Active and Willing Editors, Chime In

[AsylumSeeker]

One thing that is kind of discouraging as an editor is authors who ask for you to review their material and then never give you a reply back after you work on their story. It's happened more than once.[/QUOTE]


Yes, I agree. I develop a rapport with the writers I work with so this is not a problem I've encountered much. I advertise up front that I prefer new writers, as I'm a better mentor than an editor (but good enough to get a story accepted at Lit), and I really take great joy in seeing a first story taking shape. I have received nothing but praise, which I selfishly absorb like sunlight.

But some writers might ask for help expecting it, like it's a God-given right, which is not the case. A little guidance up front might resolve the issue. Set some guidelines before starting an edit, ground rules so to speak. And place some demands on the writer to account for your hard work.

Just my rambling thoughts.

 

[fungi469]

Yes, I agree. I develop a rapport with the writers I work with so this is not a problem I've encountered much. I advertise up front that I prefer new writers, as I'm a better mentor than an editor (but good enough to get a story accepted at Lit), and I really take great joy in seeing a first story taking shape. I have received nothing but praise, which I selfishly absorb like sunlight.

But some writers might ask for help expecting it, like it's a God-given right, which is not the case. A little guidance up front might resolve the issue. Set some guidelines before starting an edit, ground rules so to speak. And place some demands on the writer to account for your hard work.

Just my rambling thoughts.

I think that maybe I just haven't hooked up with a serious writer yet - that would really make a big difference. I, too, love to help people out and see their story unfold and take on a life of its own.

 

[funnygent]

I'm a new member with two stories posted. I am also a really good proofreader, and I put a lot of time into my responses and suggestions. I've edited two stories this week, and I loved doing it, although I may never get a word of thanks - that's not why I'm doing it.

Is there a space on this site where we can log the authors/stories we've worked on? Post references if we get any? Ideally, I'd love to develop close working relationships with a handful of authors, but I have a feeling the reality is going to be less a community and more scattershot helping-hand. I'm good with that - I just wish more people knew to contact me.

 

[snoopercharmbrights]

... Is there a space on this site where we can log the authors/stories we've worked on? Post references if we get any? ...

In a word - no.

... Ideally, I'd love to develop close working relationships with a handful of authors, but I have a feeling the reality is going to be less a community and more scattershot helping-hand. ...

Actually I have a combination of these. A few authors for whom I edit regularly (though that is one less since somebody had a hissy fit because I couldn't relate to one story). Two of those, I am immensely proud to say have gone on to publish works for money. Then there have been a much larger number who have had one story edited and never come back. I just wish I knew why.

 

[CrazyCatGuy]

I'm a new member with two stories posted. I am also a really good proofreader, and I put a lot of time into my responses and suggestions. I've edited two stories this week, and I loved doing it, although I may never get a word of thanks - that's not why I'm doing it.

Is there a space on this site where we can log the authors/stories we've worked on? Post references if we get any? Ideally, I'd love to develop close working relationships with a handful of authors, but I have a feeling the reality is going to be less a community and more scattershot helping-hand. I'm good with that - I just wish more people knew to contact me.

Funnygent has just edited my story, and he's been great!

While the Find an Editor section of the members page says you can put down the name of the editor when you submit your story, i didn't see such a textbox when i submitted mine... i have no idea why :/ was this planed at some point and just never implimented or something? it seems like a really useful thing...

 

[cloudy]

okay, just finished with one story, so now I'm free to edit something else.

Anyone need help?

 

[smidgeon]

Another offering...

To the fine authors of lit,

I'd like to offer my services as an editor, and you can find my official editor info here.

I haven't submitted any writings of my own as I've done more expository than creative writing to this point, but I may change that sometime in the future. In the meantime, I enjoy reading lit of all types, and I also enjoy the collaborative effort of the creative process. Helping others with their stories seems like an ideal match for me.

Feel free to contact me with questions

 

[funnygent]

CrazyCat, you make my day. Keep writing!

 

[snoopercharmbrights]

... Anyone need help?

All of us, me more than most, but I won't lumber you with 60k words of BDSM novel.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

I'm willing and able to do editing.

See my profile for what I accept.

One thing that is kind of discouraging as an editor is authors who ask for you to review their material and then never give you a reply back after you work on their story. It's happened more than once.

I agree. Editors need to feel apprediated for their time investment as well. Many hours are invested. Hey, from a fellow editor, my thanks are extended <shake>.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

Huggsss

okay, just finished with one story, so now I'm free to edit something else.

Anyone need help?

Thanks cloudy, that's the spirirt!

 

[DracheDD]

I'm relatively new here, but happy to help.
Just finished one for a desperate author on a deadline and had fun doing it.

Like others have said though, I can't re-write it for you. If that's what your looking for, you need someone else, but I'm more than happy to help with grammar, punctuation, consistency, etc.

 

[loafingexec]

A good relationship

Just wanted to chime in that I've worked with just one writer on here, and it was a very good experience for me. I offered the usual "copy editing" help but also suggestions on areas to expand or cut, and the writer seemed very happy, and we have continued to work together on a couple of additional chapters. I made it a point to ask the writer if the more extensive advice was what she was looking for, and it was. I'm happy to work with one or two others who want a similar help. If you're itching for a fast turnaround, let me know, and I don't check in here every day; it sometimes takes a couple of days for me to carve out time for a good editing, more on a longer piece. But I have been an editor "in real life" for many years, and enjoy it. Please PM me rather than post.

 

[loafingexec]

Hail, Canada

Oh, and let me just add that I looooove Canada, and you have everything to be proud of up there. Welcome!

 

[Teloz]

Sorry, can't help it...

Us Canadians are NOT lowly by any means We are a perfect ballance of Ying and Yang, Wind and Water, Chaos and Order.... and therefore, we are Awesome (with a capital A)

I think you'll find that it's "balance" not "ballance", unless that's an American spelling!

 

[christabelll]

I think you'll find that it's "balance" not "ballance", unless that's an American spelling!

ENGLISH UK = more like....

 

[fungi469]

Christabel yup - those are mine!

gotta make sure, hon!

 

[AsylumSeeker]

I Have A Gun...

Hold the ending hostage... just the last few paragraphs <LOL>