Category «Professionalism»

Writing is a competition — and that’s OK

In following the social media streams of many writers, I often read that writers aren’t in competition with one another. But we are, of course. There is a finite number of people in the world, therefore a limited number of readers, and a limited number of works they can read. We are all in a …

Desperation (Part II) (Mistake #112)

In Desperation (Part I), I wrote the following, which I make no apologies for repeating, this time with emphasis: “Freelance writer” tells the editor you’re available for work. “Available for work” tells the editor you’re desperate for work. It’s no good being desperate, because editors can sniff out desperation a mile off, and …

Becoming a Writer (Mistake #106)

Know any Writers? I hope not. I’ve shared breathing space with several over the years and how my personal swearbox remained unfilled on each occasion remains a matter of mystery to me. A Writer is three things: a/ a former aspiring writer b/ a current professional writer, and c/ a writer who wants all current …

You’ve got we-mail (Mistake #95)

“I’ve occasionally found myself hesitating to offer work to someone who shared an email address with their partner,” an editor of my acquaintance told me recently. I’ve seen email addresses like that too. I’m sure you have, as well. Martin-and-Moira77@yahoo.co.uk. Baz-and-Bess@yeehah.co.uk. It’s a non-issue for me, as I’m rarely in a position to commission work …

Money, again (Mistake #85)

I’ve been experiencing a flurry of talented students emailing me with news of writing successes. “What fee have you been offered?” is my knee-jerk response to each communication, though I usually manage to check myself and squeeze in a “Congratulations!” before the filthy dosh question invariably spills over. (As an aside, I once went through …

Not chasing your dues (Mistake #40)

If you enter into a business transaction with a buyer for words you have written you should see that transaction through to the end. The end is receipt of payment from the buyer. If you choose to donate a piece of work – for the exposure, because you believe in the cause the publisher represents, …

Refusing to submit speculatively (Mistake #37)

Some people will tell you that it is their policy to never submit speculatively, and advise you to follow suit. When they add that submitting ‘on spec’ is unprofessional, they’re basically choosing to distance themselves from those who have done it or do do it, and subtly marking these writers down as amateurs. I don’t …

“Dear Editor…” (Mistake #30)

Not addressing an editorial contact by name when you write to them with an idea, proposal or article — an easily avoidable mistake. Each of these sets my teeth on edge: Dear Sir/Madam\ Dear Ms/Miss/Mrs/Mr Jones To Whom it May Concern… Each suggests lack of care, lack of research, lack of … unlaziness. Imagine receiving …

“Oh $&#£ off!” (Mistake #19)

A couple of months ago I read a BMJ editorial by Rhona Flin, Professor of Applied Psychology at the University of Aberdeen, in which she argued that experiencing or witnessing rudeness at work makes you more likely to make mistakes. This would seem to be common sense, although it’s not something to which I’d previously …