Dealing with editors

I’ve been working as a section editor for OutWords magazine for about a year and as editor-in-chief of The Projector for a few months. I’m no expert on being an editor, or being a journalist, but there’s a few things I’ve learned about how you should treat an editor you’re writing for.

Find names and contact info yourself

If you don’t know an editor’s name, look it up. Even if you know their name double check the spelling. Can’t find it? Just don’t use it but write “Hello” or another friendly greeting instead of “Hello editor.” Need to know the email of someone working at a publication? It’s probably listed online or in the masthead. Asking the editor or someone else at the publication just makes you look lazy.

Respect their time

Need to talk to an editor? Don’t send an email demanding their time immediately. Approaching them while they’re on the phone, talking to someone or look really busy working and assuming they’ll drop what they’re doing and address your issue right then and there is probably not the best idea. Politely ask them to meet with you and find a time that is suitable for both of you.

Don’t expect them to do your work

Having issues with a story? Schedule a time to sit down and talk with them. Don’t contact them multiple times a day to ask what to do every step of the way. You’re likely not the only person that editor is expecting stories from and probably not the only person having issues that need to be dealt with. 

Also, make sure to edit your work before sending it in. If you hand in a story full of errors you will probably not be asked to write again, and may be asked not to write again.

Be polite

You think an editor did something wrong? Well, that happens. We’re all human. We all make mistakes. Sending an angry email is probably not the solution. Especially if there’s a chance that you are in the wrong. If you’re really mad wait until you calm down and then contact the editor and politely discuss your issue with them.

Really, this is advice on how you should treat anyone in any work situation.

Have you got anything to add?