You guys, I have a legit job hunt question.

I applied for a line-editing job with a publisher of mostly romantic fiction of all genres (really -- horror, urban fantasy, what they call steampunk, straight-up erotica). Also gay erotica and...

wait for it...

some kinky erotica (which is not why I applied; I didn't actually look at every title in their catalog, and they don't have a kink/BDSM category, so I didn't realize they publish it when I applied).

They replied, explaining the line-editor gig in-depth, and explaining that they take their editors' sensibilities into account when assigning manuscripts -- the example the editor used was "we wouldn't assign m/m or BDSM fiction to someone who is uncomfortable with it, for example."

Question: when I reply to tell them to send me their editing test, do I mention that I'm comfortable with m/m fiction and also have a good knowledge base of BDSM? I don't mind being forthright about that with people who publish it, but I also don't want to bring it up too soon or be creepy.

Do I just reply and reaffirm my interest and editing skillz and tell them to send me the editing test, and *then* if I'm hired do I mention that I know my way around a dungeon? Or would mentioning it now -- in a brief, low-key way -- give me an advantage?

I'm torn.

Me too. On one hand, I would say it brings you in line with the company's mission and distinguishes you, which seems good, but on the other hand, I always worry about seeming weirdly over-eager.(Like where's the line between "You've got spunk!" and "Security!")

Mentioning it now is a good idea. Can you tell me which publisher? If it's one who does a lot of that type of book, it's good to know who's willing to work on them.

I wouldn't be graphic, I would simply say you're comfortable with graphic sexuality of all kinds, thanks for the heads up.

I know that sometimes I hang back too much because of the stereotype of the chatty cripple who thinks everyone is her best friend.(And being a woman I get a double dose of worry about talking too much.)

Amy,

what is the "Recruitment Center?" This sounds Orwellian or post-apocalyptic. Like a final solution.

Sorry. Military is what I meant.

heh. Is that what they call it? I had no idea. What branch of military? My dad was in the Navy, but he has been out of the Navy for decades, so I'm out of touch.

We're a Navy family. I think that's what they call it! I don't know, there's one downtown here. And he's talked about it, too, so it's not like we're just shoving him off. Honestly, I'm not really sure he'd make it through training, but we're not there yet.

And Steph, I didn't mean to sound pushy about the job question.

I agree with Amy, Steph. And good luck!

Jake applied for one job yesterday, online, and looked at me like I was going to praise him.

Oh my, they are one. Brendon thinks that having a friend trying to get him in somewhere qualifies as job hunting. DH favors a military option, likely because his father was career Air Force. I feel it would be a terrible fit because authority is his number one issue. Also, he would never go for that plan anyway.

Have no advice on the slacking front, except my stepbrother used to totally be like that(and more)

Thanks. The one thing that keeps me from curling up in the corner and sobbing with a bottle in hand is my core belief that he will figure it out. He is smart, and a good person. If he doesn't do something life changing or ending, then he will make a fine human as an adult.

Part of my discomfort today is a business acquaintance loss. Daughter of 2 medical doctors, working on her masters, every advantage in the world. Dead at 28. History of drug and alcohol abuse. They are doing an autopsy to see what happened. Needless to say her family is devastated. There is just such a fine line between letting them find their own way and losing them. My sister lost her son at 23 and my best friend hers at 31 after substance abuse issues. It is just so hard. You can't chain them to the bedpost.

Brendon thinks that having a friend trying to get him in somewhere qualifies as job hunting

THIS. Jesus, they are the same. He's been back here ten days, and has said already, "Bryce might get me a job [where he works]." Uh huh.

I'm sorry about your loss, Laura. It's so sad.