What does an editor do?

[Lycandope]

So... what is an editor asked to do? Are we talking going in and actually rewriting things or is it more "Take a look here and think about redoing this" and "The ending to the chapter is really awkward so you should think about this and that" ?

I'm considering signing up to be an editor but would like to know what's required first.

 

[sr71plt]

Editors can be used for a whole range of help, from editing for punctuation, spelling, grammar, and word usage, to advising on content. You'd settle that with the specific editor you engage with.

If you have something finished you need edited, you could give the genre, wordage, and what you need done in a post here and you might be able to hook up with someone to help you.

 

[PennLady]

So... what is an editor asked to do? Are we talking going in and actually rewriting things or is it more "Take a look here and think about redoing this" and "The ending to the chapter is really awkward so you should think about this and that" ?

I'm considering signing up to be an editor but would like to know what's required first.

As sr71 said, what an editor agrees to do for/with a writer varies and should be worked out with the writer.

If you are going to sign up to be an editor, it would be nice for any writers who might contact you to know that you know the basic rules of grammar and punctuation, etc. There's no requirement for anything, though. The VE list is just people who sign up.

 

[LadyVer]

http://americaneditor.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/editor-editor-everywhere-an-editor/

This article explains the differences between copy editing and developmental editing.

 

[Lycandope]

As sr71 said, what an editor agrees to do for/with a writer varies and should be worked out with the writer.

If you are going to sign up to be an editor, it would be nice for any writers who might contact you to know that you know the basic rules of grammar and punctuation, etc. There's no requirement for anything, though. The VE list is just people who sign up.

Ohhh, so it just depends on the author and what was worked out then? Okay. That's not so bad. And, if I understand correctly, the editors are *not* the people that move stories from pending to approved, right?

 

[PennLady]

Ohhh, so it just depends on the author and what was worked out then? Okay. That's not so bad. And, if I understand correctly, the editors are *not* the people that move stories from pending to approved, right?

Correct. There is only one person who vets stories, and that is Laurel, who along with Manu, owns and runs the site. It is NOT a requirement to have a story edited before you submit it. It is, however, nice for any readers to have as readable a story as possible.

For the editing itself, yes, the editor and writer should work it out themselves.

 

[Lycandope]

Whoa. Are you telling me that only two people read and approve every single story that gets posted on Literotica? How is that even possible? My brains would dribble from my ears. Words would begin to lose meaning and stuff.

 

[sr71plt]

Whoa. Are you telling me that only two people read and approve every single story that gets posted on Literotica? How is that even possible? My brains would dribble from my ears.

No. Only one person approves every single story. She probably just scans most of the stories, though.

And on contemplating becoming an editor, you have training and experience in editing, right? Because you'll be working with people's creative product, people who will have faith that their editor knows more about the proper use of the language than they do.

Otherwise it would be best to make yourself available and another pair of eyes, not someone claiming editorial expertise. Second readers are very useful too--but they aren't misleading an author about having expertise they don't have.

 

[lovecraft68]

No. Only one person approves every single story. She probably just scans most of the stories, though.

And on contemplating becoming an editor, you have training and experience in editing, right? Because you'll be working with people's creative product, people who will have faith that their editor knows more about the proper use of the language than they do.

Otherwise it would be best to make yourself available and another pair of eyes, not someone claiming editorial expertise. Second readers are very useful too--but they aren't misleading an author about having expertise they don't have.

Whether you're professionally trained or just a second pair of eyes, the term here is volunteer editor.

There is not a Volunteer second set of eyes program yet.

So I don't believe anyone has to state credentials unless they feel like it or the writer happens to ask.

 

[LadyVer]

Most volunteer Lit editors do not have training in editing. If that were the requirement for a Lit editor, it would be even harder than it is now for a writer to find an editor.

If a VE studies mechanics consistently, and editing standards, and works with experienced authors on their stories, they become more experienced in editing. They can even pick up freelance projects after a while. I would advise new volunteer editors to work with experienced writers to begin with. Usually experienced writers don't have as many mechanical or revision issues. Many times, they're just looking for another pair of eyes to give them story feedback, or someone to correct their mechanics. They understand that an editor can't and shouldn't rewrite their stories.

 

[sr71plt]

My concern is for the authors and what they think they are getting. Ask a few of them--I think you'd be surprised what they think they are getting when they hook up with an "editor" here. Saying that you are offering only another set of eyes rather than an edit when you have no editorial training/expertise is the honest route to take--and can be quite helpful.

And I have no interest in fighting with you two over this. I don't think either one of you has a shred of integrity in this regard or gives two hoots for the authors here. I do.

 

[LadyVer]

My concern is for the authors and what they think they are getting. Ask a few of them--I think you'd be surprised what they think they are getting when they hook up with an "editor" here. Saying that you are offering only another set of eyes rather than an edit when you have no editorial training/expertise is the honest route to take--and can be quite helpful.

And I have no interest in fighting with you two over this. I don't think either one of you has a hint of integrity or gives two hoots for the authors here. I do.

I would think most writers know that most VEs are not professional editors, that professional editors usually don't have the time to do much volunteer editing. I would also think that most VEs are honest enough with writers, about as honest as writers are with them.

I have no interest in fighting with you either. That doesn't mean that I'm not going to give my opinions and thoughts on editing. You don't have to like them, and my comments you tend to take too personally.

That you would make the statements, "I don't think either one of you has a hint of integrity or gives two hoots for the authors here. I do." is totally uncalled for. That you would question anyone's integrity on a porn site where you consistently, and unreasonably, offend both editors and writers speaks of a lack of integrity, as well as insecurity and lack of maturity.

 

[lovecraft68]

I don't think either one of you has a shred of integrity in this regard or gives two hoots for the authors here. I do.

Do you now?

The line I quoted in my signature sums up quite well what you think of lit authors.

 

[JonB1969]

So... what is an editor asked to do? Are we talking going in and actually rewriting things or is it more "Take a look here and think about redoing this" and "The ending to the chapter is really awkward so you should think about this and that" ?

I'm considering signing up to be an editor but would like to know what's required first.

An excellent question. It kind of depends on what sort of editing the writer is looking for.

Usually the type of editing involved is of the technical nature - grammar, spelling, punctuation and the like.

Some writers, however, need more involved help, such as help with plot continuity and all that.

Also, you will get a wide range of potential clients.