15.3 Building Relationships with Editors
7 min read•july 30, 2024
Building relationships with editors is crucial for freelance writers. It's not just about pitching stories; it's about creating lasting connections that can lead to more opportunities and better assignments.
Effective , consistent quality work, and professional handling of feedback are key. By nurturing these relationships, writers can secure a stable income stream and open doors to exciting new prospects in their careers.
Initiating Contact with Editors
Researching Publications and Editors
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- Research the publication and editor to understand their focus, style, and before making contact
- Review the publication's website, mission statement, and past issues to grasp their target audience and preferred content
- Identify the appropriate editor for your story idea based on their role and areas of expertise (managing editor for general inquiries, features editor for long-form stories)
- Study the submission guidelines to ensure your pitch aligns with their requirements and preferences (word count, formatting, lead times)
- Meeting editors in person at industry events, conferences, or through mutual connections can be an effective way to make an initial impression and build rapport
- Attend writing conferences, workshops, or panel discussions where editors are speaking or participating to introduce yourself and express interest in their publication
- Leverage your professional network to seek introductions to editors through colleagues, mentors, or friends in the industry
- Follow up after in-person meetings with a brief thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in contributing to their publication
Crafting Effective Pitch Emails
- A professional, concise, and personalized pitch email introducing yourself and your story idea is the most common way to initiate contact with an editor
- Begin with a compelling subject line that succinctly captures the essence of your story idea (10 Surprising Ways to Boost Productivity)
- Address the editor by name and mention any relevant personal connections or previous interactions to establish rapport
- Clearly state the purpose of your email and provide a brief synopsis of your story idea, highlighting its relevance to the publication's audience
- Include a short bio showcasing your relevant experience, expertise, and previous publications to demonstrate your credibility
- Referrals from other writers or editors who have worked with you previously can lend credibility when contacting a new editor
- Request referrals from satisfied clients or colleagues who can vouch for the quality of your work and
- Mention the referral source in your pitch email to establish a connection and build with the new editor (Jane Doe suggested I reach out to you)
- Following up politely after an appropriate amount of time if no response is received shows persistence and professionalism
- Wait at least a week before sending a follow-up email to allow the editor time to review your initial pitch
- Keep the follow-up email brief and polite, restating your interest in contributing to the publication and offering to provide additional information if needed
Maintaining Professional Communication
Timely and Clear Communication
- Timely, clear, and concise communication is crucial for maintaining a professional relationship with editors
- Respond promptly to editor inquiries, ideally within 24-48 hours, to demonstrate your reliability and respect for their time
- Ensure your messages are well-organized, focused, and free of grammatical or spelling errors to convey professionalism and attention to detail
- Use bullet points or numbered lists to break down complex information or multiple questions for easier comprehension
- Being responsive to editor inquiries, feedback, and deadlines demonstrates reliability and respect for their time
- Promptly address any questions or concerns editors may have about your story idea, sources, or progress to keep them informed and confident in your ability to deliver
- Acknowledge receipt of feedback and provide a timeline for when you expect to submit to keep the editor updated on your progress
- Proactively communicate if you anticipate any challenges or delays in meeting agreed-upon deadlines to allow for adjustments and maintain trust
Professional and Positive Tone
- Maintaining a friendly but professional tone in all communications, whether via email, phone, or in-person, is important for fostering a positive working relationship
- Use a courteous and respectful tone, even when discussing challenging topics or disagreements, to maintain a constructive dialogue
- Avoid overly casual language, slang, or emoji that may be perceived as unprofessional or inappropriate in a business context
- Show enthusiasm for the story idea and the opportunity to contribute to the publication to convey your dedication and positive attitude
- Expressing gratitude for opportunities and feedback from editors shows appreciation and helps strengthen the professional bond
- Thank editors for considering your pitch, providing feedback, or offering guidance to show your recognition of their time and effort
- Acknowledge the value of their insights and expertise in helping you improve your work and grow as a writer
- Regularly express your appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to their publication and be a part of their team
Building Long-Term Relationships
Delivering Consistent Quality Work
- Establishing a track record of consistently delivering high-quality work on time can lead to repeat assignments and a trusted partnership with a publication
- Submit well-researched, engaging, and error-free stories that adhere to the publication's style and standards to demonstrate your reliability and commitment to excellence
- Consistently meet deadlines and communicate proactively about any potential delays to build a reputation for dependability
- Go above and beyond in your research, interviews, and storytelling to deliver unique and valuable content that exceeds the editor's expectations
- Having a strong relationship with a publication can provide a sense of stability and reliable income in a competitive freelance market
