Burning Bridges

Anna Matetic wonders what she should do about this experience: "I met the editor of our local city paper while taking some classes. He said that the paper had a freelance budget that didn't often get used and recommended students query ideas. I did and all was great, I finished the article, submitted it, it was printed and I got paid. $125 for my first clip! I thought I was doing great since I knew most first clips were usually with much lower paying markets. I submitted another idea. My bachelor's degree will be in Religion. I suggested an article on practicing a non-Christian/mainstream religion in a small town. The idea was accepted. I interview two ladies who owned shops that revolved around their religious choices. I really enjoyed the topic and set out to write my article. But it was tough because it intertwined two individual stories. The manuscript was rejected with terse comments from the editor; basically, the intertwining I did, didn't work. And she wouldn't consider it again without a serious rewrite.After my initial heart break over the rejection, I sent the editor a note back that I would see what I could do. I went back to my research and there were no quotes from the other gal that could come close to making a good story. So, I never emailed back the editor regarding this. After her terse note, to be honest, I was terrified and had no idea what to say to her. It has created some what of a problem, I believe, because the paper also owns 2-3 other local magazines that I have also tried writing for. At one publication, the editor sounded interested and said she would pitch the story. She never got back to me. I met her at a local event and approached her about pitching another story. She remembered my name. She responded she wasn't sure why she hadn't responded back, saying she usually makes a point to email a yes or no. She requested I send a recent sample. I sent both the sample and another idea. No response. I even emailed a follow up. No response.I am not inclined to think this is a coincidence and, most likely, I've been black listed. I've taken it as a lesson learned. If it were a higher paying market, I might try again or try to heal the breach. However, since the pay is low and the market is local/regional, I don't think it will have a terrible impact on me making a profitable writing career."

Anna, I think many writers have had a similar situation like this. Mine was with a large national magazine that owns several others. The editor told me they didn't take articles on "spec." When I told her I didn't write on spec, she went ahead and assigned the story. When I sent the story on deadline day, she sent me an email stating, "I knew I should have never taken an article on spec," with no explanation of why she was unhappy. I emailed her back offering to do rewrites and I called, but got no response. My article ran with virtually no changes and I got paid. However, I've never been able to break into another magazine owned by that company again. My point is that communication is a key factor in the editor/writer relationship. You were new and green as was I at that time. Lack of communication is a common newbie error. Looking back, I know the process of writing for a major glossy intimidated me. I procrastinated and didn't ask my editor for help. The reality is that even though editors are busy, I've found they would much rather answer your questions and help you through any difficulties in your article than be blind-sided by bad copy they can't fix or no copy at all. My not getting back into those magazines hasn't hindered my ability to earn a living, but it does limit me in one of my specialty writing areas and denies me some good clips. Here's my tips to handle such situations:

Keep the editor informed of the process along the way. If a story goes in a different direction or isn't working, inform the editor immediately so they may give guidance or kill the story. Editors appreciate communication and honesty.

Especially when dealing with a new editor, turn in your copy before deadline day. This allows them to have time to make any changes or ask for rewrites.

If you suspect you've burned a bridge, recognize what you've done and learn from it. If possible, try to make it up to the editor. The publishing world is huge, but editors move around and it is like a small town. If you aren't perceived as a professional, your reputation will likely follow that editor. I've never quit pitching these publications and this editor. I'm hoping one day, she'll recognize whatever I did or didn't do in that first assignment was an anomaly and give me another chance. All they can do is ignore me or say "no," but at least I'm showing persistence and I know I'm showing better writing as I've grown in ability.