No, this isn’t about the Ratt song.  This is a partial apology to the four or five of you out there who followed my earlier blogs, and a reintroduction of sorts.

Since my first blog, things have been going well regarding the titles I have for sale through eXcessica.  Pretty Baby has done all right, but I have better hopes for my vignettes Last Wish for a Dying Man and Gingerbread, due in no small part to having Last Wish reviewed by Manic Readers.

But I’m not all that into self-promotion, and this isn’t exactly the forum for it anyway.  And that brings me to the point of this post.  I’ve never really been comfortable with the whole self-promotion thing.  I understand that in this business, especially the way many erotic writers are published, promoting oneself is a major part of getting known.  It’s unlikely that anyone, much less a big-name publisher, is going to stumble across an erotic work and decide that it is just too good to not snatch up.  So, we have to get ourselves out there, in the hope that, eventually, that big-name publisher will scoop us up.

But like I said, I’m uncomfortable with the idea of posting on other blogs, forums, websites, etc for the sole purpose of getting people to buy my books.  Some people do it as easily as breathe; I’m not one of those.  Maybe it’s a confidence issue.  I don’t know.  Besides, between my girlfriend, an adorable but demanding two-year-old, and work, I have precious little time as it is to write, let alone brag about it.

But I’m trying.  I guess my best hope is to build a fan base that will spread the word and get to the point where I’m known.  But that’s going to be a long road.

A friend once told me, “Trying to find an editor is like playing pin-the-tale-on-the-donkey. Even if you get lucky, you still get an ass.” I laughed, but that certainly didn’t boost my confidence. In the years since I’ve emerged from my comfortable-but-dark shell, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The volunteer editors I’ve met were very nice, perhaps too nice.

Still, the pessimistic nature of my introduction to editing made me constantly away of important factors. This tendency to analyze increased ten-fold when I began editing—I longed to edit with the same values I’d want from my editor, and how could I do that unless I understood exactly what I wanted? The following is a summary of my thoughts from the past couple of years, and I believe this post is fitting because of our peer editing system.

Let’s begin with the obvious: great editing skills certainly include more than a grasp of grammar. Attributes such as attitude really make the difference between someone who can edit a manuscript and someone who can help that writer grow.

To bend Morpheus’ sound bite to my purpose, “…I can only show you the door. You’re the one who has to walk through it.” An editor can be an important sounding board, guide, and even an ally, but that editor cannot help anyone who is unreceptive or unprepared. There is little help for people who are convinced they’re at the pinnacle of their writing skills, or—for whatever reason—are stuck in an emotional loop. Typically though, any seasoned writer will realize they cannot possibly see all the mistakes and areas for improvement in their own work (more on this in my next blog in two weeks).

A truly thoughtful person will inquire and offer whatever level of help is appropriate to the situation. So, I believe the first key to being a great editor is empathy. Talk to the writers to identify with them and find out what they need. Usually, I settle for the direct approach: simple questions asking them what kind of help they’d like to receive. Many haven’t really thought about it, but it won’t take much to discover important clues, so get them talking about their goals and their expectations for their story. Gauge how wary they are about the entire process, and try to set them at ease—you can be their best resource if they allow it.

Communication. If not the penultimate goal of an editor, it should be near the top. Though this might go without saying, I like to state the obvious. A good editor should, as well—never assume something is grasped, and even at the risk of sounding like a simpleton, restate an important point in as many ways as needed. Even illustrate the point if you can; it is a valuable tool to aid in mutual understanding. Talking in half thoughts or expecting the writer to “know what you mean” is asking for a miscommunication that can be extremely unproductive. Collect your thoughts carefully before expressing them, and always check to see if more clarification is needed.

Beyond having a good eye for grammatical mistakes and typos, it’s beneficial to discern subtle nuances and patterns. Be focused on plot flow and tone consistencies as well as character development and dialog believability—these are areas where an analytical, outside perspective can truly aid the story.

Heighten the writer’s awareness of the importance of a story’s beginning; be more critical of the opening impression. This is the time when the reader goes through a learning curve and is unconsciously feeling around for the right rhythm, tone, and style as well as the more obvious “what’s happening.” Mention even the smallest error or miscalculation during this time—it might slide later in the story, but during the critical introduction, it can often give a bad (or incorrect) first impression. An opener that gives pause or does not enchant the reader is in need of editing (at the very least, it should build the base for what the reader can expect).

