What Do Editors Want?
Freelance Writing Mini-Series - Part 3
What Do Editors Want?
In this part of our mini-series, we look at some different types of publication and how to get the editors’ attention. Then we’ll look briefly at the editorial process.
It’s a fairly long module, but we decided to deliver this course over fewer modules, rather than have the course go on for too many weeks. Please feel free to bookmark the modules and read them at your own pace.
The Main Types of Publications
Here are the more common types of publications that purchase articles and other pieces from freelance writers.
Magazines
Magazines are periodical publications, typically printed on glossy paper, that contain a collection of articles comprising text and photographs. Magazines may also be published as online magazines.
The word “magazine” is derived from the Arabic word makhazin, which means “storehouse”. Essentially, a magazine is a collection or bundle of related articles.
The content of magazines, compared to newspapers, tends to be more conversational and includes the opinions of the writers.
Most magazines operate in order to make a profit, with their revenue being generated through a combination of advertising, individual purchases, and subscriptions.
Newspapers
Newspapers are serial publications, with most of the content centered around the news and very few opinion pieces. Newspapers also operate to make a profit, with revenue generated through advertising, individual purchases, and subscriptions.
Online Publications and Blogs
Online publications and blogs can cover almost any topic. Some focus on news while others cover popular topics. Revenue is generated through advertising, product sales, affiliate program referrals, and occasionally by membership fees to access certain information.
Literary Journals or Literary Magazines
Literary journals or literary magazines are publications that focus primarily on writing of literary merit, that is, works that are worth rewarding or praising. Literary magazines tend to publish fiction, poetry, essays, literary criticism, visual art, book reviews, author profiles, interviews and letters. They tend to be less concerned with profit than the other types of publication above, and more concerned with discovering and promoting work of literary merit.
The Main Editorial Positions
Depending upon the publication, you may come across the following editorial positions.
- Editor: The top editor at a publication may be known as the chief editor, editor-in-chief, executive editor, or simply the editor.
- Managing Editor: In newspapers, the position below the top editor is often known as the managing editor.
- Contributing Editor: A frequent and well-regarded contributor to a magazine is sometimes given the title of editor-at-large or contributing editor.
- Feature Editors: Some publications have dedicated feature editors who are responsible for the editorial responsibilities regarding feature articles.
What Are Editors Looking For?
Before approaching an editor, you should carefully study the publication. Here are some areas to study.
What Have They Published Recently?
Take a look at several recent issues. This will give you a good idea of the type of content, as well as the style of article they prefer to publish. It will also help you to avoid suggesting an article too similar to one they have recently published.
Read the Writer Guidelines
Many publications publish details of the content they are looking for, and would like to publish, in the form of a document called the ‘Writer Guidelines.’ It is also sometimes referred to as ‘Contributor Guidelines’ or ‘Submission Guidelines.’ Reading these guidelines is essential for freelance writers before they approach an editor.That’s why we list these in our markets database.
What are the Reader Demographics?
Who are the readers? Sometimes you can find out the reader demographics from the Writer Guidelines. If not, check the information for advertisers, because potential advertisers always want to see a detailed demographic breakdown. If you know who a typical reader is, then you will be able to craft a query or article that directly addresses their needs.
How To Stand Out From The Crowd
Editors receive hundreds of queries from freelance writers, so how will you stand out from the rest of the bunch?
Actually, it’s not too difficult.
Here’s why…
Many of the queries sent to editors are from writers who do not carefully study the publication, its readers, and writing guidelines. As a result, they send inappropriate queries and article submissions.
You will stand out, and have a reasonable chance, if you:
- are professional in your approach
- write well in the language of the publication
- demonstrate a familiarity with the publication, its readers and editorial content
- have a good idea for an article that matches the readers’ interests
- are reliable and deliver on time.
Later in this series, we will look at how to write a good query letter.
The Editorial Process
Step 1. The Idea. The editorial process usually starts with an idea for an article. It could be the idea of the writer, the editor or even another person associated with the magazine.
Step 2. Choosing a Writer. If this an idea of the editor or another person at the magazine, the editor will consider who is the best writer to write the piece. Is there a staff writer available, or should they assign it to a freelance writer?
If the idea was generated by a query from a freelance writer, then they should assign it to that writer.
Step 3. The Assignment. The editor will then discuss with the writer:
- the purpose of the piece
- the content to be covered
- the style of the article
- the deadline for delivery.
If the writer is a freelancer, the following should also be agreed:
- the fee to be paid
- the rights being purchased by the publication
- the kill fee, if any.
Let’s look in detail at some of these.
The Fee to be Paid
A freelance writer’s fee may be calculated by the word, based on the number of words published, or as a flat fee for the piece, which may be negotiable and may be based on factors such as:
- length of the piece
- quality of the piece
- complexity of the piece
- rarity of the piece, for example if the writer has access to interview a famous but reclusive celebrity
- the experience of the writer
- prior work undertaken for the publication
What Rights Are Being Purchased?
If the writer is a freelancer or contractor, then it needs to be clear exactly what rights are being purchased, for example, First North American Serial Rights, or First British Rights. There are many ways to define rights, and we’ll cover these in depth in the next part of this course.
If the writer is an employee, then the piece is a ‘work for hire’ which means that the publication owns all rights to the content.
The Kill Fee
The ‘kill fee’ is a fee which the publication agrees to pay to the writer if, for any reason, after the writer delivers the article, the publication decides to ‘kill’ it and not publish it.
Step 4. Production of the Article
Once agreement is reached, the writer is responsible for writing the piece and delivering it on time. The editor is responsible for guiding the process, as may be necessary, from the initial idea through to publication of the piece. This may include assisting to shape the article, suggesting changes in direction, recommending additional or different sources, copyediting the work, and choosing artwork to accompany it.
Writing On Spec
If the writer is unknown and does not have a proven track record in the form of previous publishing credits, then the editor may ask the writer to deliver the article ‘on spec’ or ‘on speculation’ instead of giving the assignment. This makes it easier for the editor to reject the article if it is unsuitable, and without the need to pay a kill fee (see below).
Full Submissions Invited
A common variation to this editorial process occurs when publications invite the submission of completed articles from freelance writers. The disadvantage of this is that you may spend time writing a piece and tailoring it for the publication only to have it all come to nothing. However, you can probably find another market that is close enough to consider the same piece, without having to make too many changes.
What's Next?
In the next part of this course, we’ll look at the different types of rights purchased by publications. Watch out for the next email soon!
Did You Miss The Previous Part?
If you missed the previous part of this mini-series, it’s here:
About This Mini-Series
This module is part of a mini-series on Freelance Writing sent by email to our subscribers. If you’ve landed on this page from somewhere else, and would like to sign up for the entire mini-series, please click here.
Sincerely,
WorldwideFreelance.com