The Renegade Writer Blog

Kate asks, “I’ve finally built up an arsenal of good clips, which is a victory, indeed.  I’m trying to break into new markets, and although I know to send clips to new editors as evidence of my stellar ability (and ego), I wonder: is there a precise, professional format for submitting clips?  Today, I e-mailed an editor several clips in different formats, including two forthcoming features in Word, and links to articles that were available on-line.  I also have a web site, but it’s very new and needs a lot of work.  Ultimately, I intend to simply direct editors to the site for clips, but, at this point, the site doesn’t suffice.  So, in short, what’s the smartest, most presentable, pretty way to wow editors with my clips?”

The smartest way to wow editors with clips is to send them in the form they want. Some editors like to click on URLs embedded in your e-mailed pitch letter … others will want your clips sent through the mail so they can pass hard copies around the office.

What I do with new-to-me editors is write something like, “I’ve written for Parenting, the Boston Globe, Oxygen, Family Circle, and other newspapers and magazines. You can check out my website, www.ninetofive.com to read my clips online; if you’d prefer, I’m happy to mail hard copies or fax them — your choice.” In short, I offer options for the editor, rather than guess what he or she prefers. Most of the time, editors check out my clips online — at least I think they do — because rarely do I get asked by editors who eventually assign that they need my clips in another form.

I do make color copies of my really awesome clips because occasionally I do send clip packages by mail. I think color copies look much nicer than b&w, and it’s not much more money for color. Linda has a color printer; I sneak over to the print shop next to a local coffee joint for a mid-afternoon break.

I’d think twice about sending forthcoming features to editors, though. I’m assuming you meant these pieces haven’t been published yet? Magazine editors are really quite territorial about their inventories and would be quite upset if you sent that copy to a competing magazine. Even if it’s not a competing magazine — the editor who receives your clips might get a little nervous that you’re casually sharing your client’s business with other clients. The best way to handle unpublished clips in a query letter is to say, “I have a features scheduled for summer issues of Men’s Fitness and Health. I’ll be happy to send you those clips when they’re published.” Or something like that.

Good luck!  Have a writing question for the Renegades? Send it to questions [at] therenegadewriter [dot] com. [db]

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