God-the-almighty
I used to edit for people and I would go over it with a fine toothed comb, pointing out every grammar issue as well as suggestions for wording along with my reasoning I left it up to them to take or leave those suggestions. I only did it privately and only if they asked me to do it. I also pointed out everything they did right too. I actually learned a lot doing that and no one ever complained about what I was doing. More than one person had me look at more than one work. I see it like this, writing is a skill and getting a critique regardless of whether it is positive or negative can be very useful. As long as it isn't an attack but instead an impartial critique it can be very useful. I feel the same way about art critiques. I also respected their work and made sure I understood what they were trying to do. I don't think writers have to be asses or narcissistic.
I did come across someone like you are describing. She actually hated me for some reason.
It's weird. Because writing is simply a tool to tell someone something. Be it a story, a moral or just telling people how you feel. There's more than one way to do it.
Some believe some methods of writing to be incorrect. And you know what? There is some truth to be dug out of that. However based on a review, I can tell you the reviewer's mood when they wrote it. Usually I can guess what stage of college or high school. Or extremely advanced. Typically in writing everyone I know sticks to formal third person.
That style is taught throughout highschool. Later a writer in college learns third person informal. You need informality in any good work and the best of the best don't use a textbook style.
To me every piece of advice I try to give is situational. In this situation do this. There are a lot of basics ignored.
The problem is I get reviewers. Who go into full on edit mode at the first three words and sadly. ... I doubt there's any help to be had. You could edit out the errors until said reviewer cried out, "MUCH BETTER!" But the very next person could just as early rip their edits apart. It's a tragic and vicious system. There is no perfection.
That said I'm glad you're the type of person who privately tells them how to improve. In all likelihood you legitimately are trying to help. And your probably the sort who likes to bring order to chaotic wordplay.
But also remember. What they also need if not more do than learning how to tell a story is to ask questions about the story itself. "Why this? " or "Explain this more. " These are more important than giving people grammar every time.
Keep this in mind. Even a beautifully written story can have no value. It all depends in no small part to what they are saying. The focus of writers and editors shifts mostly to how you said it.
I've had some people ask for another chapter and all I can say is no. It can be harsh but necessary.
You sound like a good rescuer and when the time comes for yet another chapter of my book is finished I'll ask for your help.
smile why? Because you seem cool enough.
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