editor/critique?

Status
Not open for further replies.

billyf027

Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jul 4, 2006
Messages
188
Reaction score
2
Hi,
I have the chance to send stories for a reasonable fee to an ex-editor of a literary magazine. The person now writes novels and is still involved in writing. I've been writing for about a year and have had one story published. Can anyone give me an opinion if it would be a helpful to send a story to this person for advice and help?
 

Siddow

I'm super! Thanks for asking
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jul 2, 2006
Messages
2,719
Reaction score
2,056
Location
GA
I wouldn't do it.
You need to concentrate on sending your work to non-fee-charging current editors.

Since you've already published one story, you obviously don't suck. So what are you looking for? You can get free advice here, or find a local writers group to join. If you're looking for Atta-boys, I can tell you, they're worth more when they come free of charge.
 

pdr

Banned
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
4,259
Reaction score
832
Location
Home - but for how long?
It depends...

on what you're looking for.

If you want help with spelling, grammar and the basics then you should use a free crit group.

If you want help with structure and plot, general queries as to whether things work or not, and general writerly advice, you can do two things.
1. You can find more experienced writers to beta-read for you.
or
2. You can pay a reputable, experienced editor to read your work and edit it to publishing standard.

I'm not sure if you're from the US or not. Outside the US the general recommendation is to use a well known editor to get your novel as perfect as possible before sending out the query letters.
Short stories you really should learn to edit for yourself. No, it isn't easy but you just listen to the experienced writers as they crit and that 'gut' feeling you have about parts of your story.
In the US (so I've gathered from the board) editors (book doctors in US parlance) are not well regarded.

You've written stories. Try submitting them to magazines or if you are very nervous then ask for crit help from more experienced writers. You can post here in the Share you Work for that.

Something to start you on the road to successful story editing.
When you've finished the story read it aloud. listen for the rough or bumpy bits and mark them. At the end ask yourself two questions. If you can answer them then your story is probably okay. Ask: Whose story is it? (Am I telling it from the correct viewpoint?) and ask What am I trying to say? (What's the story about? Is it clear?)
Happy writing
pdr
 

scottVee

Super Member
Registered
Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
391
Reaction score
44
Location
San Diego area
Website
scott.virtes.com
I've never seen any reason to pay for critiques, or for editorial services. Fee-charging arrangements are dubious. Without a serious recommendation from a professional writer I trust, I'll say no every time. How do you know you'll get anything worthwhile -- anything you couldn't figure out for yourself?

On the funny side, I wouldn't mind putting my own editorial skills to work for me, but can't think of a way to do it without sounding just like one of those companies I've learned to despise. As soon as money is involved, it gets strange. Hmm.
 

Mike Coombes

Guru
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Mar 6, 2005
Messages
774
Reaction score
58
Location
UK
Website
writers.ktf-design.com
Don't.

I'm an ex editor of one mag, and a current editor of another, but that doesn't make my opinion worth money. If you want input, try your peer group - it's free. If you want an editor's opinion, submit the story to a magazine.
 

PeeDee

Where's my tea, please...?
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Aug 16, 2005
Messages
11,724
Reaction score
2,085
Website
peterdamien.com
I've been writing for quite a while, and I've never paid much of anyone to look at my stuff. I don't see where it's necessary, especially with this newfangled "internet" thing that the young people seem so fond of.

There are many people who can do a wonderful job helping you, and some of them are these 'yere forums. Poke around, and ask nicely.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.