S
SexySoBeChick
Guest
B-
You did get my email, right? Now I'm paranoid. LOL
SSBC
You did get my email, right? Now I'm paranoid. LOL
SSBC
bridgeburner
threadkiller
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- Dec 5, 2001
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- 2,712
hahaha! Yes, I did--- but I hadn't checked my mail yet when I posted that last bit. Really, I wasn't even thinking of feedback responses. I was just musing on different ways to get hold of folks when you suspect there's a techno-void.
Lovely note, btw, thank you!
-B
Lovely note, btw, thank you!
-B
fifty5
Literotica Guru
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SexySoBeChick said:
Hi SSBC,
I'm a wannabe writer, so maybe have no business posting here, but I sympathise with your post because my experience (from the other side) feels to have something in common with yours. Accordingly, I would be grateful for your advice - or from any other experienced editors.
My situation is that (as above) I wannabe a writer. I think I can, but want worthwhile help. The VE program sounds just the ticket!
My desire is for someone who'll work with me over time (dunno how long - I've only had one story published, so don't know if I really can, or whether it's worth persevering); who'll be patient with a beginner, tell me where I'm making silly mistakes and generally make constructive criticism. I can use a spell-checker & grammar checker (and know when I _want_ to ignore the advice of both, but don't know whether that opinion is right).
My problem is finding an editor to work with. Sure there are 19 pages of wannabe VEs, but all the ones on the VE pages joined the program since June this year - dammit, I've been trying to write (even if not seriously) for years, let alone those 2 months - granted with an output of only 3 tales, all but one unpublished.
I looked through the whole list and picked one. She wrote back saying she was busy (that's fine - so am I), but would like to work with me; and suggested that it would be a good idea to use more than 1 editor so as to get more than 1 opinion.
Since that, I've sent her 4 emails over about as many weeks and received 1 more reply, saying she'd write after getting back from work. That's a fortnight ago...
Following up on her suggestion, I contacted another VE, but his response sounded like he wanted to be co-author more than editor; and other points he made also suggested that we may well not be on the same wavelength. I wrote back saying 'thanks, but no thanks' (explaining why) - and haven't had any reply to that (simply "OK, See ya around..." would have been nice!)
So ... has anyone here any suggestions about how I can find an experienced editor with the patience to work with a newbie writer?
Sorry if that sounds like I'm whinging, it isn't meant that way, but I do feel that I need help and don't know how to contact someone who can and will do that.
(On the optimistic offchance that someone here might volunteer, you can find my sole submission so far at http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=101427 I hope that might indicate whether you think I'm worth the effort.)
Thanks for your time in reading this,
f5
S
SexySoBeChick
Guest
Hey fifty5,
I really, really feel for you and I’m sorry you’re having such a lousy experience with the Editor’s program. Personally, I can’t take any more work right now. I’m so swamped I’m running on negative time—if there is such a thing.
You might get a better response if you start a new thread in the Editor’s forum—like others have done—and post a similar request to the one you made above. The only other suggestion I have is to keep going through the list of editors until you find someone you can work with.
Wishing you the best of luck with your search,
SSBC
Edited to say: Never mind, I see you already started a new thread. Again, good luck!
I really, really feel for you and I’m sorry you’re having such a lousy experience with the Editor’s program. Personally, I can’t take any more work right now. I’m so swamped I’m running on negative time—if there is such a thing.
You might get a better response if you start a new thread in the Editor’s forum—like others have done—and post a similar request to the one you made above. The only other suggestion I have is to keep going through the list of editors until you find someone you can work with.
Wishing you the best of luck with your search,
SSBC
Edited to say: Never mind, I see you already started a new thread. Again, good luck!
Last edited:
fifty5
Literotica Guru
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Hi SBC,
Thanks for your rapid reply - and your sympathy. If my first choice of editor wasn't so busy, I'm sure my experience would have been great. Shame you're too busy yourself, but that's life!
Incidentally, I read "A+ in Reproduction" and loved it. When I taught Computing there were a few students I'd have loved to lived that out with - but the subject was wrong! Keep writing - and let me know when you post anything new.
