This post was inspired by David Hochman, a Los Angeles freelance writer and the leader of UPOD, a Yahoo group for writers.
In this post on his blog today, Hochman writes about the three words never to say to a writer: “How’s it coming?”
As someone who’s worked as an editor and writer, I’ve probably said that a few times, and heard it plenty.
But it made me think: what are the other words or phrases freelancers hate to hear?
Here are 10 of my personal pet peeves:
“Your story is great. I have a few questions”
Translation – Warning, red ink ahead.
“We’re a start up.”
Translation – Our editorial budget is zero.
“What we lack in budget we make up for in exposure.”
Translation – We pay next to nothing.
“No other freelancer has asked to change that clause in the contract.”
Translation – Don’t make me have to ask legal about this.
“I don’t have any questions but I need to run this by the managing editor.”
Translation – Be prepared to be edited by committee.
“We’re looking for a fresh perspective on this topic.”
Translation – Good luck, we write about this all the time.
“We pay on publication.”
Translation – We can hold your story indefinitely and you won’t see a penny and there’s nothing you can do about it.
“I’ll check with accounting.”
Translation – I misplaced your invoice, forgot to submit it in the first place or the company’s having a bad month and behind on its bills.
“Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
Translation – Your pitch didn’t cut it, we’ve got something similar in the works, our No. 1 competitor ran that story last week, or my freelance budget is tapped out for the rest of the year.
“I’m not taking on new freelancers at this time.”
Translation – I’m too busy to read through your clips, your clips aren’t strong enough, I’m already managing more writers than I can handle or we’re getting ready for a major downsizing.
What common freelance industry phrases drive you crazy? Share by leaving a comment.
I would add: “your check is in the mail” (it almost never is) and “we’re killing your story.” I don’t blame an editor for saying “we’ll pass” or “we’re not taking on new freelancers.” Sometimes that’s just how it is. Nobody likes hearing it, but it’s not like different wording would make it any better.
Great additions Susan. In all the time I’ve been freelancing I’ve had one story killed, and it still stings.
As for “Your check’s in the mail” – I’m lucky that that’s not one I’ve had to deal with for a while. Even so, in the era of online banking, direct deposits and PayPal, it’s crazy that publishers still even mail checks. But they do.
Michelle
It’s hard enough sitting in an office chair all day, the only company being your dog, while fighting back all the reasons you shouldn’t be freelancing (low pay, no insurance, insecurity…) AND then to get this type of interaction with the outside world!
That’s why I so value the relationships I have with editors who get it and understand the freelance life. I’ll go out of my way to get them what they need because I think it will be reciprocated.
Agree 100 percent. That’s why I’ve always chosen to work a lot for a handful of publishing clients v. a little for a lot of publications; I’d rather deal with editors I know and like than take my chances. Way less headaches.
Michelle
Let me add: “This won’t work for us now, but let me hold onto it until next year.” It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not the immediate yes or no that would be preferred, especially if you’re talking about a niche market.
My favorite was, “This is a good start,” after filing a completed article.
How could I have missed that one, which takes 1st prize for the fastest way to make a freelancer’s heart sink.
Michelle
“Terrific story, but in the revise, I’d like you to add [a highly tangential angle that my editor insisted we start covering asap, even though it has no relevance to your story].
Ugh. Thankfully that’s one I haven’t had to deal with too often.
Michelle
I love this post, it’s funny how people say one thing and really they mean something else.
Thanks Michelle!