Some Days It Just Don't Pay To Edit · 12:31pm Nov 5th, 2014
I could likely have a Tia's Reign of Terror chapter out by today. But instead, I was asked to edit an upcoming story for the Twilestia contest and see if it would be acceptable. Fair enough.
This proved to be a nightmare, unfortunately.
The most frustrating thing you can possibly come to as an editor is seeing all of your criticisms/recommendations deleted by the author you are working with "we don't have the same opinion" as explanation, if any explanation is given at all. No more room for discussion, no attempts at compromise, nothing. This is more true the more time/effort the author asks you to sink into said work. If you, any of you, ask me to edit a story for you, know that doing this will mean that generally I will cut the story completely, and probably never agree to edit for you again.
Editing is hard work, takes a long time, can be unpleasant if you don't like the story to begin with and is almost unilaterally thankless. Editors do it out of the goodness of their hearts. They get nothing in return. This is why I almost always listen to my editors, and if I don't, I provide explanation and keep their comments where they are so I can come back to them. So, I ask you, if you are to disagree with somebody you edit for, please, treat them with respect. Understand what they are giving up for you.
But there is a silver lining to all this. Now that it's abundantly clear that my contributions to this story have been ignored and my input is not really appreciated/valued, I will have time to do writing for Tia's Reign of Terror again. Hope you'll all enjoy the new chapter.
Actually, the worst thing I've found as an editor is getting something you just can't salvage. I really didn't think there was anything I couldn't fix given a bit of time (I know, that's a bit arrogant), but I had a story sent to me a while back that's just ... ugh.
Still, intransigent authors would be a close second, I guess.
And thanks for reminding me of the Twilestia contest.
2575237 This was the worst, because the story was something that will not be salvageable without the edits I made. Most of it was good, but there was one character that was just agony to read if you write Rarity or Twilight well or like either of them. I've actually worked my tail off to salvage some stories that seemed unsalvageable before. It just requires a lot of effort and patience. But this kind of behavior only works if the author is willing to listen.
And yes, get writing! You can do it!
Couldn't have said it better myself.
I know and trust my editors. I value their opinions, and even if some individual suggestions aren't what I feel works (e.g. grammar suggestions that can go either way because English is fucked), I listen and look to respond intelligently. And I try to bring the same ideals to my own editor's pen. I tend not to be the most patient editor, but I try to bring something good and substantial.
And as both an author and editor, thank your editors. Please. KoC is right; editing is a thankless task. But it's also the most important step in making your writing worth reading.
2575258 I can only hope you feel respected when editing my own stories. Something I am very grateful for, by the by, even if I don't always mention it.
2575239 The two of you can, of course, see what I'm talking about in the Twilestia Skype Chat. I suppose just agreeing to edit it to begin with was a mistake, but you can't exactly tell that outside of hindsight.
2575261 I wouldn't call it a mistake on your part, Kyu. It is more of a mistake on the author in not taking your advice seriously or critically, or even talking about the reasoning. I've butted heads with a few editors before in terms of suggested plot changes but I have also taken in a lot of their advice at the same time to change my stories for the better.
But if there is one thing I never argue about, it is when it comes to grammar and spelling mistakes. I'm notoriously shit at it, and I'd be a fool to ignore an editor's correction or observation in that subject area.
It is hit and miss when it comes to editing for authors you don't really know, but I suppose that is part of the problem.
I've said enough. Not even sure if I am making any sense or being helpful!
I'm gonna go back in my hole.
2575294 Turns out he did make some changes, so there's that. It seems to be resolving itself much more happily than I would have expected.
2575296 I suppose it's a success to some degree?
2575297 It...is more than a total loss, which I'll take. Probably damaged my relations with the author just trying to fight for the changes, unfortunately.
2575298 These things happen, unfortunately. *Hug*
2575299 *Hug is gladly accepted*
Wow... that is rough. I would hate to find that folks I preread or edit for aren't even considering my advice. I would also hate to end up becoming the guy who disrespects the folks who edit and preread for him.
You know, now that I think about it, maybe... just maybe, before we start asking others to edit for us, we should do some editing for others so we can see how much time and hard work goes into the editing process.
Well there's my two cents... Speaking of which, I need to start reading "Tia's Reign of Terror" it is in my read later box, but I really should get started.