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Topic: How much is OK to use of my editor's story?
| Author | Message |
| FreeLucy | Posted – 4/30/2008 12:09:53 AM | show profile | email poster I know you're probably thinking "None!" But she openly said I could borrow anything from her piece, even verbatim, and expand on the story if I'd like. The magazine is running another article in a new issue, even though we ran an article on the same event last month, if that makes sense. I'm in college and incredibly crunched on time this week so I'm not exactly in the mind set to give this story (a 250-300 word brief to go in the beginning of the mag) my everything. I found a few extra facts to put into her stories, but that's about it. I can't seem to come up with anything more creative than she did. She's been in the business for years, and I'm a student and recent intern. Is it acceptable to turn in a very similar article, when she said to use what she had? What do you suggest? I only have tonight to write as it was a rather last-minute assignment. |
| KC4 | Posted – 4/30/2008 2:05:30 PM | show profile Hard to say, without clearer details, but I definitely suggest sucking it up and doing your best to come up with an original piece. I wonder why your editor would set such vague ground rules. And please don't use "I'm a student and recent intern" as an excuse for not trying your best - 250-300 words is nothing and this business is full of people (yes, students and interns) who'd be happy to do your work for you. Also, last-minute deadlines are a nature of the beast. |
| WritingEd | Posted – 4/30/2008 6:17:27 PM | show profile I also thought it sounded like you were making a bit of a flimsy excuse by adding how busy you are because you're in college. While doing well in school is certainly important, this editor is giving you a chance for a byline and doing YOU a favor. She probably sees it as an easy assignment that, if you didn't execute well, she could easily fix. Seize the opportunity and turn in a piece you put your all into. |
