SiteNew markets, old rituals
This week I got an assignment from a new-to-me editor at a new-to-me market. And this is a publication I’ve had on my hit list for a long time, woo-hoo!
As I was printing out some material she’d send me, I started giggling at all these funny little things I do when I crack a new market. First, as soon as I send the query, I quickly add the editor’s e-mail address to my address book and then set up a filter so that the response goes into a special mailbox. God’s honest truth — if I don’t do this, the assignment is jinxed. Twice I failed to do this, and the relationships didn’t work out. The lucky mailbox is key! Once I get the assignment, I set up a new folder with the magazine’s name inside my “assignments” folder. Never a minute before the work comes through, though. Bad luck! And then I write the magazine’s name, assignment, and due date on the big white board in my office. And lastly? I eat a huge hunk of chocolate. Even if I’m trying to lose weight.
I know — crazy little rituals, but if I don’t do them, I feel lost. OCD? Maybe. I prefer to think they’re those little quirks that give my writing life some predictibility and structure.
What kind of silly little things do you do when you get a new assignment? [db]
6 Responses to “New markets, old rituals”
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Cal
Said this on October 20th, 2006 at 6:55am:Actually, I’d love to know more about how you targeted and approached the new publication — for me it’s so random that I’m never able to pinpoint what I did right, even if it’s just the lucky mailbox!
DianaBurrell
Said this on October 20th, 2006 at 12:02pm:Cal, there’s no big secret here. I targeted and approached the publication just as we outline in the Renegade Writer: I studied the section of the publication I wanted to write for, came up with the perfect story idea for them, did a bit of research so that I could show the editor I knew what I was yapping about, wrote the pitch, figured out who best to send it to, and then I hit send. As for pinpointing what you do right to get an assignment … well, 25 percent of it is out of your control: your query hit the editor’s desk at the right moment, he was looking for a writer in the southwest or Alabama or Scranton, etc. So you focus on the 75 percent of what you can control, which is making sure your idea is right for the market, showing the editor why it’s important his readers read this article, writing well, and following up as necessary. There’s no rocket science about it. Just do each step and do it well.
Olga
Said this on October 21st, 2006 at 7:08am:Hi,
Do you have an electronic edition of your book? I love reading books on my PDA and hate reading paper books
Also, is there any chance for an experienced writer living outside the US to find good writing jobs in American magazines?
I’m Russian, was born in Russia, currently live in Russia, Russian is my native language. I’m a linguist, studied English at the Moscow State Linguistic University (honours degree) and (before that) at the Univesity School at the IUP (Indana, PA). I’m not planning to relocate. There’s Internet and mail anyway
Should I buy your book and Writer’s Market and go ahead?
Thanks!
DianaBurrell
Said this on October 21st, 2006 at 9:45pm:Olga, hi! Good to have you checking in from Russia.
You know, I think I’m going to let Linda answer your questions next week (did you know she has a master’s degree in Slavic Linguistics. She can order a mean borscht, let me tell you.) I’m sure she can give you more useful information than I can, given that she may know more of the benefits/challenges you face as a freelancer.
As for the electronic edition — good question, one that I think we’ve asked our publisher in the the past. I’m going to ask again and I’ll report back in a Q&A. Thanks, Olga.
Olga
Said this on October 22nd, 2006 at 4:46am:Thank you very much Diana! This is so very nice of you. I’ll be looking forward to Linda’s answer.
It’s just awesome that she’s got a degree in Slavic Linguistics! I hope the main language she studied was Russian
Oh, just to point her in the right direction, I pretty much understand that most editors would rather choose American writers for any articles about general subjects, so I’m thinking about writing something very Russia-specific, something that makes my presence in Russia a benefit in gathering information. I can write about such subjects as the local sports, books, cinema. I can write travel articles. Also, I know a lot about the Bolshoi Ballet. Would that be interesting for the American writing market?
Any technical details, like contracts and payments for such ‘international’ writing assignments, would be very welcome too!
Thank you very much again.
Re: electronic edition. I was thinking the publisher was afraid the book could get stolen once it gets released as an e-book.
PS: I’ve used that ‘look inside’ Amazon feature on your book, found the book very interesting and useful even for my work with Russian magazines (especially the chapter about generating ideas), so I’ve ordered it anyway
LindaFormichelli
Said this on October 28th, 2006 at 5:04pm: