The Prer/Proofer/Editor Guide! · 7:27am Sep 13th, 2013
Hi there! It’s your old friend, Skeeter here!
For those of you who bother to follow me, or those who bother to ask me in the first place, you will know I am a pre reader. I am the guy you talk to when you wanna see if your story is good or needs some work.
Now, every so often, I’ll end up with a PM or a request asking me for a PROOF reader. I am not a proofer, I am a Pre-er-er… I guess. Which, while being similar, are a bit different from each other.
So, I figured, instead of using my time to actually do the job I was asked to do, or, say, write… I thought I’d take a moment to sound like I know what I’m doing and present to you the following:
Stupid image... Had to ghetto this thing...
Pre, Proof, Edit
{What they are and when to request them}
By Skeeter The Lurker
Now then. Let’s begin.
The first thing we should talk about is the fact that each one is similar to one another, yet different at the same time. Similar in the fact each one relates to another in some way, and different that they focus on one set of things more than the others. This is partly due the different points in which one would go about and hire one. Think of it like this:
Can you see the idea from this half-attempted chart where each job comes into play? While that little chart shows where they each are best at, you can have a pre or an editor jump in where a proofer would be, or a proof jump in where a pre is.
That’s more of an idea or suggestion of where they each operate best at. But why do they work best at that particular time?
Well, to understand that, let’s delve into what they each are.
Pre Reading
Now, pre reading. Pre reading, as you’d probably get from the name of the job, occurs before, normally, before any heavy editing is done at all.
This is the part of your writing in which the first draft is horrible with grammar mistakes and the like. This is the story at its most raw form. And this is ok, really, because pre reader don’t normally look for grammar and such during this stage. That isn’t to say they don’t actively look for and point out issues, they do. Just not as (possibly) extensively as an actual editor.
No, what they look for is whether the story and plot look good. Do the characters seem to be played and portrayed well? Is there any point at all in which one would be forced to go back a look for clarification?
They also look for things like pacing and flow. Does it read well? Is it consistent? Is there any point that makes the transition from scene to scene feel awkward?
A pre reader is also someone who can be used to bounce ideas off of. They can be used to discuss ways to take your story and provide insight to if something feel, well, off about it.
A good pre reader is one who’s a decent person to talk to and discuss an idea with. One who is in a sense an enabler for an idea. If you have a planning document or outline, don’t be afraid to let them have access to see what it is you created. They may just find something that could cause an issue later in the story or provide an idea you just never considered.
Next up…
Editors
Ok, so your story is pretty well thought out. You have the characters well played, the plot is solid and with very few holes, and all seems good. Is it ready for publishing? Not quite, and this is where an editor and editing comes into play.
It is normally the editors job to go back, read each and every word and identify the mistakes and issues with it. They look at things like grammar, formatting, sentence structure, and paragraph structure. An editor will also be looking for if the plot, characters, flow, and pacing work as well, but not as much as a pre reader will.
A good way to think of it is pre reader and editor are one half of the same brain.
Now, you could have the next Past Sins/End of Ponies/Fallout Equestria fic ready for premiere, but it won’t count for crap if it looks like a 1st Grader wrote it up.
Now, unlike a pre reader, an editor will be a hardass. They will go through and pick out everything that is wrong with the story. Every misused comma, every quote, every fragment. It’s their job to do that.
And a damn good one will make you feel like crap while helping you out. Think of them like a drill sergeant: a guy who’s job it is to break your story down and rebuild into a better story. A really good editor will stick with you until the end. Provide you treat them decently as well.
And finally…
Proofreaders
Now, your fic has been written, it’s been pre read, rewritten, edited, re-edited, edited some more, and is finally ready for publishing. Just gotta hit that button, right?
Kinda. This is where the proofreader comes into play at. The proofreader is more or less the best of both the pre reader and the editor. He is, for all intents and purposes, the actual reader you are aiming for. It will be them who does the last spot check for everything that the last two did.
