The Shape of Things?
You’ve gotten a nice assignment from an editor and have a couple of great ideas for the physical structure of the article–maybe it’s a sidebar, or a unique way to break up the piece. Do you suggest your ideas to your editor, or will that put her off, making her think you’re pushy and trying to do her job?
The short of it is, after speaking with other freelancers and editors, is that it can never hurt to mention your ideas. Headlines are probably the most appreciated suggestions, and if you have a great idea for a sidebar, don’t keep it to yourself (although if you add a sidebar onto the article, clarify if it will be part of the contracted word count–a great sidebar idea is great for the editor but not for you if it ends up that you’re writing for free.) Illustration suggestions from freelancers are rarely taken, but if you have a brilliant idea, why not share it? The worst an editor can do is not use the idea. Sometimes it can make the difference between a piece editors are eh about and one they’re psyched for: “There’s a popular outdoors magazine which has recently changed tone and if you have a good story
they’re barely interested. Have that same story with a beautiful woman and they’re ready to talk. So to that extent, I suggest art when possible. Also, if it’s going to help sell a piece, I’ll also include it. Words only go so far in a short amount of time, so I’m not afraid to include a strong link to an image,” said one writer I spoke with.
And, if a specific format suggests itself to you (Q&A versus a dialogue interview or a piece broken up by subheads), then work with it–unless your editor has specifically told you otherwise.
So, don’t be afraid to weigh in with your thoughts–it won’t make you sound pushy–it’ll most likely make you look good. “I almost always suggest the article format, but then again I draw from the predominant article formats in the magazine. If the suggestions are well executed in the query (or well explained over the phone) I would think it shows you know your topic and the magazine. It makes the working relationship between editor and writer more of a partnership,” said another writer. “Not all of my suggestions have been accepted, but they have all been well received. The editors I’ve worked with have been happy to hear any and all ideas related to the article in the beginning stages.”
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