The “do”s and “don’t”s of using a Volunteer Editor

[DJMarie]

Okay, I have read this whole thread in the hopes of finding an answer to a new editor's question. Haven't found it, so I will have to just ask.

Is it typical for a writer to want the editor to really work on character development? I have two authors currently seeking my assistance. For one the story is way too long. I have discussed this with the author and she has entrusted me with the task of editing to fix the problem. My concern is not wanting to edit and rework to a point where it is now MY version of the author's story. However, already I have cut about 3 pages of information that is really just not pertinent to the story.

I guess my issue is that I want to be thorough, but I don't want to destroy the author's vision. I read other stories by the author and read the comments made by others for positive and negative feedback to hopefully get a better feel for the author's target audience (the story is not typically what I would write about).

To me and editor would typically read over the work for usage and spelling; check the continuity of the story, perhaps delete or reword a few paragraphs. How do we decide what is TOO much editing? Not to take a holier than thou approach, but when I receive an email from someone who tells me they want me to develop their characters, "fluff" out the plot, as well as check usage and spelling because english is not their first language, my mind tells me that perhaps this person needs to buy a grammar book and learn some things on their own without expecting a poor VE to do it (in this case that VE being me). I just don't know if this is normal?

 

[WhiteWave48]

DO learn more about the craft of writing

*****

 

[CopyCarver]

I believe a writer is going too far expecting an editor to do all the re-writing involved in developing the character and "fluffing" out the plot, but I don't mind helping writers learn how to do it for themselves.

If I'm asked to do all those things, I'll do a basic edit and send the story back with some recommendations - either a very small sample re-worked to show the potential of the original, or a list of suggestions so the writer can select and experiment. Then the piece can be returned for a re-edit however many times it takes.

It's been a pleasure to see certain writers develop, given a few practical ideas.

Yep, concrete examples and suggestions often work wonders that can't be equaled by pedantic monologues that, more often than not, are more confusing to a beginner than the original problem. For every neophyte who's lazy or devoid of imagination, there are a hundred who just haven't had an opportunity to develop the "tools."

 

[Selena_Kitt]

I like editors who can push me, guide me, and beat me into submission...

wait, we're talking about editing...

Honestly, I like editors who aren't afraid to say, "This sucks, it doesn't make sense, change it." I want someone who isn't afraid to give me their honest opinion, who will cut my most precious piece to shreds. If I get something back, and there's no red (or yellow, or whatever color we're using) I'm frankly disappointed. Give me feedback, tell me what you think, don't be afraid to dig deeper, and make ME dig deeper, too. If you're not going to do that, then why are you reading my story in the first place?

But that's just me...

 

[CopyCarver]

I like editors who can push me, guide me, and beat me into submission...

wait, we're talking about editing...

Honestly, I like editors who aren't afraid to say, "This sucks, it doesn't make sense, change it." I want someone who isn't afraid to give me their honest opinion, who will cut my most precious piece to shreds. If I get something back, and there's no red (or yellow, or whatever color we're using) I'm frankly disappointed. Give me feedback, tell me what you think, don't be afraid to dig deeper, and make ME dig deeper, too. If you're not going to do that, then why are you reading my story in the first place?

But that's just me...

Personally, all I want from an editor is to have them make sure the story flows smoothly. I'm not interested in having an editor try to 'fluff' up my plot, or develop my characters, or do any rewriting, or cutting.

And there we have the crux of the situation. Different authors need/want different things. Too, there are widely differing tolerances for constructive criticism: some writers want a manuscript attacked mercilessly, and others burst into tears over a misplaced comma. (I still feel terrible about the people who have given up writing after seeing margins filled with red ink.)

Editing is simple in theory: help writers produce the very best work of which they're capable without hijacking their stories or altering their voices. In practice, pulling off that "simple" feat, especially with people who are essentially strangers, can become just a tad complicated.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

Okay, I have read this whole thread in the hopes of finding an answer to a new editor's question. Haven't found it, so I will have to just ask.

Is it typical for a writer to want the editor to really work on character development? I have two authors currently seeking my assistance. For one the story is way too long. I have discussed this with the author and she has entrusted me with the task of editing to fix the problem. My concern is not wanting to edit and rework to a point where it is now MY version of the author's story. However, already I have cut about 3 pages of information that is really just not pertinent to the story.

I guess my issue is that I want to be thorough, but I don't want to destroy the author's vision. I read other stories by the author and read the comments made by others for positive and negative feedback to hopefully get a better feel for the author's target audience (the story is not typically what I would write about).

To me and editor would typically read over the work for usage and spelling; check the continuity of the story, perhaps delete or reword a few paragraphs. How do we decide what is TOO much editing? Not to take a holier than thou approach, but when I receive an email from someone who tells me they want me to develop their characters, "fluff" out the plot, as well as check usage and spelling because english is not their first language, my mind tells me that perhaps this person needs to buy a grammar book and learn some things on their own without expecting a poor VE to do it (in this case that VE being me). I just don't know if this is normal?