- Regularly contributing to a publication can lead to a steady stream of assignments and income, reducing the need to constantly pitch new outlets
- Building trust with an editor can lead to more favorable contract terms, such as higher rates or kill fees, that provide greater financial security
- Long-term relationships may also open doors to opportunities for advancement within the publication, such as column writing or editorial positions
Leveraging Relationships for Growth
- Building familiarity and rapport with editors over time can result in more leeway when pitching unconventional story ideas or negotiating deadlines and rates
- Editors may be more receptive to creative or outside-the-box story ideas from writers they trust and have worked with extensively
- Strong relationships can provide more flexibility in negotiating deadlines or rates based on the writer's proven track record and the editor's confidence in their ability to deliver
- Long-term relationships with publications can lead to opportunities for higher-profile assignments, exclusive stories, or even staff positions
- Consistently delivering quality work and demonstrating a deep understanding of the publication's audience and mission can lead to more prestigious or coveted assignments
- Building a reputation as a reliable and skilled writer within a publication can put you in a strong position to pursue staff writer or editor roles as they become available
- Editors are more likely to recommend writers they trust to their colleagues at other publications, potentially opening doors to new opportunities
- Satisfied editors may recommend you to their peers at other publications, expanding your network and exposing you to new markets
- Referrals from trusted editors can carry significant weight and help you establish credibility with new publications more quickly
- Maintaining strong relationships with editors across multiple publications can lead to a diverse and robust client base, increasing your income potential and career stability
Handling Feedback and Revisions
Accepting and Incorporating Feedback
- Accepting graciously and incorporating feedback into revisions is essential for growth as a writer and maintaining positive relationships with editors
- Approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn and improve, rather than becoming defensive or dismissive
- Carefully review and consider each comment or suggestion, evaluating how it can enhance the clarity, coherence, or impact of your story
- Implement relevant feedback in your revisions, ensuring that the changes address the editor's concerns and strengthen the overall piece
- Asking clarifying questions when feedback is unclear shows a commitment to delivering the best possible final product
- If an editor's comment or suggestion is ambiguous or confusing, seek clarification through a polite email or phone call
- Provide specific examples or context to help the editor understand your perspective and ensure that you are interpreting their feedback correctly
- Work collaboratively with the editor to find solutions or compromises that address their concerns while maintaining the integrity of your voice and story
Professional and Timely Revisions
- Meeting revision deadlines and communicating promptly if additional time is needed demonstrates professionalism and respect for the editor's schedule
- Prioritize revisions and allocate sufficient time to thoroughly address the editor's feedback within the agreed-upon timeframe
- If unexpected challenges or delays arise, promptly inform the editor and propose a realistic extension to the deadline
- Submit revisions well before the deadline whenever possible to allow the editor ample time for review and to accommodate any additional changes
- Viewing the editing process as a collaboration rather than a confrontation helps maintain a positive attitude and fosters a team mentality with the editor
- Recognize that the editor's goal is to work with you to create the best possible story for the publication's audience
- Approach discussions about feedback and revisions with a spirit of partnership and a shared commitment to excellence
- Celebrate successes and express gratitude for the editor's guidance and support throughout the editing process to reinforce the positive working relationship
- Defending your creative choices respectfully and diplomatically when you disagree with an editor's suggestions can lead to productive discussions and compromises
- If you feel strongly about a particular creative choice or disagree with a suggested change, express your perspective calmly and professionally
- Provide clear rationales or examples to support your position, demonstrating how your approach aligns with the story's goals and the publication's style
- Be open to finding middle ground or alternative solutions that address the editor's concerns while preserving the essential elements of your creative vision
Key Terms to Review (18)
Adaptability: Adaptability refers to the ability to adjust one's approach or behavior in response to changing circumstances or demands. In the context of building relationships with editors, adaptability is crucial because it allows writers to be flexible, open-minded, and responsive to feedback and editorial preferences, fostering effective communication and collaboration.
American Society of Journalists and Authors: The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting freelance writers in various genres, promoting ethical journalism, and advocating for the rights of authors. This organization provides resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for its members, fostering strong relationships between writers and editors to improve the quality of written content.
Clear guidelines: Clear guidelines are specific and detailed instructions or principles that help shape expectations and improve communication between writers and editors. These guidelines serve as a roadmap for the writing process, ensuring that both parties understand the objectives, preferences, and standards necessary to create compelling content. Establishing clear guidelines can lead to better collaboration and ultimately enhance the quality of the finished piece.