All the best,
f5
Thanks for your rapid reply - and your sympathy. If my first choice of editor wasn't so busy, I'm sure my experience would have been great. Shame you're too busy yourself, but that's life!
Incidentally, I read "A+ in Reproduction" and loved it. When I taught Computing there were a few students I'd have loved to lived that out with - but the subject was wrong!
Keep writing - and let me know when you post anything new.All the best,
f5
S
SexySoBeChick
Guest
Fifty5,
Thanks for the wonderful compliment and I will let you know.
SSBC
Thanks for the wonderful compliment and I will let you know.
SSBC
KillerMuffin
Seraphically Disinclined
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2000
- Posts
- 25,603
Re: Re: Editor Pet Peeves
Hello!
Just thought I'd drop in and clarify on behalf of the editors. Some of the people have been in the program for three years. Literotica revamped the way editors join the list in June for reasons not yet revealed by the powers that be. Everyone who was on the list had to join it all over again in June. Prior to that, there were no dates listed on V-E profiles so there really was no way of knowing what experience these people might have had. There really is no way to backdate the lists because there's really no good way of verifying the original date they might have joined the lists.
Muffin
fifty5 said:
Hello!
Just thought I'd drop in and clarify on behalf of the editors. Some of the people have been in the program for three years. Literotica revamped the way editors join the list in June for reasons not yet revealed by the powers that be. Everyone who was on the list had to join it all over again in June. Prior to that, there were no dates listed on V-E profiles so there really was no way of knowing what experience these people might have had. There really is no way to backdate the lists because there's really no good way of verifying the original date they might have joined the lists.
Muffin
bridgeburner
threadkiller
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- Dec 5, 2001
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Shopping for Editors
When I was shopping for editors I found the best way to get a fit initially was to read their story submissions. If I found that a potential editor had more problems with his writing than I do, then I'd cross that person off my list.
Some editors have no story submissions, however. So you can't really shop them that way. I'm a total chicken so I publish under a different name than I post under. You'll never see any stories with my name next to them.
Another way to shop is to find authors you like and then check to see if they're listed with the VE program and willing to read the genre you write in.
Good luck!
-B
When I was shopping for editors I found the best way to get a fit initially was to read their story submissions. If I found that a potential editor had more problems with his writing than I do, then I'd cross that person off my list.
Some editors have no story submissions, however. So you can't really shop them that way. I'm a total chicken so I publish under a different name than I post under. You'll never see any stories with my name next to them.
Another way to shop is to find authors you like and then check to see if they're listed with the VE program and willing to read the genre you write in.
Good luck!
-B
fifty5
Literotica Guru
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Re: Re: Re: Editor Pet Peeves
Thanks for that explanation, Muffin. It doesn't solve my problem, but at least it explains why the problem exists.
Ho hum...
f5
KillerMuffin said:
Thanks for that explanation, Muffin. It doesn't solve my problem, but at least it explains why the problem exists.
Thanks for that, bb. That sounds like a lot of work, but if it leads me to a good VE it'll be worth it.bridgeburner said:
Ho hum...
f5
I am appalled, but two ways....
That's "Overcome with shock, dismay!" I find your experiences both embarassing, and frustrtaing. They are embarassing for I too write and would not want to be counted among those who ask for help and then disappear, or worse, reject its content when it is rendered. Also, they are frustrating for the author at times, as I have written several volunteer editors I have researched, and none have replied as yet. I did not send stories with my querry, but did send a summary of my intent, my profile with examples, and a request for a simple response as to whether the "editor" was interested in working with me.
I write the whole mess off to what I see in business all the time. People are on their track, and anything or anyone else whizzing by is merely scenery - they can wave, or ignore and never see the same scene (person) again. Pretty sick behavior if you ask me. Common decency seems to be slipping, while retribution seems to be flourishing in this world. I refuse to participate!
Anyway, for any frustrated editors out there, looking for an author who wishes sincerely to improve his skills and product, I am a 56 year old exec, acting 30, and probably as horny as 18. I have an imagination several hundred times greater than my experience level, and I love to exercise it. I have written several novels for my own pleasure, and a number of erotic stories, examples of which are listed under nycguy53. I would love to hook up with an editor interested in a serious effort to straighten my tracks.
