SiteWhen Is a Deadline?
When an editor gives you a deadline of December 1, when do you need to actually turn the article in? Does it need to be in the editor’s inbox when he walks in with his cappuccino first thing in the morning? Is noon the best time? Is 5 pm too late? Or can you get all technical about it and press Send at 11:59 pm?
I asked six editors what they thought. One editor said that though she expects the article by the close of business, she doesn’t consider it late if it comes anytime on that day; another agreed that an article that arrives after 5 pm is A-OK. The other four editors specified 5 pm as the deadline. One of these editors mentioned, though, that a freelancer who turns in an article earlier in the day is perceived as more professional than one who gets it in at 5.
So: If an editor doesn’t specify a time on the deadline day, assume that the deadline is close of business (in the editor’s time zone!). But it never hurts to turn in your article earlier, and if you aren’t sure of the exact deadline — ask. [lf]
6 Responses to “When Is a Deadline?”
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Rachel
Said this on November 11th, 2007 at 3:47pm:I always aim for the day before or BEFORE closing time the day of. I can’t tell you how many editors seemed surprised when I turn in my work even 24 hours early.
Susan J.
Said this on November 12th, 2007 at 10:25am:I actually have a December 1 deadline and it just occurred to me that that is a Saturday. So does that mean it’s actually due the Friday before? That’s what I’m going to assume so that I won’t be late.
DianaBurrell
Said this on November 12th, 2007 at 10:33am:Susan, weekend deadlines bug me for that reason. It’s easy for editors say, “Can you get this to me on the 1st (or 15th, 31st or whatever). I try to look at a calendar at the moment I get a deadline and if it’s the weekend, I’ll say, “Is Monday the 3rd okay?” Otherwise, I’d turn it in on Friday, although I’m sure Monday is fine too.
I aim to turn in my assignments the morning they’re due. It has nothing to do with earning brownie points from editors — I just hate working up to deadline! I did it too much during my stint in the corporate world and it drove me nuts.
Allison Winn Scotch
Said this on November 12th, 2007 at 10:53am:I usually aim for the night before or the morning of the next day. Mostly for me, however: I just like to have it cleared off my desk.
HisGirlFriday
Said this on November 12th, 2007 at 6:03pm:To me I also consider a Monday deadline to mean that the editor has it first thing (so I’ll file it the night before.) It’s also more of a way to get it out of my hair. Also; I find that if it’s due that day I rarely want to count on getting something done that day. I also find that editors really appreciate it.
Michele
Said this on November 13th, 2007 at 8:31pm:I love all these tips (and advice, too!)
This is my first stop by here *winces* I can see I’ve been missing out on a LOT of quality information.
I’ll definitely drop by again–SOON!
I actually have deadlines as far off as January and February, 2008 (which isn’t that far off, I don’t suppose.) I love turning in assignments early, too. It never hurts to be early ;0)
Smiles,
Michele