Proofreaders Wanted, Needed

So, I've been writing some fanfic as of late, and while I've had some success, it's become clear that in order to maximize potential, I need... an editor.

To that end, I'm going on a recruitment drive amongst the Pony Tales forums, seeking those who might assist me with making sure my stories are readable and worthy of being published online. Requirements are minimal, only the ability to diagnose what is wrong with a story.

So, anyone feel up to the task?

Are you looking for a proofreader or an editor? The difference being that the proofreader will correct grammar and spelling, and the editor will suggest changes to the story for the purposes of formatting, theming, and keeping the story interesting and concise.

An editor then, I suppose, although my concern is less about grammar and more about the quality of the story itself, and the impressions readers get from it. In essence, I seek constructive criticism, such that I can make edits to fix problems before publishing the story.

There was a time when FiMFiction (.net) was pretty critique friendly. Well, no they weren't friendly but everyone in the IRC channel was willing to offer critique. Now it's sort of crowded because hay look ponies! The penalties of becoming popular.

So a trade is the most likely thing, Dusk ... find another writer with about your skill level and read each other's stuff. I'm in a critique group and it's improved my writing immensely ... but I have to disagree with the current thinking about 'more effective vs. less effective' grammar. When you're communicating with words, especially online, grammar, punctuation and spelling are how you speak ... how you get your grand story across.  While it's true that over decades grammar will drift, I still posit that there is correct grammar, and everything that falls short of it is incorrect grammar ... which is always less effective at transmitting the idea you're trying to convey.

Also, and if you drift through a few critique groups you'll pick up on this but if you're just starting out than you should know up front ... to quote Gandalf the Grey, advice is a dangerous thing. Even from the wise, to the wise. But here is my advice ... read a good book on how to write a good story. I have several suggestions off the top of my head and whichever your local library has, you should seriously consider reading. Yes, cover to cover; it will improve your writing skill even just by osmosis.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont;  On Writing by Steven King; writing fiction for dummies by Randy Ingermanson (I've been to his critique group! He lives around here! Find his website/blog by searching for the snowflake method because I think he's cool!) & Peter Economy.

Also, back to grammar, my wife tells me I must recommend Zinsser's on writing as well as Strunk & White's Elements of Style ... she's a free lance magazine article writer with over a hundred published articles under her belt so you should accept her advice with the grace and aplomb in which said advice was offered.

In the same vein as the above, I've seen a lot of people suggesting criticism swaps as well. I believe there are even some fimfiction groups dedicated swapping/finding groups.
Also, I'd recommend the "Writing Excuses" podcast. They do 10-15 minute shorts on just about anything to do with writing.
I don't write, but I find it interesting just to listen to.

I'd be willing to edit, presuming the story you're writing seems interesting.

In exchange, all I ask is that when I - eventually - start writing again, you do the same for me.

AProcrastinatingWriter wrote:I'd be willing to edit, presuming the story you're writing seems interesting.

In exchange, all I ask is that when I - eventually - start writing again, you do the same for me.

But of course!

Meanwhile, I suppose I should describe a bit about the fic I intend to actually write. It's a sorta-sequel to another fiction of mine. In this fic, while Twilight has survived the struggle against Sombra, he survived by implanting a fragment of fragment of his mind into hers. Now Twilight gets to contend with the voice of an evil king in her head... as Sombra witnesses a life so very different from his own.