by Leo Wiles
30 November 2016
Hi guys. I’m looking for some direction after an editor I had a great relationship with has suddenly gone cold on me. I’ve written for this editor for several years and to my knowledge all has been okay in that time, happy with my work etc etc. But in the past few months, responses to my emails are very delayed or not at all, when the editor does write back the tone is abrupt, and my pitches are being all but ignored. Do I broach it or let it go? V
Clients and editors can blow hot and cold, it’s true – so my advice first off would be to take a step back and reflect. Did you actually do anything wrong like hand in late copy, plagiarise, over-promise and under-deliver on the last piece?
If nothing comes to mind, my next step would be to Google the company. Are they in financial difficulty? Are the advertising streams they’re relying on down? That would be my assumption, especially if you’ve enjoyed a long relationship and suddenly it’s gone cold. Often editors whose budgets have been slashed don’t want to tell freelancers so they ride it out (in the hopes it might improve).
Because working from home alone can be a real Achilles heel, I’d also call a trusted fellow freelancer and see what their thoughts are. It could be that they have had the same experience or can share some inside knowledge about why things have changed over at that title or for that commissioning editor.
Whatever you do, it’s crucial not to take it personally – much easier said than done if you this particular client is one of your biggest source of revenue, or like most of us you find yourself ruminating about situations we find unfair and or puzzling. Once you’re clear about the potential reasons you can work out how you want to move forward. I for one am a big fan of closure and would reach out – with a carefully crafted email or well-rehearsed phone call.
If, for example, the editor is dragging his or her feet on a pitch of yours, I’d send something along the lines of:
Dear [Editor who has not returned my calls /emails despite our long and bountiful relationship],
Just wanted to touch base to follow up on the pitches I sent you in August about X, Y, Z.
When we last emailed /spoke you mentioned you were interested in several of them for your X issue with its focus on X [the hook for why they seemed keen].
The interviewee is still keen to take part, and the agent is still willing to extend us the exclusive but they need an answer by X date, hence my messages. I’d hate for us to miss this opportunity.
I’d love to give them an answer ASAP, even if it’s to say X [name of the publication/outlet] won’t be moving forward.
I’m happy to chat offline if you’d prefer. You can reach me on [phone] or at this email address.
Thanks so much,
Name [of harried freelancer who can’t work out why the sky is falling]
If that still fails to evoke the required response then I suggest you read my previous blog, How to make editors love you – and strike out for warmer climes!
What are your strategies when an editor or client goes cold on you?
Unless the LR is geographically distant, offering to buy the editor a coffee won’t cost much and could provide some insight.
Great advice Darren – especially as verbal communication only makes up 8pc or thereabouts of all communication meeting may be far more informative and mend that bridge if need be.