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Hi! I'm new to writing here and was wondering if someone could recommend a editor. Someone to help me flush out my story. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Nikki
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What do you want from an editor?
While we do have several editors on site, different editors take different attitudes to the work presented to them. Some specialise in spelling / grammar fixup, some will rephrase / rearrange the work, while others will look more at the story / plot as a whole - and again there are differences, with some engaging in constructive criticism while others will metaphorically tear the work apart (then again, that latter type could probably suggest hundreds of amendments to classic novels to improve them!). Also bear in mind that different editors may prefer editing different styles of work - e.g. some may prefer editing sci-fi, others fairly easy-going dramas, others prefer hard, gritty dramas, etc.
So if you could give some kind of indication about the genre of your story, what kind of editorial input you're looking for, and how much criticism you can handle you'll probably get a wider response.
There are 10 kinds of people in the world - those who understand binary and those who don't...
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
Similar Problem
I think I've got a similar problem... I'm writing a story, but since I'm german my mother tongue isn't english. Therfore I lack the skill to write using sophisticated language. I wonder if there are people here who could help me polish up my story once I've finished it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Beyogi
New Author
Ask Erin to recommend an editor.
May Your Light Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine
It Depends On What You Write
And just as much on how you write it.
The best editor on the site (personal opinion) isn't into fantasy or serials, for instance, so if that's what you write you'd probably have a harder time convincing her to edit for you than if you show promise with longer, more true-to-life type stories.
On the other hand, there are plenty of wonderful editors who will do just about anything as well, all depending on whether you're looking for strictly syntax, or more of a content/flow editor. In my opinion, Johninwauwatosa is excellent for the second -- he's responsible for Echoes (what I've finished of it, grrr) making as much/little sense as it does.
Is Holly Hart still around? She was always good with the syntax stuff, though I never had any experience with her on the content/flow side of things.
Melanie E.
Another thought...
If you see an author who's writing you like and/or who's style is similar to yours and ask them - either to edit, or who they would recommend.
As others have pointed out there are MANY different styles of editing - from proofing to story line/character development and everywhere around that. When you talk to a potential editor, you need to know what you're looking for (Well, you don't have to, but it helps.). You should also ask if the editor is willing to "edit" a few pages - to see if the kind of editing that person provides is helpful to you or not (it also gives the editor an opportunity to see a sample of your work and judge for themselves if they think they can help).
There are people who many consider REALLY GOOD editors that some find uncomfortable to work with. There are some folks who are easy to work with, but the help they provide isn't all that great.
Another factor to consider is the kind of turn-around you want/need (how long from when you send it out do you expect to receive the edited work back). Some folks are busy - so it may take a LONG time (weeks) others are less busy and can turn chapters around in a day or two. The kind of editing help needed also impacts this.
Good Luck, and welcome to the "club".
Anne
editor
First off, you have to find somebody that you are comfortable with. Years ago, I used to edit on Crystal's Story Site. I have edited for Kelly Ann Rogers, Julia Manchester and some of Jennifer Allison's older stuff. When I edited, I would check for typos, misspellings, name changes, and grammar and would suggest altering of sentences for better comprehension.
The one thing I did try to avoid was changing the writer's style into mine. I would also make my corrections in red, as suggestions and have them convert into their work or not. I can edit even if I am not into the theme of the story or not. There were some stories I edited that I got into, even though it was not a genre I would normally read.
Question
Didn't you try to do some editing for me some years back...?
Wholeman
Yes, the weird author with the boob fetish.
Yes, the weird author with the boob fetish.