1st story questions

[AmelieClasse]

Hello all
i want to publish my first story but need some advice
The set up is a bit different from what i have seen here. I start with a situation that really happened to me. I did not go too far in reality. But i have written a "what if" part after that with the help of a man met here.
The story probably needs editing further. I want to know how to share the text with editors discretely (no file saved on my computer for example)
Any advice? Any editors who can help

 

[EmilyMiller]

Hi,

Congratulations on having substantially finished your first story and welcome.

You might want to try the Editors Forum, though when I was in the same situation as you are now my experience of it was tumbleweed.

If you want to pique someone’s interest, you’ll need to provide more information about the type of story, its length, your experience in writing, etc.

Editing is a lot of work, so the person has to have a reason why they should help you:

Good luck!

 

[PennyThompson]

I want to know how to share the text with editors discretely (no file saved on my computer for example)

The easiest option is to set up a Google account, and do your erotica writing in Google docs. It's all cloud based so there are no files saved on your computer, and it's easy to anonymously share documents with other people for editing and beta-reading!

Sometimes people just write directly into Lit's story submission box and save it as drafts as they go, but many people have lost entire stories that way because it's not designed to be a real text editor, and if you accidentally delete the story or overwrite it it will vanish without a trace with no way to recover it.

 

[EmilyMiller]

The easiest option is to set up a Google account, and do your erotica writing in Google docs. It's all cloud based so there are no files saved on your computer, and it's easy to anonymously share documents with other people for editing and beta-reading!

Sometimes people just write directly into Lit's story submission box and save it as drafts as they go, but many people have lost entire stories that way because it's not designed to be a real text editor, and if you accidentally delete the story or overwrite it it will vanish without a trace with no way to recover it.

I think the default on iOS is you have a locally cached copy for working when you have no connectivity.

 

[PennyThompson]

I think the default on iOS is you have a locally cached copy for working when you have no connectivity.

Interesting, I didn't know that!

 

[EmilyMiller]

Google AI (so treat with caution):

Yes, Google Docs (via Google Drive for Desktop or the mobile app) caches files locally for offline access and performance, storing copies on your device for quick access, especially for files marked as "available offline" or frequently used, though it manages this cache automatically and can be cleared. When streaming files, Google Drive for Desktop keeps data in a local cache, and even "online-only" files get intelligently cached if the algorithm predicts you'll need them soon, using local storage space.

 

[old_prof]

I'm guessing OP was concerned about casual observation of the file by someone else, not being found through a real forensic examination of the disk. I may be wrong, but I don't think the cached copies of the docs are easily human readable. That is the norm for cached files like this.

So if this is a work computer, still some risk to it. If you think the authorities may seize your computer, high risk. If you're worried about a non-techie family member or SO noticing the file, very low risk.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

Write on your own PC or other local device. Save all copies locally, possibly to a thumb drive or XD card. Send it via email or maybe messages here on Lit (there is a character size limit, so you may have to send it in parts) to an editor.

Avoid the GooGoyle like the plague on humanity it is.

 

[TheLobster]

I would caution against Google Docs. You're running the risk of running afoul of their content policy if you share pornographic content, especially from a new / unverified account that's not connected to a real person.

If you're worried about storing files on your computer, you can always keep them on a USB stick and then backup manually to something like Dropbox or Proton Drive. When it comes to communicating with editors, this allows you to use any channel which allows for exchanging files; email is the most obvious option.

 

[SouthernCrossfire]

Congrats on writing your first Lit story and good luck finalizing it.

Sometimes people just write directly into Lit's story submission box and save it as drafts as they go, but many people have lost entire stories that way because it's not designed to be a real text editor, and if you accidentally delete the story or overwrite it it will vanish without a trace with no way to recover it.

I didn't lose a whole story but losing a significant writing session on a couple of occasions taught me that lesson. Minimize your time on the Lit text editor, only doing final edits while doing the "this is what it's going to look like" review. You'll want to review that carefully since Lit sometimes adds an extra line or two that can generally be eliminated with a careful check.

