Ten Ways to Annoy an Editor
By Suzan L. Wiener
Copyright © 2007 by Suzan L. Wiener, All Rights Reserved
I have found it is always a good idea
not to annoy an editor. These ten tips, which I've learned from years of
interaction with writer friends and editors, will keep from annoying
editors. Hopefully, these reminders will help you make a lot more
sales.
l. How to annoy: Misspell the editor’s
name.
The right thing to do: If you don’t
have the editor’s name, look it up on the publication’s masthead. You
can even call the magazine ask the operator for the spelling of the
editor's name. (Don't ask to speak to the editor, though.) This will
make you look professional, making it more likely that the editor will
want to read your work.
2. How to annoy: Scribble addresses on
your envelopes or use labels.
The right thing to do: If you cannot
print legibly, type your envelope correctly, without stains and with the
proper postage. If you can’t afford a computer, buy yourself a used
typewriter, but make sure the ribbon is legible. It will be well worth
your investment and may pay for itself with your acceptances.
3. How to annoy: Omit a cover letter.
The right thing to do: Even a short
note will help your work stand out from the slush pile. You don’t have
to go into graphic detail about your past credits. Just a line or two
explaining why you are sending them your manuscript.
4. How to annoy: Submit without reading
their guidelines or an issue of their publication.
The right thing to do: Make sure to
always read the guidelines of the publication you want to submit to.
This is extremely important and, unfortunately, something that too many
writers forget to do.
5. How to annoy: Inquire many times to
find out the status of one’s work.
The right thing to do: Only write
(never call, unless invited to) if your manuscript is held after five
months. Sometimes no news is good news. The longer they hold it, the
more likely they might be considering it.
6. How to annoy: Send your manuscript
out to several publications, when the one you want it to be published in
says no simultaneous submissions.
The right thing to do: It is always
right to send out your manuscript to only one place at a time. Of
course, if the guidelines state it is alright with them, then feel free
to send it out to as many publications as you wish.
7. How to annoy: Send out an article
similar to one the publication has already published.
The right thing to do: Submit an
article that's within their guidelines, but unique.
8. How to annoy: Send out work at the
wrong time; for example, a Halloween poem in September for their October
issue.
The right thing to do: Check how much
lead time he/she requires. Ask for their needs list beforehand. You will
know how far ahead of schedule you need to submit your holiday
manuscript. This will make a great impression, and you will be more
likely to get an acceptance.
9. How to annoy: Keep no record of
items you have sent out.
The right thing to do: Always keep a
record of the items you send out. This way, you know what is being
accepted and what isn’t. I keep a notebook and make two lines down the
page. I head it for “Name of Magazine,” “Type of material” and “Date
accepted or rejected.” It works well and I see just how many acceptances
or rejections I have received.
10. How to annoy: Not sign a contract
in a timely manner.
The right thing to do: Make sure to
sign and send it back immediately. The editor will usually give you a
copy for your records.
I found the above ten tips useful, and
they will no doubt help you, too. |
