Hi all!
I hope this isn't -too- off-topic, and apologize if it is.
So, I'm one of those people who's a lousy writer (inspiration doesn't come easily to me, though I'm better if collaboration is a possibility) but a reasonable editor...or at least, better than the average bear (he said oh so egocentrically).
In any event, I may have the opportunity to work as an editor for a small (i.e. I'm not quitting my job anytime soon) publishing company reviewing and editing short story submissions for anthologies. As a part of this process I was sent an audition- a story to dissect, with the goal being to identify its primary concerns from an editorial standpoint, put together a letter explaining those concerns to the writer (without crushing their ego in the process) and let the publisher know my feelings on whether the story is salvageable (their word) and what would be needed to get it there.
What I'd like to know is whether any published authors here have received these kinds of letters from their editors in the past, and would be willing to share them with me. I've asked the publisher for a sample (we're friends and this whole process is reasonably informal, so I don't think this is entirely unprofessional), with the understanding that they may want me to be doing this without having a reference to work with. They never said I couldn't ask other people, though.
I'd greatly appreciate any letters that people would be willing to share (I have to admit if the letters applied to Trek works that I'd read, that would be particularly awesome). You're welcome to PM me if there's things you're not willing to or uncertain you should share on an open channel.
I'm really trying not to get too excited about this, especially as I really don't know how well I rate as an editor (I've never done it in a professional capacity before) and this isn't likely to be lucrative (small amounts of money and free copies are probably the most I'd be looking at), but I have to admit I'm kind of hopeful. I've really been -wanting- to edit more often, but my writer-friends haven't been doing a lot of writing lately (or aren't showing me their stuff...hmmm...).
Thanks for your time and any help you can provide!
DonIago, Wanna-Be Editor
I hope this isn't -too- off-topic, and apologize if it is.
So, I'm one of those people who's a lousy writer (inspiration doesn't come easily to me, though I'm better if collaboration is a possibility) but a reasonable editor...or at least, better than the average bear (he said oh so egocentrically).
In any event, I may have the opportunity to work as an editor for a small (i.e. I'm not quitting my job anytime soon) publishing company reviewing and editing short story submissions for anthologies. As a part of this process I was sent an audition- a story to dissect, with the goal being to identify its primary concerns from an editorial standpoint, put together a letter explaining those concerns to the writer (without crushing their ego in the process) and let the publisher know my feelings on whether the story is salvageable (their word) and what would be needed to get it there.
What I'd like to know is whether any published authors here have received these kinds of letters from their editors in the past, and would be willing to share them with me. I've asked the publisher for a sample (we're friends and this whole process is reasonably informal, so I don't think this is entirely unprofessional), with the understanding that they may want me to be doing this without having a reference to work with. They never said I couldn't ask other people, though.
I'd greatly appreciate any letters that people would be willing to share (I have to admit if the letters applied to Trek works that I'd read, that would be particularly awesome). You're welcome to PM me if there's things you're not willing to or uncertain you should share on an open channel.
I'm really trying not to get too excited about this, especially as I really don't know how well I rate as an editor (I've never done it in a professional capacity before) and this isn't likely to be lucrative (small amounts of money and free copies are probably the most I'd be looking at), but I have to admit I'm kind of hopeful. I've really been -wanting- to edit more often, but my writer-friends haven't been doing a lot of writing lately (or aren't showing me their stuff...hmmm...).
Thanks for your time and any help you can provide!
DonIago, Wanna-Be Editor
