Initiative and Integrity in the Writing Business

In a recent post, I explained in some detail why it’s usually pointless—and even counterproductive—to query editors. In fact, in most dealings with editors, it’s rarely a good idea to ask permission for anything.  Simply move forward sensibly and with integrity, and things will usually work out.

Most editors, most of the time, are overburdened and overwhelmed. They’ll rarely have the time or energy to even consider your request, let alone respond to it. As a result, much of the time you’ll get no answer—and now you’re in a bind of your own making. Since you asked for permission, you can’t in good conscience move ahead without it.

Alternatively, some editors may respond to a perfectly reasonable request the same way that a mom with six crying kids will respond to the seventh child’s request for a drink of water: “No! Not now!”

Some years ago, one of my clients wrote a piece that she felt was perfect for a regional magazine she’d written for in the past. But instead of sending it to the editor, she queried him, described the piece, and asked if he’d look at it. He replied, “No, thanks. It doesn’t sound very interesting.” Even though she felt strongly that he’d like it, she was stuck. She couldn’t send it to him with a note saying, “I know you asked me not to send this, but here it is anyway”; that would be rude, arrogant, unprofessional, and a little weird.

About a year later, she was in the editor’s office, talking with him about another piece she’d written for his magazine. A comment he made caused her to say, “You know, what you just said makes me think you’ll adore the piece I wrote you about last year. Frankly, I’m amazed you didn’t want to see it.” He shrugged and said, “Okay, if you think it’s such a perfect match, try me with it.” She did, and he bought and published it.

When have you succeeded as a writer by not asking permission, but simply moving ahead with confidence and integrity?

Comments

One Response to “Initiative and Integrity in the Writing Business”

1. Nancy Peske says:

   September 9, 2009 at 4:01 pm

   I’ve always responded to specific editorial comments the editor has made on my first draft of a book even if I disagreed with them–I’ll say why I didn’t do the edit, or explain what I did to resolve the issue in a different way. I think people may not realize that an editor’s notes are suggestions not edicts. Yes, if you say no to 90 percent of them, you may have a problem with the editor accepting the manuscript! But you don’t have to say yes to 90 percent of them either