Communication: Communication is the process of exchanging information, thoughts, or feelings between individuals or groups through verbal, non-verbal, or written means. In building relationships with editors, effective communication is crucial as it helps establish trust, clarity, and mutual understanding, which are essential for successful collaboration.
Constructive criticism: Constructive criticism is a helpful feedback approach aimed at improving someone's work or performance by providing specific, actionable suggestions while maintaining a positive tone. This feedback encourages growth and development, making it essential for effective communication in collaborative environments. It fosters trust and strengthens relationships, especially between writers and editors, by creating an open dialogue that promotes improvement without discouraging creativity.
Copy editor: A copy editor is a professional who reviews written content to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness in grammar, punctuation, and style. They play a vital role in the publishing process, enhancing the overall quality of the text and ensuring it adheres to specific editorial standards. Their feedback not only improves the readability of the work but also shapes how writers interact with their editors, fostering stronger relationships through constructive communication.
Developmental editor: A developmental editor is a professional who works closely with authors to improve the overall structure, content, and style of their writing before it goes into production. This role involves providing feedback on story elements, character development, pacing, and narrative flow, helping writers shape their work into a polished final product. The relationship between a developmental editor and an author is collaborative, aiming to enhance the manuscript's potential for success in the market.
Editorial feedback: Editorial feedback is the constructive criticism and guidance provided by editors to writers during the writing and revision process. It plays a crucial role in improving the clarity, quality, and impact of a piece of writing, helping writers refine their work to better meet the expectations of publications. This feedback fosters collaboration between writers and editors, ultimately enhancing the publication process.
Email: Email is a method of exchanging digital messages over the internet, allowing individuals and organizations to communicate quickly and efficiently. In the context of building relationships with editors, email serves as a primary tool for writers to pitch story ideas, submit articles, and maintain ongoing communication with editorial staff. The effectiveness of email communication can significantly impact how writers are perceived by editors and can influence the opportunities for publication.
Meeting deadlines: Meeting deadlines refers to the ability to complete tasks or projects within a specified time frame. This skill is essential in the world of writing, where timely submission of articles is crucial for maintaining professional relationships with editors and ensuring the smooth operation of publications.
Pen America: Pen America is a nonprofit organization that advocates for free expression and literary culture, supporting writers and promoting the importance of literature in society. It plays a crucial role in building connections between writers and editors, fostering relationships that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations in the publishing world.
Pitching ideas: Pitching ideas is the process of presenting and advocating for a story concept or article to an editor, highlighting its relevance, originality, and potential audience appeal. This act is crucial in establishing effective communication with editors, helping freelancers and writers secure assignments while building lasting professional relationships.
Professionalism: Professionalism refers to the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize a profession or professional person. It encompasses a set of behaviors and attitudes that signify a commitment to the values and standards of one's field. This includes reliability, accountability, competence, and adherence to ethical practices, which are crucial in building strong relationships with editors.
Project management software: Project management software is a digital tool designed to assist in planning, organizing, and managing resources to achieve specific project goals. This type of software enables users to track project progress, assign tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate effectively with team members. By facilitating communication and organization, project management software plays a critical role in helping writers build and maintain relationships with editors throughout the writing process.
Query letter: A query letter is a concise, professional communication sent to an editor or literary agent, proposing a story idea or article for publication consideration. It serves as a pitch to capture the recipient's interest and outlines the main concept, target audience, and the author's qualifications. A well-crafted query letter is crucial in the process of seeking publication, as it helps establish initial relationships and sets the stage for further communication.
Revisions: Revisions refer to the process of reviewing, editing, and refining a piece of writing to enhance its clarity, coherence, and overall quality. This process is vital in building strong relationships with editors, as it shows a writer's willingness to accept feedback and make necessary changes to meet publication standards. Through revisions, writers not only improve their work but also demonstrate professionalism and adaptability in their writing practices.
Submission guidelines: Submission guidelines are the specific instructions set by publications regarding how writers should submit their work for consideration. These guidelines often include details about formatting, length, subject matter, and the submission process itself, serving as a roadmap for writers to align their work with the publication's standards and preferences.
Trust: Trust is the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. In journalism, establishing trust is vital for successful interactions, whether it’s with sources during interviews or with editors for collaboration. It serves as the foundation for open communication and encourages honest sharing of information, ultimately leading to better stories and stronger professional relationships.