Personally, all I want from an editor is to have them make sure the story flows smoothly. I'm not interested in having an editor try to 'fluff' up my plot, or develop my characters, or do any rewriting, or cutting.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

I like editors who can push me, guide me, and beat me into submission...

wait, we're talking about editing...

Honestly, I like editors who aren't afraid to say, "This sucks, it doesn't make sense, change it." I want someone who isn't afraid to give me their honest opinion, who will cut my most precious piece to shreds. If I get something back, and there's no red (or yellow, or whatever color we're using) I'm frankly disappointed. Give me feedback, tell me what you think, don't be afraid to dig deeper, and make ME dig deeper, too. If you're not going to do that, then why are you reading my story in the first place?

But that's just me...

This is probably why I'll never be published. I have no desire for any of that. I just don't care about what anyone thinks about what I write. I don't see myself as a writer. I see myself more as a painter, I try to paint with words.

 

[DJMarie]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Admittedly, I am new at this, and certainly don't want an author to be unhappy with my help (that I guess is the sub in me). I just wasn't sure what others are being asked to do for an author or what is natural to expect.

I also wasn't expecting the answer to be everything and nothing depending on the author.

I guess I will do my best to be of assistance and hope for the best.

Thanks again all.

 

[Dreamthiev]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Admittedly, I am new at this, and certainly don't want an author to be unhappy with my help (that I guess is the sub in me). I just wasn't sure what others are being asked to do for an author or what is natural to expect.

I also wasn't expecting the answer to be everything and nothing depending on the author.

I guess I will do my best to be of assistance and hope for the best.

Thanks again all.

CC is very right, all authors react differently and expect/want different things. Personally, I'm in favor of brutal honesty and will listen to any suggestions given; I had some english teachers that were pretty harsh judges so I learned to get over it, and the criticism helps me improve. But I've seen other writers who were just horrified when they saw a mass of red ink on their rough draft, it all depends. I suggest you ask and be clear what kind of edit your author is most interested in recieving.

Then, if you're still worried about how your advice will be recieved, maybe give a small sample of a minor edit or complaint and see how the author recieves it. That'll give you a good idea how much you need to candy coat things. Also, don't forget to point out the good so the writer knows there is something they're doing right.

 

[adetaildiva]

what number are we up to?

##. Lit is an international community. The VE you choose may speak only English. DO tell your chosen VE in your initial contact if English isn't your first language. The editing process could be painful for you both if the VE isn't appropriately prepared before making recommendations to you for your story in order to make the story/concept understandable to the English-speaking Lit public. If you're multilingual, use that to both of your advantages & I'll be jealous that I'm not as smart as you.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

Dj

When you edit, if ever a question prevails, make no assumptions.

I realize you want to help, but you are in a position to do more damage than help.

Work in concert with an editor. That's all I ask.

 

[snooper]

what number are we up to?

No idea, but I'll sort it out later.

Last call for contributions before I produce the definitive list (first edition).

 

[AsylumSeeker]

I agree.

... for editing? <ducks to avoid flying objects>

Stickied on the AH might be even more use, assuming newbies ever read stickies.

I brought this up earlier as Lit needing "A Welcome Mat' and LadyC, bless her heart, pointed out that there's a 'Watercooler'. But the WC thread is in the Editor's forum, not likely to attract newbies.

Stickies are OK but don't, can't do, what a forum does. Why not a "Welcome Mat", or "Start Here" forum? You pick the name!

And within this framework could be the FAQs, complaints, and other things, allowing the other forums to concentrate on their unique purpose. This would not invalidate any other forum, only enhance by alleviating mis-posted threads.

 

[AsylumSeeker]

One Day I'll Learn...

I brought this up earlier as Lit needing "A Welcome Mat' and LadyC, bless her heart, pointed out that there's a 'Watercooler'. But the WC thread is in the Editor's forum, not likely to attract newbies.

Stickies are OK but don't, can't do, what a forum does. Why not a "Welcome Mat", or "Start Here" forum? You pick the name!

And within this framework could be the FAQs, complaints, and other things, allowing the other forums to concentrate on their unique purpose. This would not invalidate any other forum, only enhance by alleviating mis-posted threads.

...to go to the end of a thread and not just interject (without Quoting) during the first page <sigh>

 

[snooper]

That's It

OK, kiddywinks - I've abstracted the suggestions and discarded the threadjack, and a consolidated list will appear on a new thread sometime soon. like when I send it to Lady C and when Lady C gets a round tuit (but Ebay don't have one for sale at the moment, only square ones) ...