Editor questions- and a side question for Tolkien folks about Elves and horses

[thrihyrne]

I've realized that I get almost as giddy when someone I've beta'ed for posts a fic and lists me as a beta (usually myself and someone else; two sets of eyes are always better than one!) and writes that I was astute, perceptive, or something similar, as I do when I receive reviews for my own stories that laud the story and/or my wordcraft. I really love editing. I seem to be pretty good at it. It would be really cool to earn money for writing, especially writing gay erotica with plot. Or just plotty stuff with gay sex as part of it. But I still think I'd enjoy doing that on the side, at my own pace, and being paid to edit fiction. Especially reading good authors. I finished reading I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb and cried. I don't do that very often, and it wasn't because it was the most gorgeously written book in the world, nor the most innovative and heart-wrenching (I sobbed the last few pages of His Dark Materials); it was because I really felt for the main character, and I really admired Lamb's clean prose and the overarching story. I think I could be a helpful editor for writers, and would love to do that, but there don't seem to be degree programs in editing. Am I missing something? Do you have to simply get into it somehow, and then people get your name out there? Or do you pay your penance at a newspaper or magazine or something and then segue into fiction?


I'm writing on my Gimlific and need to find my copy of The Hobbit, but I have a question about Elves and horses: obviously they ride them, because Glorfindel (Elf Not Appearing In The Peter Jackson Films) shows up on one, and I think back in the First and Second Ages I'm sure they're on horses. Elrond's twin sons I assume ride when scouting out with Aragorn while the hobbits and Gimli hang out at the Last Homely House. But how about the Elves up in Mirkwood? I don't have the sense that they're keen equestrians. I'm speculating; I've not gone looking for any information. I'm just working on this most recent Gimlific and Legolas hops up merrily on Arod when Éomer offers him up, but I think Gimli might wonder how on earth Legolas knows how to ride, given that Gimli (to my mind) fought in the Battle of Five Armies and the Mirkwood Elves showed up on foot... I think. Thoughts?

Comments

[risiepookie.livejournal.com]

You DEFINITELY are beyond good at it- you are awesome!!!

I don't know exactly how one gets into editing, but I hope you find a way into it, because so many people could benefit from the amazing feedback you provide. I love getting chapters back from you, because I know you have helped me to make them so much stronger and the story so much more enjoyable to read.

So, thank you for sharing your talents with me. I feel very lucky to not only count you as a close friend, but as my beta. I've told you this before, but I really do credit you with stretching me and pushing me to be the best writer I possibly can be and it shows. Each chapter is progressively better than the last, even before you see them, because of what you have passed along to me. You have taught me lasting lessons in what makes effective prose and I know that has impacted everything I write. You have beyond surpassed my wildest dreams of what someone can help me accomplish as a writer. For all of that, and so much more, I thank you, so very much.

::hugs my dear, dear friend:: :o)