by Rachel Smith
28 June 2016
You guys have done blog posts before about how to befriend editors / clients to ensure that you get more work… but how friendly is too friendly and when can it backfire? C
Well, if you’ve tracked down your editor’s address and are on stakeout waiting for them to come out of the house so you can ask whether your story pitch hit the spot, you’re in ‘too friendly’ territory. Okay, flat out stalker territory.
But seriously – this IS a hard one. You’re right, we have written before about being friendly to editors and building that relationship, but how? Building a rapport takes time, and effort and probably a few phone conversations, coffees in person and even Christmas cards to thank them for putting some work your way that year. I’d also suggest these tips:
Follow the lead of your client / editor. Over the years I’ve found some (usually the very busy ones) like to keep it uber professional and all about the job. Others are happy to engage in small talk and appreciate a friendly working relationship. It really depends on the person who’s hired you and it’s something you need to sus out before you start hitting them with the full-force of your personality and Game of Thrones obsession.
Craft emails that are friendly but professional. I’m generally pretty warm in my emails anyway, no matter who I’m corresponding with, so adopting a strictly-business tone isn’t me. That said, after working with the same client or editor a number of times, I might start trying to create more of a rapport with that person. However, it could just be as casual as wishing them a good evening / weekend / rest of the week. Or how you hope they weren’t affected too badly by the flooding that occurred near their area.
Be good at what you do. This is a no-brainer, but basically it boils down to not making your client or editor’s life difficult. Make it easier. As easier as you can. Mainly by writing amazing copy and getting it in on time or before deadline. I think also letting editors / clients know you’re going away is important – they like to stay in the loop with people they commission regularly.
How do you strike a balance between being friendly and professional with clients / editors? Is there anything you’d never do?