Ok.
So there you have it.
Pre reader, editor, and proofreader. Who they are, what they do, and where best to employ them at. Really quite simple if you think on it.
The order I just showed you is, in my own opinion, the best order to employ them. But, really, it’s quite possible to use a pre reader in the place of a proofreader. Don’t have a proofreader? Use your editor and pre reader.
And also, finally, don’t be afraid to have more than one person take a look at the story your writing. Sometimes one can see what another doesn’t.
And really, if your pre/proof/editor has an issue with that, they’re probably not that good to being with…
I do hope this helped out a lot, if you have a disagreeing opinion to this, please, mention it in the comments below. Like I know you’re going to do, Hobbes.
I’d like to think this is pretty rock solid, but really, it’s just my opinion on the matter. Oh, yeah, if enough of you like this… I may do another, maybe on commenting etiquette or something. I dunno. Anyway!
Here’s hoping you found use for this and have a good day!
~Skeeter The Lurker
Funny, I was just about to message you on Skype about this stuff.
1346407
Seriously?
~Skeeter The Lurker
Thank you so much for this. You have no idea how much I've lear-READMYSTORYLIKEFAVSUBSCRIBEFOLLOWMEMEEDITREADINTERWEBBLAHBLAHBLAH
1346409 I shit you not brother. Crazy stuff, ain't it?
1346411
Come on dude... Have some tact.
1346412
You can say that again.
On a side note, can you see the image?
~Skeeter The Lurker
1346416 What's a tact?
1346416 Which one? The picture of Aku swagged out as fuck in a tuxedo drinking some wine?
If so, then yes.
Definitive clarification? I can drink to that, nigga.
31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkhv4b81Rj1qjtebqo1_500.png
This is a useful guide.
Thanks to this, I can say I've had experience as a prereader, and I won't be unintentionally lying.
1346423
That. Don't do that.
1346427
Niiiiice!
You have no idea how happy I was to find that. I think I'll keep it on record and use when I do these kinda blogs...
~Skeeter The Lurker
1346433
That was my intention!
~Skeeter The Lurker
1346436 I'll be sure to remember tha-SUPERKAWAIISUBSCRIBEFOLLOWINTERNETMEME
1346436 By the way, how do you quote comments?
1346444
Use [_quote] [/quote_] Remove the underscores.
~Skeeter The Lurker
1346436 It's always cool to see awesome art of a character you love looking fresh to death.
If only I could speak for myself...
fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/210/5/e/watch_the_____throne_____by_emahgoday-d593zty.jpg
Goddamnit, Ye and Hov, you niggas is gonna be the death of me.
I'm sorry, I'm just being stupid. I'll leave now.
1346451
Shit. I rocked that crown before!
~Skeeter The Lurker
1346455
IT'S DA ROC!
i.imgur.com/i1lc2Y5.jpg
1346447 So do you copy and paste what they said in between?
1346469
That's one way to do it.
Hm. New blog post idea...
~Skeeter The Lurker
1346471
Same here based on what you just said. Maybe.
My my, what a valid point.
1346483
Is that sarcasm...? Or am I being paranoid?
~Skeeter The Lurker
1346492 You seem quite paranoid. Btw, how have you been? I haven't seen you around much lately, though that could just be me.
1346494
Probably you. I've been on twenty-four seven...
I'm ok, though.
~Skeeter The Lurker
1346502 That's good to hear. And this, Skeets, is more than a little impressive. Thanks for taking the time to bother saying what I'm too dumb and lazy to, as well as most of my piers. The new kids on the block really need this info, and you've earned my respect by delivering it. If I wasn't already following you, I would now.
1346507
Aww, thank you. It was kinda fun to write up.
~Skeeter The Lurker
1346513 Damn, that was fun? Well, I have fun thinking up chemical formulas for various purposes from household items for my buddies, so I guess to each their own. Either way, you did a great job.
I really thank you skeeter for posting such a useful blog, this would be helpful to me for a long time to come :) Again, Thank you.
