Ask Wendy: Your Writing Questions Answered

 By Wendy Burt-Thomas                         

                                                                                    

Q: I’ve been trying to get a book deal but keep getting ‘near-misses.’ Can you interpret some of these rejections?
 
Rejection #1: “We only publish authors with platforms.”
Translation: We’re a small publishing house with no budget to promote you and you didn’t convince us that you’ve got a way to do it yourself.
 
Rejection #2: “We only work with experts in their field.”
Translation: We don’t feel you’re qualified to tackle this subject.
 
Rejection #3: “The book didn’t quite live up to our expectations.”
Translation: We liked your original idea/sample chapters, but the book didn’t hold my interest. 

Rejection #4: “This isn’t right for us, but have you tried…”

Translation: This is a good piece of writing and even though it’s not a match for us, I’m willing to refer you to someone else.

 

Wendy Burt-Thomas is a full-time freelance writer, editor and copywriter with more than 1,000 published pieces. Her work has appeared in such varied publications as MSNBC.com, NYTimes.com, Family Circle and American Fitness. She is the author of three books: Oh, Solo Mia! The Hip Chick’s Guide to Fun for One (McGraw-Hill, 2001); Work It, Girl! 101 Tips for the Hip Working Chick (McGraw-Hill, 2003); and The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters (Writer’s Digest, 2008). Visit her at http://www.GuideToQueryLetters.com

or her blog, http://askWendy.wordpress.com.

 

Ask Wendy, Your Writing Questions Answered

By Wendy Burt-Thomas

Q: I was assigned an article for a national magazine. I turned in the piece and got paid, but then the magazine folded. Can I resell the article?

A: I’m assuming from your question that you sold “all rights” (as opposed to reprint rights, in which case you wouldn’t need to ask this question). Based on that assumption, you’ll have to look at your contract to see if you sold the rights to the magazine or the publisher. One publisher could own several magazines (or several hundred!), so a contract with a publisher that is still in existence is still a good contract. A contract with a magazine that no longer exists, however, means there’s no entity left to own the rights to publish your work. (With that said, I’m no contracts attorney, so when in doubt, try to reach your former editor to ask.) Even if you did sell it to the publisher, you may be able to get permission to resell the piece if it was never printed in the magazine.


Wendy Burt-Thomas is a full-time freelance writer, editor and copywriter with more than 1,000 published pieces. Her work has appeared in such varied publications as MSNBC.com, NYTimes.com, Family Circle and American Fitness. She is the author of three books: Oh, Solo Mia! The Hip Chick’s Guide to Fun for One (McGraw-Hill, 2001); Work It, Girl! 101 Tips for the Hip Working Chick (McGraw-Hill, 2003); and The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters (Writer’s Digest, 2008). Visit her at http://www.GuideToQueryLetters.com or her blog, http://askWendy.wordpress.com.

Ask Wendy: How much do publications pay?

By Wendy Burt-Thomas Q: I can’t always find writer’s guidelines. Is there a way to estimate how much a publication pays writers? A: Although no advice is foolproof, I can tell you some tricks I’ve learned along the way from BOTH sides of the fence-as a freelance writer and as an editor of magazines and newspapers. 1. Look at the type of paper used. Generally, newsprint is going to pay less- maybe $.10/word. The thicker the paper, the more the publication will pay. You’ll also want to look at the finish; is it matte or glossy? (Think about when you process your family photos.) Glossy paper is more expensive so generally a glossy print magazine will pay more. Also, is the publication black and white or color? Color is much more expensive to produce, implying there’s a bigger budget to pay writers. 2. Look inside for the circulation. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the circulation, the more money they can pay writers. However, sometimes you’ll find niche publications with a smaller circulation (e.g. something mailed only to 5,000 plastic surgeons in the region) that will pay writers relatively well. 3. Look at the ads. If you see ads for cosmetic dentistry, Botox, boutique jewelry stores and high-end artwork, they probably have good pay rates. That’s because almost all publications (except nonprofit mags) are supported by advertising revenue. And the more disposable income the reader has, the more money the publication can make selling space to businesses that can afford to shell out big bucks to advertise. Writers usually get paid more with the trickle down effect. Wendy Burt-Thomas is a full-time freelance writer, editor and copywriter with more than 1,000 published pieces. Her work has appeared in such varied publications as MSNBC.com, NYTimes.com, Family Circle and American Fitness. She is the author of three books: Oh, Solo Mia! The Hip Chick’s Guide to Fun for One (McGraw-Hill, 2001); Work It, Girl! 101 Tips for the Hip Working Chick (McGraw-Hill, 2003); and The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters (Writer’s Digest, 2008). Visit her at http://www.GuideToQueryLetters.com or her blog, http://askWendy.wordpress.com.

