New Editor Thread

Wow, with all these proofreaders and editors, maybe we should consider an editor section. We all know that one of the most important aspects of writing is revising. It looks like we have a few experienced and aspiring editors and proofreaders, so why not create an editing workshop?

I can definitely see a grammar section with grammar tips/questions, grammar exercises, and fine-toothed comb editing (this would be for later drafts to be polished and not just an overall critique).

It wouldn't be bad to have a go-to person for grammar questions.

Elections anyone? :P

~New York Bum

There is already a grammar sub-forum under The Scrawler's Workplace forum, but I don't think this is a bad idea.

I agree with Hydra about using the grammar sub-forum. It is not being used, and editing usually involves writing rules (a broad interpretation of grammar).

Still, what topic(s) do you believe need discussing? Get the thread going somewhere, and let us see what develops.

I was thinking that once an individual's work graduated from the Scrawlers Workplace, it could move into the grammar forum. This is when it's really polished. The editors would have a chance to run through it, and then so would the site. If the editors miss anything, they would learn from the site, and the site would learn from the editors improvements. Of course, the writer would win over all because their final piece should be pretty close to perfect.

Now, as for a grammar exercise I was thinking of simply correcting a paragraph with mistakes. It would be good practice for writers. I've learned that by recognizing other people's mistakes, I catch mine more often. I mean, it could be even be a paragraph taken from one of the posted stories.

I know there is a sub-forum but currently it reminds me too much of a grammar book. You know "here are the rules, learn them." I'd like to see them set in motion, especially by those who are strong in that particular area.

Hmmm, I see your point, but I don't know anyone here who could/would take on these sorts of editing jobs for free/fun. I'm by no means a master editor, but even I wouldn't. Editing, really good editing, is a very time consuming thing, which is why they get paid so well. Honestly, I think the help being received currently in The Scrawler's Workplace is the best anyone can expect for nothing.

I do though wish to see the grammar forum put to more/different use. Even if it is just as a sort of "grammar/rule book".

I also do not see any of us as making the claim that we are wonderful writers. I know from experience that the manuscript I read a hundred times - STILL HAS ERRORS. I don't tell people that my books are error free, I simply tell them that I am willing to set it beside ANY book in the bookstore (oh, yes, those professionally edited books are often breaking many rules).

Editing is a slow dedicated project. Most editors cheat by focusing on a limited number of pet peeves, while allowing a number of other problems to pass. You will thus find one professional editor warning you about certain things, while another editor warning you about others (and letting the problems from the other guy pass). Both editors usually (from my experience) want you to satisfy their pet peeves whether it fits your story or not.

The writer is definitely the best editor. He knows what he was trying to say. The problem is that most writers, especially beginners, are poor at grammar rules. They have the idea that writing is easy, or that some editor will do the work for them. I often feel that I am not providing advice, just telling the person what they need to hear - even if they don't want to hear it.

Anyway, start some editor threads and let us see how they work. If they prove to be interesting, good.

That's all true enough and NOTHING written or published is every prefect, but I think anyone looking to self-publish is foolish to not run their book by at least one professional freelance editor. In fact, whenever I've had a self-published author tell me they DID NOT use an editor I've passed on buying their work. As the writer we are way too close to our work to be truly objective about what parts of it don't work and an extra set of SEASONED eyes can be a big help.

Taking suggestions from both of you, I think I found a good middle ground. Editing is a long process yet it is essential to have an objective viewpoint.

I made a thread to explain the exercise, and even posted something to be critiqued.

Although it won't turn anyone into an editor, or someone's story into a masterpiece, I think it will help the writing and editing process as a whole.

Thanks for the advice.