hello all, does anyone have resources for finding a (probably paid) editor to look over your work? i'm assuming in this day and age that editors are pretty location-independent since we're dealing with such small files. for the time being i'm working in the short story form, frequently bending toward the surreal/noir.
Damn, dude, you are in the City, there are probably ads for out-of-work editors in the personals (you'd be surprised the work hungry people take).
Ok, check your local colleges--this is what I did as an undergraduate and in graduate school and after. Being in a small town (compared to NYC) my rep spread word-to-mouth, and I never wanted for work, but I was cheap (at least at first, and depending on if the client was a corporation or an independent writer or a PR person) as well as having a top rating for both editing and copyediting (word-of-mouth) so I had work all over the state, basically (some out of state, but they were referred by friends, so.). I should add here that all of my editing was for nonfiction (except for Maybe some of the PR kits--sigh; those people do invent things to sell books, mags, etc.)
Ask Gordon Highland, Angel Colon, Bob Pasterelli, et al.... many other excellent published writers that are on this site (and PLEASE forgive me you other folks I didn't list here; it's late and I've got an ear infection and not thinking good--yeah, yeah, TMI).
What kind of feedback do you want? Do you want to be published in print or online? Are you paying by the job or by the hour (if you end up having to pay, and I'm sorry, but times are tough-- unless you want to barter--however!-- you should be prepared to pay, and have a figure in mind)? Hey, ask for references; ask for their rates, ask any questions that occur to you.
Actually, you should be posting this as well under questions and help.
Good luck! Look forward to reading your work soon!
For short stories I think you're probably better off seeking a workshop, or even a supportive friend, than an editor (unless you're talking about a finished collection for submission/self-publication).
On this website I've seen (I believe) Richard Thomas and Bradley Sands offer editorial services. You might try to PM either to check their availability/rates (apologies if I'm wrong on that).
Do you want someone reading your stories for line editing, grammar/punctuation, or for writing advice? Be more specific and someone might be able to make a better suggestion.
@MattF: Thanks; I should have listed Richard Thomas and Bradley Sands, as I knew they did offer those services. I assumed he meant a collection of ss, and he doesn't really say that.