Be a perfectionist and be patient. Don’t skip a point simply because you think they’ll object; the writer can always veto your suggestions (and always accept the veto with grace, even if you approach it later in a more sneaky fashion ).

Know that there are exceptions to every rule; be flexible. The key is to always stay focused on the question, “Does this exception hurt the story from the reader’s standpoint?” While you’re a guide to the writer, you are also the reader’s champion.

And lastly, there is the over-arching benefit of being a “giver”—people without an obstructive ego or a chip on their shoulder who want only the best for those they help. It’s important to wish for the writer’s success as much as they do, to get satisfaction, even pleasure, in a shared job-well-done. An open spirit of helpfulness is contagious once writers see what to expect, and hopefully they will pass it on.

Ideally, an editor’s overall goal is to support the development of writers. Helping them feel more satisfied with a story and their progress as a writer is a very sweet reward in and of itself (though recognition for the help also goes a long way—no one wants to feel under-appreciated). Be excited for their story’s potential, and be creative when offering suggestions—just be sure the writer knows suggestions are given freely, with no requirements or expectations.

There is no such thing as a perfect editor all the time, but it is a goal worth struggling to obtain. This world needs more great editors, because they support the great stories.

Happy writing and reading.

Kev

photo credit: margot.capespine

Welcome to eXcessica!

We’ve just launched this blog, and in honor of that, we’re having a contest - this one goes from now until May 15, when we’re going to have a wild group party on our Yahoo Group with all our authors and readers!

(And don’t forget about our YAHOO GROUP contest:

JOIN eXcessica’s Yahoo Group and you will be entered to win some delectable prizes from the eXcessica authors, including (but not limited to):

1. A $10 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
2. A basket of goodies, including DOVE chocolates
3. ANOTHER $10 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
4. The book (print) “Getting Off” by Jayme Waxman
5. Five copies of “Abduction” by Varian Krylov to 5 lucky winners

And our GRAND PRIZE, going to ONE lucky winner:

A GIFT BASKET including:

• Body Dew - Bath oil Mist
• Soft and Silky Unisex shave creme
• Embrace - Intimate lubricant - strawberry
• Alluring Body Lotion
• PassionPowder - White Chocolate
• Bullet
• Bullet Pleasure Sleeve
• Pillow Pack Revelations Lube
• Dirty Dice
• Lovers Coupons

WINNERS will be announced on May 15, 2008!

SO JOIN TODAY!!)

Now, on to the NEW BLOG CONTEST:

The TOP FIVE commenters on the blog from now through May 15, 2008 will win the following:
#1 Commenter: 5 FREE eXcessica E-BOOKS
#2 Commenter: 4 FREE eXcessica E-BOOKS
#3 Commenter: 3 FREE eXcessica E-BOOKS
#4 Commenter: 2 FREE eXcessica E-BOOKS
#5 Commenter: 1 FREE eXcessica E-BOOK

So the more comments you leave, the better!

There’s a “top commenter” section at the top of the page, so you can see who’s ahead!

So start commenting - and let’s have some fun!

Welcome to eXcessica publishing’s spiffy new digs!

Like ‘em?

So far, eXcessica has over twenty writers (since we opened our doors a mere week and a half ago!) and they span the spectrum from award-winning, bestselling authors who are published elsewhere with some of the largest e-and-print publishers in the business to hot, brand new, fledgling talent!

eXcessica is currently offering fourteen titles by six different authors, with fifteen more on the “Coming Soon!” list (and more going up every day!)

We have created a myspace page (please feel free to “friend” us!)

We also have a Yahoo Group, so you can keep up with what’s new and hot at eXcessica and talk with all of our authors! (We’re a fun and rowdy bunch!)

Just by joining, you’re automatically entered for a chance to WIN some fabulous gift certificates (Barnes & Noble), print books, and even more!

Winners will be announced May 15, 2008, so JOIN NOW!

All of our authors will be taking turns on the blog, so you can look forward to getting to know each of us. Should be fun!

And don’t forget - if you’re an erotic writer interested in submitting to eXcessica, please check out our submissions page!

We’re off to a great start…

*raising champagne glass*

Here’s to an eXcessively pleasureable future! *wink*

xoxo

Selena Kitt

Erotic Fiction You Won’t Forget

Wanna Purrrrrrr With Pleasure?