SiteYou Ask, We Answer: How do I stay in touch with editors — without pitching?
Jessica writes: “At my last full time job I had enough time and energy to do a lot of freelancing on the side, which I loved. I started a new editorial position in October, and haven’t had time to pitch anything to the editors I usually work with because my hours have increased dramatically. I don’t want to lose contact with my old editors, because I know I’ll want to start freelancing again. What’s the best, (and non-creepiest) way to keep in touch with editors when you don’t have something to pitch?”
That’s a great question. I haven’t been in that situation, but I can tell you what I would do if I were: I’d keep those editors I want to stay in touch with in mind for occasional (maybe 6-12 times per year) non-pitch communications. For example:
- Keep an eye on news/press release sites related to the topics your editors handle. When something comes up you think might interest them, send it along with a quick note.
- Refer other writers to them. I know it sounds crazy to send editors your competition, but it’s a great way of networking and earning karma points.
- Every once in a while, send an update on your professional activities, for example when your magazine publishes something exceptionally interesting or wins an award, or when you get a promotion.
- If your contact information changes or you get a new business card, send the new info to your editors so they can update their files.
- During the holidays, send all your editors a holiday card.
Do we have any readers who have been in a similar situation who can offer more advice? If so, please post in the comments!
Got a question for the Renegade Writers? Send it to questions [at] therenegadewriter [dot] com. [lf]
2 Responses to “You Ask, We Answer: How do I stay in touch with editors — without pitching?”
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Susan
Said this on February 23rd, 2007 at 5:10pm:These are all great ideas. Since I deal with most of my editors solely through email, I’m not sure if I would send them a holiday card, but certainly an email to wish them a happy holiday season and let me know that I’ll be thinking about new ideas for the new year. Sending implicable news items or press releases from a lesser known news source is a good networking practice in general.
Robert
Said this on February 24th, 2007 at 3:29am:Personally, I just drop by their office to say hey. Besides, casual conversation there usually turns into an assignment.
Another reason why the above press release idea is a good one…if it’s really interesting, they may suggest that you write it (one of my last articles came from discussing a recent piece in a newspaper with a trade magazine editor)