What follows is widespread sense, however you’d be shocked at what number of novice writers skip too lots of the strategies on this record. You may get a leg up on the competitors by following these to a T. And if you happen to’re primarily a fiction author, you’ll discover a lot of this recommendation applies to quick tales too. – Jerry J.

Visitor weblog by Karla Dial and Diane McDougall

1. When pitching for the primary time, research the publication to ensure your concept suits their mission.

2. Discover and observe their writers’ tips (most might be on-line).

3. In case your pitch just isn’t accepted, thank the editor for contemplating it.

Be often called somebody pleasing to work with.

4. In case your pitch is accepted, be sure to’re clear on the deadline and phrase rely.

Be ready for rewriting requests.

5. Research the publication once more to see how tales are formatted.

• Do all of them have titles?
• Decks and/or bylines?
• Do they break up the copy with subheads?
• Do they embrace footnotes or taglines for the writer on the finish?

No matter you see, DO THAT. The simpler you make an editor’s job, the extra possible she or he will preserve hiring you.

6. Bear in mind, if you happen to submit your piece after shut of enterprise on the day of the deadline, you’ve missed the deadline.

Should you assume you’ll want extra time, let the editor know as early within the course of as doable. No one desires to scramble to fill a gap on the final minute.

7. If an editor sends again edited copy for extra data or revisions, work with the edited copy, not your unique file.

Don’t make the editor do the identical work twice.

8. Don’t be a diva.

Be taught to graciously defend your work, but in addition know when to let issues go.

There’s room for dialogue, however ultimately, the editor is in your facet, whereas additionally being liable for preserving missional integrity in addition to the publication’s requirements.

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Compiled by Karla Dial, editor of Citizen journal, with enter from Diane McDougall, editorial director for Journey Group. Tailored with permission from EPA Liaison, Winter 2017-2018.