To Go Forward, or To Take a Step Back · 1:06am Apr 26th, 2012
So I submitted A Different Kind of Magic to Equestria Daily... and they rejected it! Those fools! How can they not recognize my genius!?
No, no, they brought up quite a few valid points, the biggest concerns being run-on sentences and a tendency to tell instead of showing, especially when it comes to romantic elements. Having it pointed out, I can see the issues... but now I'm faced with a choice. Should I go back and revise the two chapters I have now while they're still fresh, or do I continue forward, attempting to alleviate the problematic areas in my new writing and then go back to clean things up once the story is complete? I kinda want to continue on, but I worry that knowing those first two chapters have issues will fester and boil in my mind...
(Also, EqD suggested that I find myself an editor, particularly one that is adept at dealing with my sort of issues, so... anyone know anybody with skill at editing?)
I can take a crack at it I suppose. Don't know how qualified I am though.
Finish the story and then edit. If it has a complete tag, it will probably get more attention on EQD. A lot of people shy away from incomplete stories.
As for editor... I think there are a few groups dedicated to that on the site?
I say go back and do it now. Your readers can wait, and they will appreciate you taking the time to make your story perfect.
And alas, I do not. In fact, I want to find an editor/prereader myself.
I, unfortunately, have the same issue with showing instead of telling. But as for grammatical errors, like run-ons and the like, I could probably proofread things for you.
For the record, despite my weakness in terms of showing instead of telling, my own story, 'Pony Fantasy IV', made it onto EqD.
As far as I go, I'm planning on continuing PFIV until I'm finished, then I'm going to go back and polish everything. Because if I edit every minor detail before doing the next chapter, I'm never going to get finished. Ultimately, though, it's up to you.
If you think it will make the story better, go right on ahead. And that's kind of the reason I haven't even consider sending mine into EqD, too afraid they'll reject it, although, if they do, they could give me tips on how to make it better. Hmm...
Why Leave broken things?
Do whatever will calm you the most.
I'd say wait until it's done to redo the chapters
Hmm, most people seem to be suggesting to go back and fix them now, and I can see that, but my lust for furthering my knowledge of what happens wants you to move forward and fix things later. But I'll be around either way. Just let us know if you upload updated versions of the first two chapters so I know to re-read them.
This is just my opinion but I think you should go on. Once you are all done and finished, re-read it and check for things that just don't flow right. But what ever you do is fine
I think you should go on. Partially because I feel you're doing a fine job as is, but also because EQD's pre-reader system is fairly flawed. Technically, your story is far superior to ones I've seen published there as recently as yesterday. I won't say all the pre-readers are bad, but it often comes down to the personal opinion. I once received a rejection letter that was full of vitriol, detailing how I offended the pre-reader's tastes, and containing no contructive criticism. Maybe when you're done, you could go over the entire thing, but I believe the best course to take in terms of completing the story fluidly would be to continue.
Huh. Showing vs. Telling?
They said that was a problem in your story? Any specific examples?
As for editing, you know I'd be happy to scrutinize every last detail of your sentences
I can't say that I'd be able to say where you're "telling" instead of "showing", because I haven't really seen that to be an issue. 
You're probably better off having multiple editors anyway
That away, the odds of any mistake passing through would be minuscule 
EDIT: Oh, silly me, completely forgot to mention the issue of "Revise now, or revise later". If the revisions end up consuming a large amount of your time, I'd recommend putting them off. You already have an extensive following, and you'd hate to make them wait for changes they may not even notice anyway. I'd suggest just continuing with the story, and revising the first chapters afterwards
It got featured here for days. Obviously you're doing something right.
Editing is totally your own choice. Maybe rewrite a portion and see what you think, then decide.
I would suggest that you hand your story over to SALT (http://saltblock.blogspot.com/). We're a team of editors and pre-readers with about a 50% success rate of getting stories onto EqD, and it helps a great deal that yours is already pretty good to start off with. I know of a few members in particular who look for areas that are too heavy on telling, as well.
I'd suggest going with the plan to revise your current chapters while their fresh.
I will support you ether way.
edit later :)
I'd suggest getting a competent editor and/or beta-staff and let them go over the first two chapters using the suggestions EqD offered while you forge ahead with the rest of the work. That way, you keep your Muse happy, and as long as the chapter edits don't call for a major revision of action in the later chapters, you can then take the edited chapters, give them any final polish you might want, and then continue on from there.
Oh, I'm sorry it didn't get approved on the first round. I will say, though, that I will be surprised if it doesn't get approved on the second go, as it's already quite a good story in many respects.
I'm afraid I can't offer any good advice as to whether you should keep writing or go back to edit, as that's such a personal preference kind of thing.