Q&A for Writers, Editors and Publishers - Thoughts from Your
Peers on Life and Work, Part Two
Part Two
-- Question # Six - Editors, how do you locate that next
position when it's time to move to a new publishing house,
newspaper or magazine? How do you keep that great editing job
once you have it?" --
Page Nine
Jenny Kasza -
"To keep a great job once you have it, you have to be creative
with your time to get the most out of the day. Plus you have to
be creative with the covers and articles.
You also have to be flexible with others around you (graphics
person, sales staff, president, publisher, other departments)."
Tudor Hampton -
"Success is about hard work but in any job, it is important to
keep in touch with your colleagues, take interest in their work
and show them respect when appropriate, even if you are
competitors.
If you look to them for examples of how to do your job better,
they will do the same for you and everyone fares well in the
end. Our careers get stifled when we shut down, close doors,
focus too much on ourselves and restrict our imaginations."
Lori Widmer -
"Locating the next position is as easy as networking.
When I was at the magazine, I networked not only with the
clients, but also with the other magazines in that space. I got
to know some key folks and kept in friendly contact.
Also, when I interviewed outside the company, I kept in touch
with every employer I connected with. It's helped me to find
some projects since I've lost my job. I've also found a lot of
leads through these same folks.
Other writers in these publications are also a great source.
I've received two projects from former coworkers.
Page Ten
Also, the clients I bothered to get to know (many of them) have
been a huge help in finding me projects. I've received almost
three projects in two weeks from former clients.
If you want to keep that great editing job, then you have to
give them more than they bargained for. Make sure you're strong
in both writing and editing.
Finding a person who can do both well is a dream come true for
companies. If you're weak in one area, then do what you need to
in order to become great at it."
Tracy Owens -
"In order to enjoy continued success, an editor must always stay
on the cutting-edge of the genre that they work in -- be it
news, music or business. Find your niche and further your
education as it relates to that, with Internet research,
conferences and the like.
I'm currently working as managing editor of a small trade
publication, but have worked primarily as an editor/writer in
the arts & entertainment industry, including stints at MSN.com
and the now-defunct "Experience Hendrix" magazine (published by
the family of Jimi Hendrix)."
-- Question # Seven - How do you succeed at freelance editing? --
Teresa Acosta -
"By meeting deadlines and accuracy; evenings or weekends or when
I feel a need to write; create as many revenue streams as
possible;"
Dana Cassell -
Page Eleven
"It's not the main part of my business, but what I have done
over past several years has found me through
writers-editors.com."
Tracy Owens -
"Success in freelance work comes from tenacity, time management
and talent.
The bulk of my freelance work assignments have come from former
co-workers that are already familiar with my work (as well as
writing strengths and specialties) and have moved on to other
publications and are looking to hire writers or editors.
Other gigs have come from networking or media-specific job
boards and listservs."
Lori Widmer -
"Keep networking. Also, become the reliable writer/editor in
their stable of freelancers. Ask each client if they know of
anyone else who might need your services."
-- Question # Eight - How do you get freelance (writing) work of
your own on the side when you want to? --
Dana Cassell -
"In past few years have only done freelance articles when those
editors I worked with over the years call me with assignments.
So I only do about 10 articles a year, none of which I have
solicited - so this question probably does not apply to me."
Anonymous -
Page Twelve
"The only freelance writing I do on the side is for a greeting
card/social expression company, and I don't do a whole lot of
that. I have written some short stories, but never really tried
to sell them."
Tudor Hampton -
"It is important for a freelance writer to ask "why is this
story important to the reader?" Putting that question in the
context of all queried publications is the key to getting more
work.
Likewise, every writer/editor/etc. should also seek out a mentor
and tap them as much as possible. Anyone who desires to become
great must have a coach.
Colleagues can offer educational wisdom but sometimes it is
necessary to take classes from a local college or university to
get even more ideas."
Lori Widmer -
"When I have a lull, I consider that my "day off" and I write
whatever I want then. I usually go "offline" and stick with pen
and journal on those days. It keeps me from obsessing about
finding more projects, and allows me time to myself and to do
what I'd like to for a change."
C. Hope Clark -
"I do so if I'm passionate about a subject and when I've
completed my editing, I'm afraid. My customers come before my
freelance writing.
However, I keep 13 articles or queries in play at all times.
That keeps me somewhat focused on my writing which is what got
me in this business to start off with."
Jenny Kasza -
Page Thirteen
"As far as freelance work goes, I only did it for a short time.
My full-time job keeps me busy enough."
-- Question # Nine - How do you make your career or business as
an editor or publisher more profitable or rewarding? --
Lori Widmer -
"By learning your craft. I can't be a great editor if I'm not up
on the proofreader's marks or if I'm not savvy in sentence
structure. I try to read at least one section of the Harbrace
College Handbook every day. If I read it and try to apply it,
I'm more apt to remember it.
Also, I try to learn things not in my current field of
expertise. As soon as I get some spare cash, I'm getting an AMA
style manual so I can start landing some medical editing jobs
(which are plentiful here)."
C. Hope Clark -
"I measure success with my editing/publishing with: 1. the
number of subscribers 2. the number of positive emails from
those subscribers Those emails are my yardstick and they mean
the world to me."
Dana Cassell -
"Haven't figured out any sure-fire strategy yet -- just keep
plugging away and trying new things."
-- Question # Ten - How do you further your education as related
to your work? --
Page Fourteen
Jenny Kasza -
"To further your education as an editor, you need to know who
your reader is, keep up with industry trends, and keep building
your experience. You should also talk to professionals in your
industry and attend some shows/conferences when you can."
Lori Widmer -
"I'm a big believer in a college education. Getting a degree
that encompasses the area you want to work in makes a huge
difference in how your prospective clients perceive you.
For example, I have a degree in Business Communications. That
has allowed me to shoot for (and land, amen) one client who
needs PR work done.
PR work is no harder than writing--in fact, it's a lot of
writing. If I want to be in technical writing, you can bet I'm
going to study it, either on my own or in a college setting.
If college is out of the question, then there's always studying
on your own. As long as you do something to learn and implement
your expertise, to broaden your knowledge base, you should be
working a long time. At least, that's my hope."
C. Hope Clark -
"I further my education by constantly reading - online and on
paper. Not books, necessarily, but lots of nonfiction sources
like papers, lists, government groups, and professional group
publications."
Dana Cassell -
Page Fifteen
"I skim (no time to really read) and file pertinent articles
from Folio, Writer's Digest, The Writer, Freelance Writer's
Report -- several ezines, such as Dan Poynter's, PublishersLunch
-- but nothing formal or structured - no time."
Teresa Acosta -
"Online courses, continuing education courses and local
colleges."
Look for Part One Here at GoArticles.