Short Fiction by Lyon Kennedy

Problem:
The very best professional editors have a waiting list of unknown writers. I’m not interested in waiting for the invaluable support a very good editor provides. (I liken it to covering the “blind spot” in a driver’s field of vision; a good editor helps identify blind spots.)

Solution:
I believe a small team of 2-4 “unheralded” editors might provide the support a very good writer needs to round out short stories for publication.

You:
You’re an outstanding writer and editor who aims to become distinguished as a professional writer or editor. You not only want to show your stuff, you want to be recognized and receive some compensation.

Me:
A middle-aged established professional writer (mostly technical) for over 10 years. Believes he has a gift that has been neglected for the mundane, short-term material gains of the daily grind. 

The Challenge (No Compensation):
Edit at least 2 pages of an 8-page, 3,000 word unpublished short story. I want you to be ruthless in line editing and story value (character, theme, etc..), but balanced; correcting every other word (as if the story is poop, which it is not) or correcting only a few words (as if the story is genius, which it is not) will not win you a position.

The Reward (Compensation):
I will choose from 2-4 editors to work with me in 2013 as I push short stories out for publishing.

• If you really like the work and want to be associated with it forever, I will provide acknowledgment at the end of every story you contributed to, for as long as the work remains published.
• A personal reference from me to any future employer.
• Be part of a working group of outstanding editors.
• A gift card of your choice (e.g., Amazon or Starbucks) for every story you contribute to (agreed to in advance of your work).

Preferred Format:

MS Word, with tracking enabled

Deadline for “The Challenge”:

Wednesday, Feb 6th

Editors to be Chosen by Sunday, Feb 10th