 

[old_prof]

I'm no fan of google, to say the least. but GoogleDocs work really well for sharing copies with editors. I've been both sides of the exchange, bot using google docs and exchanging files over emails. The GD method is so much smoother.

@TheLobster do you know of anyone getting their google account taken because of a story for here? Lots of us use GoogleDocs without issue.

@AmelieClasse please do give more info on your story, most notably length and category and maybe a very brief summary. I may be willing to take on one more writer.

 

[TheLobster]

@TheLobster do you know of anyone getting their google account taken because of a story for here? Lots of us use GoogleDocs without issue.

Yes — me. I had a Google Account I used precisely for this and it got suspended after just two stories I shared with my beta readers.

 

[HordHolm]

Hello all
i want to publish my first story but need some advice
The set up is a bit different from what i have seen here. I start with a situation that really happened to me. I did not go too far in reality. But i have written a "what if" part after that with the help of a man met here.
The story probably needs editing further. I want to know how to share the text with editors discretely (no file saved on my computer for example)
Any advice? Any editors who can help

Hi @AmelieClasse - you'll have now noticed a function (not a bug) of the AH: folks here go off on a tangent. To get back to one of the main questions in your post - finding an editor. The bad news is that finding an editor can be very difficult. If you are lucky and get one, congratulations, however it is more likely that you won't. In that case you might want to avail yourself of the Self Editing for Authors thread which is a sticky at the top of this forum.

Another way to get helpful advice is to hang out on the forum and make some virtual buddies. Many folks hereabouts can offer valuable advice, when they aren't busy heading off into the weeds...

Anyway, good luck.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

To get back to one of the main questions in your post - finding an editor.

OP's two questions were ...

I want to know how to share the text with editors discretely (no file saved on my computer for example)
Any advice? Any editors who can help

Most all replies addressed one or both.

 

[MaudeBlack]

Nothing to add, just wanted to say hi and congratulations.

From one new writer to another, be sure to take a moment to feel proud of yourself.

Xx

 

[redgarters]

Hello all
i want to publish my first story but need some advice
The set up is a bit different from what i have seen here. I start with a situation that really happened to me. I did not go too far in reality. But i have written a "what if" part after that with the help of a man met here.
The story probably needs editing further. I want to know how to share the text with editors discretely (no file saved on my computer for example)
Any advice? Any editors who can help

Hey and welcome
I use google docs to write and share/colaborate with editors. Have had no problems yet but the risk is there so I keep a copy of my work on my laptop.

 

[M_K_Babalon]

The easiest option is to set up a Google account, and do your erotica writing in Google docs. It's all cloud based so there are no files saved on your computer, and it's easy to anonymously share documents with other people for editing and beta-reading!

Sometimes people just write directly into Lit's story submission box and save it as drafts as they go, but many people have lost entire stories that way because it's not designed to be a real text editor, and if you accidentally delete the story or overwrite it it will vanish without a trace with no way to recover it.

I'd suggest dropbox over google.

 

[EmilyMiller]

Have had no problems yet but the risk is there so I keep a copy of my work on my laptop.

I’m now thinking I need to backup to Proton as well

 

[AmelieClasse]

I’m now thinking I need to backup to Proton as well

Hi all
Thank you for the positive feedback
I was more worried about the data attached to the file which could identify where it came from. (Like metadata for pictures)
Proton may be an option
Not that there is anything illegal in the story
The story is about 3-4 pages long. I can self edit as much as possible.
The story relates a real life event where a police officer stopped me and asked me on a date. I went but I left in real life. The story goes on with that man having his way with me, submitting the proud business woman I am

 

[alohadave]

The story is about 3-4 pages long.

How many words? A page in Word is about 250 words. A page on Lit is about 3750 words.

 

[AmelieClasse]

How many words? A page in Word is about 250 words. A page on Lit is about 3750 words.

About 1500

 

[old_prof]

I was more worried about the data attached to the file which could identify where it came from. (Like metadata for pictures)

You can always copy the text straight into the submission form. That eliminates any chance of meta data following you to the site.

 

[AmelieClasse]

You can always copy the text straight into the submission form. That eliminates any chance of meta data following you to the site.

Thank you old_prol. I may do that after I proof read it again.