SiteYou ask, we answer: Publicizing a controversial client?
Carol asks, “Over the years, much of my freelance work has come from a non-profit organization that is somewhat controversial due to its conservative views and religious affiliation. As a result, I’m hesitant to include this organization in my queries. My question: Is this fear warranted? I wonder if I’m doing myself in by mentioning a client that may draw strong reactions (for better or worse), or if my writing experience is taken at face value. I’d appreciate any feedback. P.S. Love this blog! It offers the practical advice and endless encouragement I need every week.”
Thanks, Carol, for the kind words. And wow, that’s a great question! I’m always surprised by the things that offend some people — and equally surprised by the things that don’t. With new editors or clients, though, my instinct would be to think carefully about anything involving religion, sex, or politics — within reason, of course. I’d be fine with including on most pitches that I’d had work published in the Christian Science Monitor, the Nation, or Playboy. However, I’d probably leave a Penthouse credit off on a query to Wondertime, that sort of thing.
I’m unclear whether you’ve done commercial writing for this organization, like newsletters and grants. I would not include that information in a pitch letter to a magazine, even if they’re an uncontroversial client. Many magazine/newspaper editors don’t approve of journalism mixing with commercial writing for companies, organizations, and nonprofits, even when there’s zero conflict of interest. Many journalists feel this way, too, but that’s getting into another post. The easiest thing to head off all these problems is to avoid journalism stories that don’t have a whiff of connection to your commercial clients — religious, controversial, or run-of-the-mill.
Got a writing question for the Renegades? Send it to questions[at]therenegadewriter[dot]com. [dianaburrell]
One Response to “You ask, we answer: Publicizing a controversial client?”
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Rachel
Said this on May 14th, 2008 at 1:11pm:Oh dear, here’s a question your post raises for me: On my blog, I post about faith and politics in addition to the more mundane — I think (or hope) in a professional way, but it’s still from a personal standpoint. It’s the sort of writing I’d like to do eventually. I have a domain name with the homepage mirroring the blog, and my professional email address uses that domain name. Essentially, once you have my email, it’s exceedingly easy to find my blog.
In trying to build a freelance writing career, should I avoid publicizing this blog? I’m quite proud of some of the writing — but I’m not planning to try to sell commentary pieces yet. I’d just like to get some clips under my belt in local and women’s magazines and build a career writing about all the different things that interest me, not just the controversial things.
Anyway, after reading your advice above, I’m thinking I should use a different email address when corresponding with editors or clear my homepage’s link to the blog, just to avoid problems. Would you agree?