Volunteer Editors

[Mickie]

I'm seeing a lot of people asking about getting an editor. Are they actually trying to use the volunteer editor services and not getting a response, or are they missing the quite clear link on the story index page?

Just wondering.

Hey, Laurel, it might be a good idea to put a sticky on this forum to remind people that there is a volunteer editor service available. It might also be a good idea for those volunteers who are swamped to put a note up on this forum just to inform people that they can't take on any more work at the moment. And, those that have nothing to do at the moment can put up a thread asking to get swamped

Mickie

 

[Cherona]

About finding an editor....

It is funny that you should ask if we missed that "quite clear" link on how to find a volunteer editor...

I can not speak for everyone who might "actually [be] trying to use the volunteer editor services." I can say the story I sent out to a volunteer editor almost two weeks ago has gone completely unanswered.

And yes, I queried the editor in question and got her OK before I sent the story to her. There was no little response telling me, "I am swamped." Nada, nothing.

So.... with that said to justify my misplaced pitch for an new editor.

I am looking for an volunteer editor. I tried the volunteer editor services and well, it just hasn't worked out for me. If you want to see a sample of my work, I have three stories on the site. One does pretty well and the other two have led me to realize the need for an editor.

 

[Mickie]

Hum, it sounds like our volunteer editors aren't living up to the responsibility they volunteered for. (Not ALL of them, I'm sure. Personally, I've always heard from whomever I asked, even if it was to say -- 'I'm too busy, try someone else'.)

Now, how can we try to change this?

First, I know there are busy times and some people lose the computer access and other's are just trying to live their lives and don't have time. However, I also know that, when you sign up for a responsibility, whether or not you're being paid for it, you have a moral imperative to either 1) do the job as efficiently as you can or 2) take your name off the list.

I know Laurel is as on top of this as she can be, but she can't be hand-holding the volunteers, or emailing the list every day to see if everyone's still interested in helping. How can we, the authors, help this situation?

Suggestion (you knew there would be one! ) What about editor awards? The authors would be able to nominate and vote on fav editors. That way, those who get back to the requesting authors, and work well with them will get at least a public pat on the back.

Plus, and this is an immediate fix -- please, if you've contacted an editor and received no answer, email the name to Laurel. I believe she then tries to find out if the editor in question is still wanting their name on the volunteer board.

Keep trying, and I'm sure you'll get an editor. Personally, I don't edit. I don't have the time or the temperament to deal with beginning authors, and I REALLY HATE to put ANYONE off of writing. I have a bad habit of being far too picky.

Mickie

 

[PolarJuice]

I too have been lost in the shuffle sending my queries and getting a responce only to have my manuscripts lost in limbo with no replies.... I can't say that for all but I did contact 10 outright with a letter 3 replied and only one ever came through for me but She's way to busy with school now for me to post her name without first checking with her... ( besides I'm keeping her she is good )

Polar

PS Keep trying there is a large list of editors maybe ther is one for you.

 

[Cherona]

Querying volunteer editors a waste of time.

Thanks for your words of encouragement, Polar, but I think I am going to officially chalk up the volunteer editor deal as a waste of my time.

This is a great site. I've read the stories and the monthly news letters for a couple years-- has it really been years?? I have favorite authors whose work I read and favorite stories I even re-read from time to time. I love reading and posting on this site. In other words, I am a loyal fan and member of the site. (And lately, it is looking great.)

I have posted 4 stories so far and received some very nice reader feedback. I wanted to hone my writing skills and maybe improve on the stories I post through some technical feedback from an individual editor. Sorry, I am just not ready to throw myself to the wolves and post the link to one of my stories up on the BBS for a public discussion of feedback. Brrrrrrrr. Maybe next story... Or not.

I have volunteered more than once to be an editor myself. You know-- be part of the solution, not the problem. Blah, blah. Same response as the editor program. Nothing.

I think what is frustrating for new writers is actually "trying to use" the program and getting no response. That frustration is compounded when we log onto the bulletin board system and post requests for help. What help is offered then?

All I have ever seen (and not just lately) are replies from established writers/members along the lines of "why don't they use the volunteer program correctly?" or "he is just new, he'll learn how we do things here."

Well, how do you really do things here? We "newbie" writers are really wondering.

'Cuz, this volunteer editor program, it ain't workin'.

I will tell you the only reason I even replied to Mickie's post (my first reply EVER.) As a writer who tried to use the editor program, I found her implication that new writers were not savvy enough to figure out the "quite clear link on the index page" a little insensitive.

 

[PolarJuice]

Don't fret so

Being a writer is full of rejections... both written and not... just believe in yourself and don't give up.... try more there are lots on the list and try reading that article in the How To section on how to use the editoer program .. it has some insights that showed me what I was doing wrong..

I still think it works, reguardless.

Polar

 

[Laurel]

Hi everyone,

The Volunteer Editor list should be full of people who are not only willing to edit, but will respond to requests in a reasonable timeframe. If you email an editor on the list and they do not respond within a reasonable timeframe (2-4 days), then PLEASE email me with the name of the editor and I will contact that editor personally. If I don't receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, I will remove the listing.

We do check the list periodically, but we also rely on writers to make us aware of bad listings.

Currently we are working on a way to automate the Editor program and integrate it with the site. Authors will submit the stories noting which volunteer editor worked on the piece. Editors will have profiles - like authors - listing the stories they've edited. Authors will be able to "rate" editors and leave feedback on them, and editors will be able to comment on the feedback - similar to the eBay feedback system. Editors who receive a certain number of negatives for non-response will be automatically sent to our queue for consideration.

This is a work-intensive project, and one of many we're working on right now (i.e. the writer's marketplace, the ebooks site, etc. etc.). Unfortunately, the programmer guy who helps us can only do one thing at a time, and we're not his only priority, so things don't always happen as fast as we'd like. That siad, I assure you that we ARE working on it. Until this automated system is in place, we would appreciate authors making us aware of any non-responsive listings in the Editor's list. Thanks for your help and feedback, and take care!

 

[Cherona]

Thanks for the replies Laurel, Polar.

The changes to the site and the editor program sound well thought out. I'll be interested to see how they develop. It sounds quite a bit of work and it is appreciated.