SiteBreaking up (with your editor) is hard to do
This morning I was talking to a writer friend about one of my editors. I guess I should say former editor. This was a guy who responded to every one of my pitches quickly, often in minutes. He was complimentary of my work. He even, if I may brag for a second, told me he liked to save editing my stories for last because he said they were always such a pleasure to read. Feel that love!
Anyway, I was telling my friend how confused I was because since March, I haven’t heard a peep from him. Every idea I’ve pitched has been ignored. My follow-ups remained unanswered. I ran through all the scenarios in my head: maybe he’s on vacation, maybe he left his job, but some quick research told me all was well on the job front. When I told my husband about the silent treatment and wondered aloud what I’d done wrong, he quoted Napoleon Bonaparte: “Never ascribe to malice that which can be explained by incompetence” — incompetence, here, meaning that the editor’s simply busy or maybe dealing with a personal/work situation that has zip to do with me.
My friend had a similar story. A couple years ago she’d had lunch with an editor who’d given her a lot of work. They really hit it off; more work followed. Then out of the blue, the editor stopped responding to my friend’s pitches. What really stung was that my friend had given other writers this editor’s name — the editor gave them work, but continued to ignore my friend’s e-mails and phone calls. Ouch!
I’m not spending a lot of time worrying about why my editor “dumped” me, although I will admit, I’m curious to know what happened. Have you ever been dumped by an editor? How did you handle it? Post your stories in the comment section below — I’m all ears! [db]
7 Responses to “Breaking up (with your editor) is hard to do”
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Star
Said this on June 11th, 2008 at 12:27pm:This happened to me at WebMD almost two years ago. I had almost 100 stories on the site at one time and even now about 35 and can’t get arrested over there. Who knows…? Business courtesy is a thing of the past–witness the No Answer Answer. A perfectly well framed query is just ignored on the assumption, I guess, that the writer will soon get the general idea–not interested.
kathryn
Said this on June 11th, 2008 at 2:27pm:Well said, Star. I’d much rather have a rejection than the No Answer Answer. Last week, I was on the phone for more than an hour with a potential client. We were brainstorming, outlining a calendar for what sounds like a promising, on-going project, yadda yadda yadda. There was a flurry of emails immediately afterward, and he said he would be back in touch this week. But alas, there has been no word. Will he have the courtesy of letting me know that he decided to “move in another direction?” Will I at least get the ol’ “it’s not you, it’s me?” Who knows? On the plus side, though, maybe this post proves that I’m developing that all-important “thick skin?” Here I am, asking for a rejection (at least)!
Kristen Kirk
Said this on June 11th, 2008 at 2:31pm:As a former editor, I had to break up with a few writers — but not because I wanted to. My boss –and once my boss’ boss — didn’t like one thing or another about the writer/his work and didn’t want me working with him again. My boss’ reasons weren’t things that could be fixed and were more along the lines of “I don’t like that person.” I hated the circumstances, but couldn’t really say something to the writer.
At other times, I was also encouraged to bring new voices into the magazines. There was only so much space so some regulars lost out.
I also wonder if, in your case, the amount you’re paid has anything to do with suddenly being ignored? Could they be getting “cheaper” writers?
Kayleen
Said this on June 12th, 2008 at 7:08am:I did have similar experiences like that in 2007 and 2008. In 2007 one magazine assigned me monthly stories. In 2008 I’ve had only 2 – no explanation except “she has so many good writers to work with.” I had sent some her way, so I could regret “sharing”, but I don’t.
Still, I had counted on this as semi-regular income so have had to compensate by scrambling to find work with other publications. It took a while to figure out what was happening so I’m a little behind financially.
Another experience with being dropped by a different magazine was my fault in billing for my work incorrectly 3x. Couldn’t blame that editor for dropping me. A Lesson learned the hard way sticks.
HisGirlFriday
Said this on June 12th, 2008 at 9:20pm:This is so funny! This exact same thing is happening to me right now - with a magazine that I’ve had at least a story a month for about a year.
All of a sudden last month - no assignment. Usually I call or drop an email - “let me know what’s up this month … ” kind of thing. Nothing last month, and nothing so far this month.
My thought of them dropping me is because in one recent month they asked me for a really quick turnaround, then the next month I called early to say “Hey, let me line up your work before I get bogged down in other assignments.” I thought I was being responsible but I got the feeling they were miffed at being bumped or told when to assign.
The thing is I’m kind of tired of the work - it is fairly technical and sometimes tediuous, so I’m not sure that I really *want* to keep doing the stories. At the same time, I hate to close a door. I absoulely don’t have a second to spare this month but I think in a week or so (when I know the book is closed for June) I’ll email to say “Hey, what’s up?”
C
Said this on June 17th, 2008 at 12:39pm:I can relate! After multiple e-mails and two extensive phone interviews/meetings for a technical writing gig, I was told I’d been “hired” and would begin receiving assignments shortly. Weeks went by, I sent a quick e-mail to follow up, and the editor said I’d hear back promptly. A few weeks later, the editor wrote to tell me she was behind and would be in touch. Now it’s been more than a month and — nada.
Any advice on how hard to chase these potential leads? I think I was dumped before the first date even happened . . .
cal
Said this on June 20th, 2008 at 12:37pm:Wow, am going through this kind of terrible “breakup” now — after years of great relationship, I’m getting a massive cold shoulder and can’t make any sense of it. Time to move on, I guess. Part of my problem: this used to be one of my best clients and where I earned the most money, so I keep trying to make it work.
Thanks for this post, good to know it’s not just me!