Forum: Author Hangout

For some time now, I've been thinking about ascending to the next writing level and seeking help from an editor. Not just for picking out typo's but mainly for the technical side of things. Well, actually, pretty much the technical side of things.

At the moment, my editing consists mainly of reading the work aloud, and if it sounds 'wrong' then correcting the offending part till it's less 'wrong'. I read through the threads here about correct usage and when to use 'x' and when not use 'x' and when 'y' would be better etc, etc. But, to be honest, it all goes in one eyeball and out the other without actually registering with the fleshy stuff in-between.

I also have a problem with to/too usage. Over the many years I have tried to get to grips with it, but I still find it difficult to grasp.

I also have a problem with passive voice and errr 'other' voices being used out of context. Or something. I don't really understand that either.

In fact, there is a lot I don't understand. Some very knowledgeable types here go in to great detail about stuff that I don't understand, and given my time so far on this mortal realm and my inability to understand it so far, is a pretty good indicator that I never shall.

There are other issues that I also need to accept. The biggest being able to take - and act on - constructive criticism. I'm not sure how I am going to cope with that. The most obvious answer, is to try it and see…

My personal reticence is a major factor that I need to address, however, like I said, I wish to 'up my game' as it were.

My questionable ability to take instruction aside, the next really important criteria that I have, is the editor has to be competent - otherwise, what's the point? Over the years, (and I think I have mentioned this before here) I have received many offers of editing help, via messages so badly written/spelt that they have literally made my toes curl. In my mind – rightly or wrongly – when you offer your services as an editor, your message of help is basically your C.V and a demonstration of your ability to provide the service you are offering.

Which conveniently leads me to the next thing… If you require the services of an editor, then it makes sense to utilise Storiesonline's list of volunteer editors. Yes, these individuals are volunteers, so that comes with its own caveat about 'you get what you pay for' etc, etc. So I started at the top and basically, mentally red pen crossed my way down the list. The vast majority of those instantly discarded, were done so because of their poorly worded/written 'adverts'. Let's be honest here, if they can't get their spelling and punctuation right on their credentials/comment sections, then your story has no chance. It's like advertising for a chauffeur of your expensive pristine motor, and then watching potential applicants turn up in vehicles that looked like they have participated in three demolition derby's in the last week alone…

There are a few that are possibles, who I know to be good (in as much as I understand the term), however their turn-offs tend to include categories that I frequent, so that's a non-starter.

To make things harder, I would prefer a UK English editor than an American/rest-of-world-English one.

It's all a bit a chore, and I'm now thinking 'Is it worth the hassle?'. It's a hobby, not done for professional/financial gain and there is the danger that if I spend too much time 'learning' the craft, then I actually might sicken myself to the hobby, which would be, basically, counterproductive.

If at first you don't succeed, then fire-walking is not for you. Yes, I know it's normally skydiving, but that's a bit boring…

Anyway, it's been on the back-burner for a few years, percolating away with no decision in sight, so I thought that I would just 'throw it out there' to both see what happens and to see what sticks…

three demolition derby's

three demolition derbies ;-)

I would prefer a UK English editor than an American/rest-of-world-English one.

That's a hard ask on SOL but it needn't be a show-stopper. I've done plenty of editing and proofreading for American English authors and, despite some rough spots (me not knowing common US brands of foods, differences in phrasing etc), I believe I've contributed worthwhile improvements. It shouldn't be too difficult to find a US English editor who has a working knowledge of, and can tolerate, British English.

I suggest a suck it and see approach. Identify an editor or two with an acceptable CV and contact them. Give them a sample of your work and see whether you like their suggestions and they say 'please' and 'thank you' at the right times.

Good luck,

AJ

my inability to understand it so far, is a pretty good indicator that I never shall.

Don't sell yourself short. Your post is already taking the first step. The question is, what is your commitment? What are your goals?

As I've said many times, my first novel was rejected with the feedback: "Show don't tell and don't head-hop." I had no idea what those terms meant. It was my curiosity rather than trying to improve my writing that made me Google the terms.

I read article after article. Some good, some not. And in the articles other terms were brought up that I wasn't familiar with, like passive voice and POV. So I went back to Google and read more articles. And of course I ended up learning about punctuation, grammar, and style guides.

When I got to the point that I actually thought I understood how to write fiction, I read two books on it. One great; one awful.

Do I understand it all? Nope. Can I do it right? Nope. I was even thinking of taking creative writing classes at a local university but I ruled that out.

So don't say that you never will. Even if you don't master it—and who does?—you will learn. And then it's up to your commitment as to how you apply it. Also, and I'm saying this from experience, it sort of becomes more work and less fun— but more satisfying.

I was even thinking of taking creative writing courses at a local university but I ruled that out.

I have considered this many times over the last decade and never acted upon it as I was a workaholic and my job could (and often did) require my presence at all hours of the day. So it seemed pointless to enroll in evening classes when the chances of me actually making them were very slim. Plus I had very little free time to write, so making assignments would have been nigh impossible.

That was then, this is now, so I might actually look into that avenue again, see what's available.