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A Catastrophe Brewing…Under your By-line!
By Amel S. Abdullah
A pet peeve among many freelance magazine writers is having
their work edited and significantly altered before it is
published. The worst is when an editor actually inserts a
typo or factual error under your by-line. Read the following
tips on how to avert this potential catastrophe before it's
too late.
Follow the Guidelines
Most publications have a set of guidelines they expect their
writers to follow. These include everything from word count
to style considerations. It is important to respect an editor's
time by following the guidelines closely. If an article is too
long, the editor will likely cut it. If it is too short, the
editor may add new material. If your writing is too preachy,
the editor may decide to change your style. Do not ever think
you are above the guidelines; they exist for a reason.
Proofread your Work
If an article is filled with typos, awkward sentences, illogical
ideas, and other problems, your editor will have no choice but
to fix the article so that it becomes fit for publication. Do
not give an editor a valid reason to alter your words. Revise
and polish your articles until you have done your personal best.
Less is More
The next time you write an article, try deleting the first
paragraph. You will often find that the second paragraph goes
straight to the point and makes a better introduction. Space
is a valuable commodity in print publications, so make sure
that every word you write is worth the paper it is printed on.
Leave Time for Revisions
Time constraints may leave an editor rushing to proof your
article. Do not contribute to this problem by turning in your
articles late. Send them in by deadline – or even earlier.
Mention that you are available for immediate revisions. This
will help ensure a more balanced edit.
Ask and Ye Shall Receive
Do not assume that an editor will show you a revised version
of your work before it is published. More often than not, this
is something you must request, but many editors will honor your
preference. If the proposed edits make you cringe, take a deep
breath and prioritize your requests for change. Politely point
out any glaring errors in the text, and negotiate other items
of importance. Be ready to compromise.
Draw the Line
Being flexible is a great quality to have—but you don't have
to be a doormat, either. Draw the line when an edit harms your
personal integrity, puts words in your mouth, or promotes
something you don't believe in.
The Aftermath
So, your article was heavily edited and then published before
you saw the final draft. Is there anything you can do?
Before writing an angry e-mail to an editor who's changed your
work, take an objective look at the edits and evaluate if they
were fair. Did you follow all the guidelines and provide the
editor with your best work? Sometimes it is best to let things
go, even when you disagree with a particular change.
What if the editor misspelled someone's name or inserted a
factual error into your article? Politely request that a
correction be placed in the next issue. Then do damage control
with the people who may have been affected.
Finally, realize that no writer is immune from the editing process.
While some editors make changes sparingly, others are, for a
variety of reasons, more heavy-handed. This is not necessarily a
reflection on your writing. With time and more experience writing
for magazines, you will find it increasingly easy to negotiate an
edit you can feel good about.
BIO
Amel Abdullah is a freelance writer, editor and Arabic to
English translator. She may be reached at
amel.abdullah@yahoo.com
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