Very enlightening, I'd be interested to see what you have to say about commenting.
Thanks for clearing this up, Mr. Lurker. Expect me pestering you about prereading my story in the near future.
Hm, thanks for this. I was honestly a bit confused about the three.
Might ask you to pre-read something for me in the near future
I always get a little twitch when people join the need to be thorough with "treat the author like crap." It's entirely possible to point out the author's grammar mistakes and where you think the story flow can be improved without being an ass about it. And that leads to the other thing I see happen so very often: Just because you think the story flow can be improved by doing it your way, you need to remember that this isn't your story. Someone else's mind is the source of everything. Make suggestions, not demands
Unless that's what you meant all along Skeeter, in which case phrase it better
I know that some folks around the fimficosphere are insistent on referring to folks doing the editing job as proofreaders—as an editor in the real world gets paid. I personally find that silly, as this isn't exactly a monetized hobby; writers/authors here aren't getting paid, so shall we start calling them wordmonkeys, since they're doing this for free (special note: ...Anyone who wants to refer to me as a 'wordmonkey' has my express permission to do so
)?
I tend to lump everyone under the umbrella term 'editor' when listing names with links in long descriptions, even if they are doing completely different things as part of the editing process. Reads cleaner, and despite those being 'long' descriptions, brevity continues to be important.
1346810
It's more figurative than anything. They may not be derogatory, but the issues they point out will make you wonder how you missed it in the first place.
I guess I could have said that better...
~Skeeter The Lurker
1346902
Of course, but... Was this helpful?
~Skeeter The Lurker
1346968
Nothing I didn't already know, but heck, it was entertaining. That's worth something, eh?
1346977
Heh, that's all I'm aiming for.
Thanks for reading!
~Skeeter The Lurker
At least there would be fewer inconviences by people who have read that blog post for you to deal with. Meaning actual-work-time-for-prereading production would skyrocket.
Well at least it eliminates most of the people who go:
Oh... and um.. about that
*inserts a bunch of story links that are already made*
Wow Skeeter, this blog was actually very useful. A lot of people (myself included) have these messed up. Or at least, I used to. You pretty well defined them, and I can say for a fact now that I am an editor and not a prereader or proofreader. I really appreciate it.
Yes! Definitely do more of these types of blogs! Maybe not like, all in one sitting, but definitely sometime soon. Perhaps like one every week or two?
1346810
You don't have to insult the writer, but pulling your punches is never a good idea. If you see something wrong, you let the author know what it is, and do it in no uncertain terms.
1347617
If you say so. I'm just going to be over here, being nice to people.
And now I can be 100% accurate about what type of assistance I will require if I ever get around to writing that story idea I had.
Thanks for the info Skeeter. Also obligatory follow since I liked the blog post.
1355008
Glad I could help, chief!
~Skeeter The Lurker
My mind has been opened up to a new level of understanding. Thank you, Skeeter. ^v^
1374767
I do what I can.
~Skeeter The Lurker
1374769
The that is all we could hope for. I know an important fellow like you has many engagements with other VIP users on this site. So it is most understandable that you have a lot going on.
I'm inferring you've already seen my little reference, and I've actually been looking for some material on prediting.
I'll put a link to this in the next months update.
1445552
Gotta love late night random clicking, right?
Saw that and figured it would be something useful to you. I hope.
~Skeeter The Lurker
Ehh, I wouldn't feel comfortable equating the word "editor" with "copy-editor", what with the many meanings the title "editor" can take in practical fields. I typically use "editor" to refer to a developmental editor and "proofreader" to refer to a copy-editor.
I don't think I've ever ascribed "pre-reader" a more specific role than "someone who proofreads your story before it's published". I suppose I've used it as an umbrella term to encompass the other two. . . . Hm.
1460199
That's all good. Many do that.
~Skeeter The Lurker
1445977
Hey, just so you know, I finally got around to the updating the HDWR.