I was going to post this on semiskimmed, but it’s worth saying on my personal blog more than anything else.
I’ve always hated editing for one reason. I really don’t trust my gut when rejecting pieces any more - and I’ve always thought that since sitting my poetry course, though I can pin down exactly what I feel is wrong with a piece.
It’s not something that normally I’d even think about, but I’ve done 22 rejections, and one ‘errr….Managing editor….how do I handle (X) please’. Editing erotica is easy, it has to be said - not because it’s smutty, but because in many ways, it’s less subjective than many other kinds of writing. And you can spot the really REALLY bad stuff a mile off. Guess what I was working through today?
I love editing, don’t get me wrong, but it’s hard to point at things without sounding like a pedantic git. More to the point, I’ve really had to fight my corner with freinds in the past over my editing, and it’s left me gunshy of saying ‘no thanks’ to a piece. I’m always left with lingering guilt when it’s not complete pants, cause, y’know, what makes ME right and the authors wrong?
I guess I’ll get used to it again, given we’re into editing season again ;). Feeling self concious tends to be transient till I’ve had agreements back from the managing editors, or adjustments from them. Either way, I have to just keep reminding myself, for the moment, that I’m not a bad writer, or editor (I’ve never been called an ediot to my face yet ;)) and stop panicking I guess.
Anyway guys, night!
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