Many thanks for the thread SexySoBeChick, the forum Literotica, and may all our needy brethren, author and editor alike, suddenly get hit by the "Courtesy Train" and wake the hell up!
(Did I make any errors here?)
That's "Overcome with shock, dismay!" I find your experiences both embarassing, and frustrtaing. They are embarassing for I too write and would not want to be counted among those who ask for help and then disappear, or worse, reject its content when it is rendered. Also, they are frustrating for the author at times, as I have written several volunteer editors I have researched, and none have replied as yet. I did not send stories with my querry, but did send a summary of my intent, my profile with examples, and a request for a simple response as to whether the "editor" was interested in working with me.
I write the whole mess off to what I see in business all the time. People are on their track, and anything or anyone else whizzing by is merely scenery - they can wave, or ignore and never see the same scene (person) again. Pretty sick behavior if you ask me. Common decency seems to be slipping, while retribution seems to be flourishing in this world. I refuse to participate!
Anyway, for any frustrated editors out there, looking for an author who wishes sincerely to improve his skills and product, I am a 56 year old exec, acting 30, and probably as horny as 18. I have an imagination several hundred times greater than my experience level, and I love to exercise it. I have written several novels for my own pleasure, and a number of erotic stories, examples of which are listed under nycguy53. I would love to hook up with an editor interested in a serious effort to straighten my tracks.
Many thanks for the thread SexySoBeChick, the forum Literotica, and may all our needy brethren, author and editor alike, suddenly get hit by the "Courtesy Train" and wake the hell up!
(Did I make any errors here?)
bridgeburner
threadkiller
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Struck down in the prime of rudeness by the Courtesy Train.
I like that!
Right now my plate is full in the editing department, but when I'm done with the current project I'd be happy to take a look at any work you have ready for editing.
Best of luck to you, nycguy!
-B
I like that!
Right now my plate is full in the editing department, but when I'm done with the current project I'd be happy to take a look at any work you have ready for editing.
Best of luck to you, nycguy!
-B
Le Jacquelope
Loves Spam
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- 76,445
SexySoBeChick: thanks very much for the advice. I do my best to follow the protocol when having volunteer editors look at my work, and yet I find it very difficult to find editors nowadays. I've got an increasing number of stories waiting for unbiased (as in, "ooooh I loooove this story!!" which is what my friends would say) eyes to read. I wonder if it is exactly the writers you speak of, who are at fault for the lack of available editors, or the lack of any response from the ones on the list...
sweetjulia
Virgin
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2003
- Posts
- 21
my peeves and good experiences
i know the frustrations of editing first hand, i edit a heck of a lot more than i write actually, and generally speaking its been a good experience.
one person i edit for has credited me in his profile which was a nice little pat on the old ego. although now his ratings are higher than mine, pout.
i have had a few write and ask if i would and when i replied, sure send me your stuff i never got it? and a few i worked on non stop for days, trying to make the 72 hour deadline, and no response at all, nothing.
but again most of the time the writers are great!
i know the frustrations of editing first hand, i edit a heck of a lot more than i write actually, and generally speaking its been a good experience.
one person i edit for has credited me in his profile which was a nice little pat on the old ego. although now his ratings are higher than mine, pout.
i have had a few write and ask if i would and when i replied, sure send me your stuff i never got it? and a few i worked on non stop for days, trying to make the 72 hour deadline, and no response at all, nothing.
but again most of the time the writers are great!
HawaiiBill
Really Really Experienced
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2001
- Posts
- 399
Wanted, more writers
My profile must not be right. I've had very few contacts. All were appreciative of the help. We worked with direct e-mail. Most were inexperienced but each had their strong points and it was a pleasure to help those develop. And then they stopped communication and I don't know if they were finally satisfied with their stories and submitted them or just gave up. Hmmm.
Suggestions appreciated for the right words in my editor profile to encourage more writers to get in touch.
My profile must not be right. I've had very few contacts. All were appreciative of the help. We worked with direct e-mail. Most were inexperienced but each had their strong points and it was a pleasure to help those develop. And then they stopped communication and I don't know if they were finally satisfied with their stories and submitted them or just gave up. Hmmm.
Suggestions appreciated for the right words in my editor profile to encourage more writers to get in touch.
