10 Ways to Turn Off Editors
The Craft & Business of Writing What you say (what they think):
What you say (what they think):
- Have you done a story about … (You should know this when you query. Research.)
- I am writing to give you the opportunity to publish … (How did we get so lucky?)
- Would you be interested in this truly hilarious (or tragic) story of … (I don't know if we can survive it.)
- This is the kind of story you should be doing. (Don't hold your breath.)
- Just tell me which approach you'd like me to take. (Just tell us which approach is appropriate.)
- The author can … (What are you, an agent?)
- There would obviously be two sides to the story. (If it's obvious, why tell us?)
- I know I can write better than so-and-so did for you some time back. (We'll bet your mother told you so.)
- If you're not interested, please let me know, since I'm sure I can sell this somewhere. (Go to it.)
- I'll be willing to take a little less than your regular fee to get this published. (We're not willing to take less for paying less.)
Scott FrancisAuthor
Scott Francis is a former editor and author of Writer's Digest Books.
Related Stories