Volunteer Editors with Followers But No Works

[KenNicottii]

I’ve been using the Volunteer Editor program since I started writing for Literotica. I really like the new, improved version of this resource, but one thing I noticed recently that puzzles me. Only about a fourth of the VEs are authors themselves; i.e., they have works submitted to Lit—the vast majority are not. Yet a substantial number of these non-authors have followers. Am I missing the point? How can you have followers if you don’t have any submissions?

 

[RejectReality]

You can follow ( favorite is what the button actually still says ) any registered member by viewing their profile, whether they have stories or not.

As to why anyone would do that... Your guess is as good as mine.

 

[KeithD]

Satisfied writers the VE has "edited" for?

 

[HeyAll]

I'm assuming it's because they've edited for authors who then followed them (the editor) as a 'thank you' for editing.

 

[whowrotethisshit]

Either authors are following them because they liked their editing styles *or* said editor might take part in the chat room where people follow you so they can keep in touch.

 

[DryLips]

I'm assuming it's because they've edited for authors who then followed them (the editor) as a 'thank you' for editing.

I've done this. When I reach out to a VE, I will usually follow them so I know I've contacted them. If they don't respond or don't edit for me, I will usually stop following them.

 

[Javahead]

Well, I am following my editor. But he's also a fairly prolific author. And I checked out his stories before asking for his help.

 

[yukonnights]

Well, I am following my editor. But he's also a fairly prolific author. And I checked out his stories before asking for his help.

I saw this thread the other night and it prompted me to take another look at the Editor list. First, it was a bad idea because I got hooked on going through the profiles for way too long. But — the point of this comment is that I too eventually began looking at only those who have stories published, thinking that would be a good indicator of editing skill.

Like I said, I looked for a long time at dozens of profiles. I ran across maybe 4 or 5 who had high quality published stories. So many of the others were not only poorly received by the readers, but reading the first few paragraphs showed why.

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea and availability of the Editors list and all who volunteer to be free editors for those who write stories here. I just wish there was a more robust conversation on the Editors Forum about developing the tools to properly edit. That's one thing about the Authors Forum that I find very helpful — advice from those more experienced.

 

[BelleCanzuto]

I saw this thread the other night and it prompted me to take another look at the Editor list. First, it was a bad idea because I got hooked on going through the profiles for way too long. But — the point of this comment is that I too eventually began looking at only those who have stories published, thinking that would be a good indicator of editing skill.

Like I said, I looked for a long time at dozens of profiles. I ran across maybe 4 or 5 who had high quality published stories. So many of the others were not only poorly received by the readers, but reading the first few paragraphs showed why.

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea and availability of the Editors list and all who volunteer to be free editors for those who write stories here. I just wish there was a more robust conversation on the Editors Forum about developing the tools to properly edit. That's one thing about the Authors Forum that I find very helpful — advice from those more experienced.

Yeah, when I've looked for an editor through the VE portal (as opposed to the time I posted a request on the editor's forum) one of my "filters" was that the editor had published stories I could review. The single WORST written story I've read here (which is sayting something) was by a VE who claimed a similar work background as me, so as first I thought the person would be a good fit. But then I read their one published story, and let's just say I backed away slowly trying not to spook the poor creature...

 

[yukonnights]

Yeah, when I've looked for an editor through the VE portal (as opposed to the time I posted a request on the editor's forum) one of my "filters" was that the editor had published stories I could review. The single WORST written story I've read here (which is sayting something) was by a VE who claimed a similar work background as me, so as first I thought the person would be a good fit. But then I read their one published story, and let's just say I backed away slowly trying not to spook the poor creature...

But, one does have to appreciate the offer to help ~

I know of one —maybe two — authors on here who could probably offer a great series of lessons/topical discussions in basic editing methods...but that would be a pretty big commitment. The fact that there are many layers to editing makes it more complex than most assume; There's the obvious grammar and punctuation...but then the more nuanced elements of structure, cohesion, and basic story arc and content. Oh well, maybe having to do it myself will one day pound it all into the right crevices of my brain

 

[_Lynn_]

I saw this thread the other night and it prompted me to take another look at the Editor list. First, it was a bad idea because I got hooked on going through the profiles for way too long. But — the point of this comment is that I too eventually began looking at only those who have stories published, thinking that would be a good indicator of editing skill.

Like I said, I looked for a long time at dozens of profiles. I ran across maybe 4 or 5 who had high quality published stories. So many of the others were not only poorly received by the readers, but reading the first few paragraphs showed why.

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea and availability of the Editors list and all who volunteer to be free editors for those who write stories here. I just wish there was a more robust conversation on the Editors Forum about developing the tools to properly edit. That's one thing about the Authors Forum that I find very helpful — advice from those more experienced.

Start a thread there then.

 

[yukonnights]

Start a thread there then.

I would if I was a gifted editor. Alas, I'm not

 

[_Lynn_]

I would if I was a gifted editor. Alas, I'm not

The forum isn't reserved for gifted editors.

 

[KeithD]

I posted an essay on self-review for Literotica stories under my sr71plt account back in 2008. It included a resource list. https://www.literotica.com/s/self-review-for-literotica

 

[yukonnights]

I posted an essay on self-review for Literotica stories under my sr71plt account back in 2008. It included a resource list. https://www.literotica.com/s/self-review-for-literotica

Thanks Keith...I was sort of hoping you'd take the hint