Are all Editors Evil?
While the title of this blog post may sound a bit silly, it is a question that I get all the time. Many freelance writers think that editors are “out to get them.†This is not true, but it is easy to see why so many believe it to be the case.
When you sign on with a magazine to produce an article, regardless of the topic or length, you are going to work with an editor. Generally speaking, you will agree on the overall concept and from there you are free to get started.
Don’t expect many pieces to get approved the first time around. Instead, your editor is sure to send back some changes along with advice and criticism.
Some editors are fun to work with. Even when changes are needed, they are friendly and helpful. Others, though, are nothing short of a pain in the neck. No matter which type of editor you are working with, one thing remains true: you have to do whatever it takes to get the piece approved.
It is a shame that many freelancers shy away from querying magazine editors because they believe the myth that editors are evil – or at the very least standoffish. You are going to run into rude editors, but even they have to rely on freelancers, like you, from time to time.
Just like any other industry, you will find editors that are friendly and editors that seem to put you down every chance they get. Don’t let a few bad apples spoil your career. Not all editors are evil!