Delicious Blonde
Experienced
- Joined
- May 8, 2003
- Posts
- 54
new writer's perspective...
I went thru the volunteer progam looking for an editor too. I immediately struck on one of my favorite authors and she got back to me within a day....we have somewhat similar styles and I have admired her work for a long time so thought she would be perfect to help me submit my work. We exchanged emails where she told me what she'd like, spell and grammar check and all that...no sweat....I sent two stories to her and waited.....nuthin...
"My email must be at fault," I thought. So I sent myself some. I got that okay.
I eventually submitted my stories without an editor since I was in a bit of a hurry.
http://www.literotica.com/stories/memberpage.php?uid=216565
But I still read her stories too. Editors have lives too, huh?
I went thru the volunteer progam looking for an editor too. I immediately struck on one of my favorite authors and she got back to me within a day....we have somewhat similar styles and I have admired her work for a long time so thought she would be perfect to help me submit my work. We exchanged emails where she told me what she'd like, spell and grammar check and all that...no sweat....I sent two stories to her and waited.....nuthin...
"My email must be at fault," I thought. So I sent myself some. I got that okay.
I eventually submitted my stories without an editor since I was in a bit of a hurry.
http://www.literotica.com/stories/memberpage.php?uid=216565
But I still read her stories too. Editors have lives too, huh?
HawaiiBill
Really Really Experienced
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2001
- Posts
- 399
Dear Delicious,
Your story about the "editor" keeping two stories without contacting you is not good to read. I hope you reported that incident to the folks in charge here.
Was that writer registered as an editor?
Meanwhile, when you get another story ready for a read, let me have a look at it for you and I guarantee it will be back jiffy-quick with whatever degree of editing you desire.
Your story about the "editor" keeping two stories without contacting you is not good to read. I hope you reported that incident to the folks in charge here.
Was that writer registered as an editor?
Meanwhile, when you get another story ready for a read, let me have a look at it for you and I guarantee it will be back jiffy-quick with whatever degree of editing you desire.
Delicious Blonde
Experienced
- Joined
- May 8, 2003
- Posts
- 54
Thanks Bill...I don't think it was anything diabolical...maybe just bad e-mail....
Delicious Blonde
Experienced
- Joined
- May 8, 2003
- Posts
- 54
you guys just need to relax...editors are your friends...all the editors here have been nice to me...some of them even make you write better! And that's a good thing...
HawaiiBill
Really Really Experienced
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2001
- Posts
- 399
Best of intentions . . .
Fifty5, I didn't mean to imply any diabolical problems...sorry. But the complaint was being ignored, no response. Then I found a spot online here that held an e-mail to me that I hadn't seen. It had been my understanding there would be a note on my e-mail that there was something waiting but that didn't happen. So bad e-mail is a good suggestion as a cause of incommunicado folks. Aloha
Fifty5, I didn't mean to imply any diabolical problems...sorry. But the complaint was being ignored, no response. Then I found a spot online here that held an e-mail to me that I hadn't seen. It had been my understanding there would be a note on my e-mail that there was something waiting but that didn't happen. So bad e-mail is a good suggestion as a cause of incommunicado folks. Aloha
HawaiiBill
Really Really Experienced
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2001
- Posts
- 399
I need to find the user manual for this . . .
The more I use this forum, the more confused I get on formatting, finding specific responses to posts I make, etc. Being an old man, it's easy to say I need somebody to take me by my tottering arm and point me to the lesson pages. FAQ doesn't seem to have it. Stay with me folks, I'm worth the wait, I promise!
I'll go look at the help section of the vB Code.
Aloha
The more I use this forum, the more confused I get on formatting, finding specific responses to posts I make, etc. Being an old man, it's easy to say I need somebody to take me by my tottering arm and point me to the lesson pages. FAQ doesn't seem to have it. Stay with me folks, I'm worth the wait, I promise!
I'll go look at the help section of the vB Code.
Aloha
A7inchPhildo
imaginary friend
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2003
- Posts
- 1,848
Re: Shopping for Editors
I too post under a different name and with a genuine pm I share that. My thoughts stray a little both directions as I read this thread. Originaly I looked for an editor and it was not easy to feel comfortable choosing one that could appreciate my work. I wrote and no response (and I mean for weeks), so I chose another I am patient (again no response) makes you feel good at this point. I went to an outside source which is my choice.
