Modern signs a publication likes you:
- They want your bank information so they can direct deposit your checks.
- They want to train you on their content management system.
- They include a link to your story in the weekly e-newsletter showcasing their most popular articles.
Freelancing’s changed and so has how editors show their appreciation for good work. In this open thread, I’m calling on other freelancers and writers to weigh in on the new ways an editor has told you “Great job!”
To help get us started, I recently asked freelancers** on the Freelance Success writer forum for their experiences. Here’s how they’ve seen their editors show their appreciation for a job well done:
- They share a list of previous stories that attracted the most traffic.
- They follow you on Twitter and/or retweet your stories.
- They tell other editors to work with you. And they do.
- They ask for your summer schedule so they can figure out assignments.
- They write to check in and ask you to send them pitches.
- They offer you steady assignments and thank you when you take them.
- They have a rush assignment because someone dropped the ball and they immediately think of you to fill the void.
- They give you a raise before you even ask.
- They ask how you got such a high Klout score.
- They re-post your story to affiliate web site.
- The editor sends you the editorial calendar for the next year and asks which stories you want to do.
**Thanks for the great idea from Freelance Success members Susan Johnston, Anne Brennan, Pat Curry, Rita Colorito, Holly Ocasio Rizzo, Claudia Copquin, Sona Charaipotra, Steven Yoder, Robin Farmer, Elizabeth Hanes, Mridu Khullar Relph, Cynthia J. Drake and Gwen Moran.
In the digital media age, what actions tell you that an editor’s got your back? Let’s start a discussion by leaving your own experiences in a comment.
I agree with all of these. As both an editor and a writer (largely marcom, but these tips equally apply to Communications higher-ups and clients as to editors), I can attest to having received or made all of these gestures. All good signs!
To add one: As an editor for a large group of writers, I often make notes when I see a story I love and follow up with the writer by saying, “I loved your post last week. I can’t wait to read more from you [in outlet or on topic here].” I want that person to know my door is open and I’ll work to pitch/place on their behalf.
Great feedback Lindsey. As a writer, I always appreciate feedback from editors on what they liked or what worked with readers. I also appreciate hearing from editors when a publication is changing how they tackle certain subjects or if they’ve done audience testing and as a result are adding or deleting coverage of certain topics, so I can adjust my pitching accordingly. Sometimes, a publication’s top-tier freelancers hear about those types of changes long before their broader contributor pool.
Michelle
Interesting post. I’ve found that when an editor likes you, they smooth the way for your stories to flow through their system to publication. As an example, when I wrote for a human resources and diversity publication, they let me know which vocabulary was working best for particular markets, and when a new staff member came on board, the old editor sent me tips for linking in with her way of doing things.