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Topic: Do they really mean it?
| Author | Message |
| midwestwriter | Posted – 2/12/2007 11:35:53 AM | show profile I am about a year into my freelancing career and things are picking up. I continue to pitch to the "big guys" even though the "little guys" are the ones who usually bite. Lately, however, I have been getting responses from said big fellows that tell me that my writing was "seriously considered." At first I was excited, because this is better than just being straight-up ignored, which in my experience is pretty typical. But now, I am wondering. Do they really mean I was "seriously considered" or is this just as bad as being ignored? Thoughts? Should I take this as a sign to keep pitching? Anybody have any experience with this? Thank you. |
| Marie | Posted – 2/12/2007 11:43:11 AM | show profile You should always keep pitching. And why would they encourage you to pitch by giving you false praise and hope? |
| midwestwriter | Posted – 2/12/2007 11:46:07 AM | show profile Because it's a cruel business we're in. |
| Marie | Posted – 2/12/2007 11:53:27 AM | show profile Please. Yes, busy editors have nothing else to do but encourage writers they have no interest in whose ideas they find moronic to tell them their pitches were "seriously considered" so that the writer continues to send in more subpar ideas. I really think we all need to get a little more confident and stop acting like victims of evil forces. |
| fake.it.til.you.make.it | Posted – 2/12/2007 12:57:06 PM | show profile I agree with Marie. If an editor sees some potential in you as a writer they'll invite you to pitch them again. They're not the bad guy. I personally think that was the editor's way of trying to make you feel a little better that your idea was in the running, but ultimately wasn't picked. You've got to remember as a freelancer--although it's difficult--that you'll get rejected not because you or the idea sucks, but because they simply can't use it at the time. If I were you and got that response, I'd hurry and try to come up with a salable idea ASAP. You've got to strike while the iron's hot because the response was positive. ------ http://writerwannabehack.blogspot.com |
| dribbledrive1 | Posted – 2/12/2007 12:58:48 PM | show profile Honestly, it sounds like you're trying to read tea leafs. If you believe in yourself, and this is what you want to do, keep pitching, because that's the only way it's going to ever happen. --But now, I am wondering. Do they really mean I was "seriously considered" or is this just as bad as being ignored? Thoughts? Should I take this as a sign to keep pitching? Anybody have any experience with this? Thank you.-- |
| Linda F | Posted – 2/12/2007 1:47:12 PM | show profile midwest, with that kind of an attitude you'll drive yourself crazy! An editor wouldn't encourage someone if she didn't think that writer had what it takes. After all, if she encouraged bad writers, she'd just be inviting more bad queries! Congratulate yourself and keep pitching. Linda -- Linda Formichelli * http://www.lindaformichelli.com Co-author of The Renegade Writer's Query Letters That Rock! The Renegade Writer Blog: http://www.therenegadewriter.com |
| wineaux | Posted – 2/12/2007 2:24:54 PM | show profile I agree with those who said to keep plugging your ideas. There is one paper that I pitch ideas to regularly. I get assigned stories, and half of the time they like my ideas and want to use them. Sometimes they like my story ideas and articles, but don't have the space for it and it gets shelved. Sometimes it stays shelved permanantly. They have dozens of freelancers and fulltime reporters pitching them constantly. I can't expect special treatment, but can only hope that what I present to them might make it to print. I know they respect my work, and they often assign me work, so I don't take offense to being rejected here and there. It's an ever-changing and dynamic business and you have to roll with the punches. Most editors are extremely busy people, and the fact that they are giving you encouragement is just what it should be: ENCOURAGING. |
| mumbo jumbo | Posted – 2/12/2007 9:25:14 PM | show profile Could be that they think you have what they need but the stories you're pitching are already under consideration or assigned to others. Maybe you're on the same wavelength but you just haven't hit them at the right time with the right idea. Definitely keep pitching. If they weren't interested in you, they would avoid talking to you or not respond to your email--or just tell you outright. |
| JeanMarie | Posted – 2/12/2007 11:00:37 PM | show profile Let them know you're very interesting in working with them and you'd be open to an assignment. |
