Just venting

[bronzeage]

When I edit I take into account the writer's skill level. If the writer is good I only suggest, and in red so it stands out, in this manner, in brackets, such as:

[their words/s - my suggested replacement].

But with weaker writers I just make the edits for them, allow them to go back and review to see what I have written as an example as to how they might learn.

There are no hard or fast rules, but I find myself adapting to the situation on a case by case basis. The writers I have worked with seem to appreciate this approach to date.

If in doubt, communicate with the writer and ask what they are looking for. And by all means keep writers updated every few days, they are in the dark about the progress being made.

Just my two cents -- adjusted for inflation, with tax -- maybe more like twenty bucks!

I will send a story back if there are major plot flaws, with instructions to correct. Even in erotic fantasy, there are certain physical impossibilities.

One cannot increase the amount a man ejaculates by squeezing his testicles. It might be fun if it worked, but in a story, it's kind of a mood breaker. Some stories, at least.

Once we have settled, who did what to who, and how, I can do a line by line edit.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

I will send a story back if there are major plot flaws, with instructions to correct. Even in erotic fantasy, there are certain physical impossibilities.

One cannot increase the amount a man ejaculates by squeezing his testicles. It might be fun if it worked, but in a story, it's kind of a mood breaker. Some stories, at least.

Once we have settled, who did what to who, and how, I can do a line by line edit.

Then you have become controlling, in my mind. Yes, some stories are erotic drivel, men erupting multiple times, I just go with the "flow", so to speak. I enable writers to live out their fantasies and also be, mostly, error-free.

Just my take on this, disagree if you will. In my own writings I try to be more realistic, but, realistically, not all writers strive for the same realism. They use their stories to reach heights their physical forms cannot reach, and with partners they cannot obtain.

Hence the "fantasy" component.

 

[honeywldcat]

Just love it!!!

I absolutely love, I mean LOVE, when someone asks me to edit their work and I do so...only for them to ignore the corrections I made! Then to have the nerve to tell me, "I noticed that your edits were just style differences. So, I chose not to change it."

Those supposed 'style differences' was misspelled words!!!!!!!

Remind me to be nice, PLEASE!

 

[sr71plt]

Those supposed 'style differences' was misspelled words!!!!!!!

Hmmmmm. (Those differences was?)

I try not to take ownership of someone else's story. In the mainstream, I don't care what they do with the work after I've edited it as long as they pay their bill. When I think they are going to take it back to a condition I don't want to be connected with, I ask the publisher to make sure my name is not put in the acknowledgment section. (I feel the same way here on Lit. I see an editor thanked and then often see a story that's in horrible condition.)

 

[snoopercharmbrights]

... One cannot increase the amount a man ejaculates by squeezing his testicles. ...

If you squeeze them hard enough you would be amazed how much liquid comes out! Of course it isn't all semen, but ...

 

[AsylumSeeker]

Hmmmmm. (Those differences was?)

I try not to take ownership of someone else's story. In the mainstream, I don't care what they do with the work after I've edited it as long as they pay their bill. When I think they are going to take it back to a condition I don't want to be connected with, I ask the publisher to make sure my name is not put in the acknowledgment section. (I feel the same way here on Lit. I see an editor thanked and then often see a story that's in horrible condition.)

Just out of curiosity, how much dinero am I losing out on? Not that I possess the editing calibre you provide, but now am curious, being a halway-decent editor?

 

[AsylumSeeker]

I absolutely love, I mean LOVE, when someone asks me to edit their work and I do so...only for them to ignore the corrections I made! Then to have the nerve to tell me, "I noticed that your edits were just style differences. So, I chose not to change it."

Those supposed 'style differences' was misspelled words!!!!!!!

Remind me to be nice, PLEASE!

All we do, as editors, is to make suggestions. Or corrections, depending upon the editing style one does. Which is why I ask writers not to credit me, because in some cases to credit me would be to discredit me. Although lately I would rather have fewer edits, lol.

 

[bronzeage]

If you squeeze them hard enough you would be amazed how much liquid comes out! Of course it isn't all semen, but ...

That kind of story goes in a different category.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

That kind of story goes in a different category.

I try and be a sponge here. I'm a novice at editing but am much better now thanks to all of you, especially SR. I have purchased a copy of CMS yet it isn't an easy read. But I am a better than average writer, have a natural talent for this, and I feel it is my responsibility to help others along.

 

[bronzeage]

I try and be a sponge here. I'm a novice at editing but am much better now thanks to all of you, especially SR. I have purchased a copy of CMS yet it isn't an easy read. But I am a better than average writer, have a natural talent for this, and I feel it is my responsibility to help others along.

I prefer the Harbrace College Handbook. It is an easy read. It is written with a straight forward instructional tone.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

I prefer the Harbrace College Handbook. It is an easy read. It is written with a straight forward instructional tone.

Thanks, but I won't rush out to buy it. Appreciate the thought however.