I enjoy the readers feed back so I continue to post.
After being on lit for a while in the Forum I tend to see what some of the editors are capable of and am not impressed. While others are very dilligent and worthy to voice an opinion.
I have also read many stories that most definite, needed an editor.
The other side is I would not want to be an editor for the simple lack of respect given from those whom just write so they can post a story. I read over and over I had an editor and it took too long so I just posted it. Well, that is why so many good story topics are just a crapy story when posted.
I am also not a big fan of a certain contest posted here to see how many stories an author can post. I tend to not like what I have read so far for there is a lack of quality in haste.
I have a respect for the editors and the good that is being done. I would like all the stories to have to pass a certain level of editing before they can be posted. At least the stamp of approval from one editor.
I would think more of a pet peve as an editor is the amount of stories that are just not stories. By that I mean they are just facts or blobs of information splattered in a start to finish order nothing to fill in the gaps. I know that is one in every fourth story posted at lit.
More importantly I am once again useing Canadian pennies so my 2 cents aint worth as much as yours.
""Smile it is good for all"" Phildo
bridgeburner said:
I too post under a different name and with a genuine pm I share that. My thoughts stray a little both directions as I read this thread. Originaly I looked for an editor and it was not easy to feel comfortable choosing one that could appreciate my work. I wrote and no response (and I mean for weeks), so I chose another I am patient (again no response) makes you feel good at this point. I went to an outside source which is my choice.
I enjoy the readers feed back so I continue to post.
After being on lit for a while in the Forum I tend to see what some of the editors are capable of and am not impressed. While others are very dilligent and worthy to voice an opinion.
I have also read many stories that most definite, needed an editor.
The other side is I would not want to be an editor for the simple lack of respect given from those whom just write so they can post a story. I read over and over I had an editor and it took too long so I just posted it. Well, that is why so many good story topics are just a crapy story when posted.
I am also not a big fan of a certain contest posted here to see how many stories an author can post. I tend to not like what I have read so far for there is a lack of quality in haste.
I have a respect for the editors and the good that is being done. I would like all the stories to have to pass a certain level of editing before they can be posted. At least the stamp of approval from one editor.
I would think more of a pet peve as an editor is the amount of stories that are just not stories. By that I mean they are just facts or blobs of information splattered in a start to finish order nothing to fill in the gaps. I know that is one in every fourth story posted at lit.
More importantly I am once again useing Canadian pennies so my 2 cents aint worth as much as yours.
""Smile it is good for all"" Phildo
fifty5
Literotica Guru
- Joined
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- 3,619
Re: Re: Shopping for Editors
You're right, but...
While there probably are some 'time wasters' around, real life does have an unfortunate tendancy to intrude. Both writers (e.g. me) and editors (I know as far as the one I've found - and guess about others) have other issues to deal with. I've had 3 tiring weeks on the trot and have another 2 to follow (driving around London is NOT a picnic) so that the work I've wanted to do on my next opus simply hasn't happened - and my editor is left waiting for my revisions.
Having said that, both she and I have sent brief msgs to explain about the delays. That does seem to me to be common courtesy. Simply not responding at all is rude.
f5
Hi Phildo,A7inchPhildo said:
You're right, but...
While there probably are some 'time wasters' around, real life does have an unfortunate tendancy to intrude. Both writers (e.g. me) and editors (I know as far as the one I've found - and guess about others) have other issues to deal with. I've had 3 tiring weeks on the trot and have another 2 to follow (driving around London is NOT a picnic) so that the work I've wanted to do on my next opus simply hasn't happened - and my editor is left waiting for my revisions.
Having said that, both she and I have sent brief msgs to explain about the delays. That does seem to me to be common courtesy. Simply not responding at all is rude.
f5
A7inchPhildo
imaginary friend
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2003
- Posts
- 1,848
I have a respect for the editors and the good that is being done. I would like all the stories to have to pass a certain level of editing before they can be posted. At least the stamp of approval from one editor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is more what I was expressing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is more what I was expressing.
