6 Things Freelance Writers Do That Drive Editors Nuts

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These mistakes are surefire ways to get added to an editor's "do not call" list

By Janelle Harris - November 21, 2011

Like scandals and socialites, mechanics and checkbooks, runs and pantyhose, freelancers and editors just go together. OK. Maybe they're not one of the first (or second or third) famous duos to come to mind but, for the most part, they rely on one another to create editorial magic for a world of readers, both online and in print.

At some point, a writer is going to run up against an editor who hops on her last nerve and dangles on it in American Gladiator-like fashion -- but the agitation goes both ways. Betwixt the assigning of new stories and adjusting their serial comma-ed simple series for the umpteenth time, editors have their own list of likes and dislikes that can get you flooded with assignments or blackballed. In an effort to help you sell more (and irritate less), we asked several of them for their biggest pet peeves about freelance writers. Brace yourself....

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