comment.

 

[StillStunned]

I changed the name of a character in my story. And not just once! In the beginning of the story she's Cora, in the end of the story, she's Nora. I feel foolish, but I'm also a little irritated that someone read the entire story and could only leave that comment.

I've changed a few character names while I was writing. I make a point of doing a Find & Replace immediately.

 

[Rob_Royale]

I've changed a few character names while I was writing. I make a point of doing a Find & Replace immediately.

I did that this morning. I'll submit an edited version later today. Another quick proofread, first.

 

[Priscilla_June]

I wish I used editors from the start. But like most things in my life I took my lickings first. Highly recommend finding and editor you work well with.

 

[KeithD]

Having betta readers is probably the best at Literotica (especially "I'll check over yours if you'll check over mine" arrangements). There's no editor vetting here. It's self-declaring and there's very little chance an "editor" here will know any more about it than you do. A second pair of eyes going over it is a very good idea, though.

 

[Qky75]

Having betta readers is probably the best at Literotica (especially "I'll check over yours if you'll check over mine" arrangements). There's no editor vetting here. It's self-declaring and there's very little chance an "editor" here will know any more about it than you do. A second pair of eyes going over it is a very good idea, though.

I like the way you think! Having no response to my post, I can assume either it is not an interesting post OR more likely, I posted in an ineffective area. Might I ask to be pointed in the right direction?

 

[THBGato]

Try contacting a writer you admire and asking them nicely. I was lucky in that respect (thanks again @BrokenSpokes ) and have since been privileged to work with @Nellymcboatface and @AlinaX.

However, those have been one-offs (though I would happily have any of them as beta readers again). My regular editor @Mykymyk2 commented on my first few stories and seemed to really get them, while also offering insightful advice. So I asked them to be my editor halfway through Eve & Lucy. I haven't driven them off yet with Prima Donna behaviour!

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

Haven’t had much luck with editors( flaky lot. Hello @StillStunned ) or even beta readers. I’ve developed my own rather extensive process including using grammar aids, read aloud, and just letting the story sit for days, or even weeks. I’ve had stories take over a year after first draft to get where I’m comfortable with publishing them. Thing is, I still change character names and miss stuff.

Good luck and just keep writing.


EDIT: I’ve never asked @StillStunned to edit anything, but he is a professional editor. Ergo, flaky.

 

[StillStunned]

EDIT: I’ve never asked @StillStunned to edit anything, but he is a professional editor. Ergo, flaky.

As flaky as a pile of almond flakes with ADHD.