There's a rumor out there in the publishing
world that an editor won't even look at
the work of a new writer. It might be
true for certain types of writing, but
after interviewing hundreds of editors,
I've found that most are more open to
new writers than you might think.
And there are a few major benefits to
being a new writer too. So before you
spend too much time trying to work out
how you can appear to be a published professional
writer when you're not, consider taking
advantage of your current position as
a newcomer. What are the advantages?
Here are four positive points of being
a new writer that will help you get work
- and they all come direct from editors.
1. It's Easier to Impress
Editor says.
"I really don't mind new writers at all.
If you're new and act professionally,
I'm usually willing to give you a go.
I'd suggest that new writers just be honest
about who they are. If I get a fairly
good article by a new writer, I'll be
impressed. To me, that's my chance to
discover new talent. That's when I'll
contact the writer and try to help them.
If I get a fairly good article by a new
writer pretending to be an experienced
writer, I will probably just issue a standard
rejection." -Evelyn, Magazine Editor
If you claim to be a professional and
experienced writer, an editor is likely
to expect a lot. That means it will take
a lot to really impress them. Even a good
article might not be enough to get their
attention. But if you tell the truth and
admit that you're a new writer, it takes
a lot less to impress. A new writer with
a professional approach is something special
- just sending a professional quality
submission might even be enough to impress.
2. There's Room to Grow
Editor says.
"When I get a good article from a new
writer, I'm always very happy. Why? Because
new writers with the right skills and
attitude are wonderful for our magazine.
They can be shaped to suit our style,
they listen to instructions, they usually
have a positive attitude. That's the kind
of writer I like to take on and mentor."
-Stephanie, Magazine Editor
If an editor knows that you're a new
writer, you're giving them the chance
to spot new talent. If you're new and
right for their publication, you might
be taken in and mentored until you suit
their style.
The same isn't likely to happen if the
editor thinks that you're experienced.
Instead of looking at your work and thinking
that it shows potential, they'll be assuming
it's the best that you can do.
3. Anything Else, And You Risk Losing
Their Interest
Editor says.
"I would tell writers to be careful if
they're going to exaggerate. I know everyone
does it on resumes. But if someone claims
to have been a writer for twenty years
and is pitching my low-paying mag, I'm
going to wonder two things. First, I'm
going to wonder if they're lying. Second,
I'm going to wonder why they're not working
for a higher paying magazine if they really
have that much experience. If they're
not lying, then I have to assume that
they're just a bad writer. Either way,
it doesn't look good for them." - Danielle,
Magazine Editor
If you're a new writer, you need to be
targeting the right kinds of markets.
And if you are targeting small markets,
claiming years of experience is only going
to make editors suspicious.
4. Attitude Matters
Editor says.
"It's simple. Many seasoned writers pitching
me have a bit of an attitude, a hint of
suspicion, and often a streak of boredom.
Fresh writers pitching me tend to have
nothing but positive energy and enthusiasm.
I'll take the enthusiastic writer, please."
-Sam, Editor If you can't go in with experience,
go in with enthusiasm. That might be the
big advantage that gets you the job.
| About The Author
Shelley Ann Wake is the editor
of 30 Clips in 30 Days: A Crash
Course in Getting Published and
Getting Published Without Clips.
Both books deliver the practical
information and guidance new writers
need to start getting published,
collecting clips, and starting on
a successful writing career. Link:
http://www.writingstuff.com.
|
This article was posted on September
24, 2005