Ask Wendy: Your Writing Questions Answered

By Wendy Burt-Thomas Q: I just got an acceptance for an article that may turn into a regular column. The editor asked me to send a bio. What exactly should I send? A: Because your column isn’t confirmed yet, my guess is that the editor isn’t looking for something to add to the contributor’s page, but rather a bio to go at the end of your article. Look at a past issue to see the length of other writers’ bios. If you have something to sell or promote (ebook, book, newsletter, website or blog), do it here. (If you don’t have any of the above, read Christina’s new book, Get Known Before the Book Deal to see why you should.) A simple, two-sentence bio might read: “Wendy Burt-Thomas is a freelance writer in Colorado Springs. She welcomes your writing questions at http://askWendy.wordpress.com.” When you’re confirmed as a columnist, your bio will likely be longer, perhaps more relevant to your experience writing that particular issue’s column, and likely accompanied by your photo and/or email. Check out the contributor’s page in Oprah’s O Magazine or Shape magazine to see a good example of this. Wendy Burt-Thomas is a full-time freelance writer, editor and copywriter with more than 1,000 published pieces. Her work has appeared in such varied publications as MSNBC.com, NYTimes.com, Family Circle and American Fitness. She is the author of three books: Oh, Solo Mia! The Hip Chick’s Guide to Fun for One (McGraw-Hill, 2001); Work It, Girl! 101 Tips for the Hip Working Chick (McGraw-Hill, 2003); and The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters (Writer’s Digest, 2008). Visit her at http://www.GuideToQueryLetters.com or her blog, http://askWendy.wordpress.com.

Ask Wendy: “I haven’t heard back from the editor about my query…”

By Wendy Burt-Thomas

Q: I mailed a query out a couple of weeks ago but haven’t heard back from the magazine. How long do I wait before following up or moving on?

A: Many magazines that have writer’s guidelines (or at least a listing in the “Writer’s Market”) will tell you how long they take to respond. I would first see if you can find this. Also, you can assume that the larger a publication, the longer it will take to get a response, because they’ll generally have more writers querying and/or sending submissions. And finally, since you sent your query by mail, it will likely take longer to respond than if you had sent it by email due to the dreaded ’slush pile.’ (I’m not suggesting you send queries by email. Only do so if the guidelines say e-queries are acceptable.)

With that said, I recommend that you give it a couple more weeks (unless your piece is super-timely) and then follow-up with a short email. Phone calls are ok with smaller publications. If you still don’t hear back within, say, a week, go ahead and query another publication for that idea.

Wendy Burt-Thomas is a full-time freelance writer, editor and copywriter with more than 1,000 published pieces. Her work has appeared in such varied publications as MSNBC.com, NYTimes.com, Family Circle and American Fitness. She is the author of three books: Oh, Solo Mia! The Hip Chick’s Guide to Fun for One (McGraw-Hill, 2001); Work It, Girl! 101 Tips for the Hip Working Chick (McGraw-Hill, 2003); and The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters (Writer’s Digest, 2008). Visit her at http://www.GuideToQueryLetters.com or her blog, http://askWendy.wordpress.com.

Ask Wendy: Should I Send My Social Security Number?

By Wendy Burt-Thomas

Q: Why do some places ask you to submit your Social Security Number with your submission? Is it safe to do this?

A: Magazines need your Social Security Number because if they pay you, they are required to report it to the government. My opinion is that you should NOT include your SSN with a submission, even if it’s requested in the writer’s guidelines. (Fraud experts believe that stolen SSNs are the leading cause of identity theft.) To get around the issue, simply write “Social Security Number provided upon request” to indicate that you read the writer’s guidelines but would prefer not to disclose the information until necessary. Upon acceptance, you should be sent a contract in which you provide all your information to receive payment. If possible, mail the contract back rather than scanning it and emailing it. I’ve never heard of an editor rejecting a piece simply because the writer did not include her Social Security Number.

Wendy Burt-Thomas is a full-time freelance writer, editor and copywriter with more than 1,000 published pieces. Her work has appeared in such varied publications as MSNBC.com, NYTimes.com, Family Circle and American Fitness. She is the author of three books: Oh, Solo Mia! The Hip Chick’s Guide to Fun for One (McGraw-Hill, 2001); Work It, Girl! 101 Tips for the Hip Working Chick (McGraw-Hill, 2003); and The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters (Writer’s Digest, 2008). Visit her at http://www.GuideToQueryLetters.com or her blog, http://askWendy.wordpress.com.

All The Querying Help You’ll Ever Need from a Name You Trust!

Participate in the December 1st Amazon Spike for Wendy “Ask Wendy” Burt Thomas’ new book: The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters.

Details coming soon!

Mark your calendar for Monday, December 1st.

Ask Wendy: Your Writing and Publishing Questions Answered

By Wendy Burt Thomas

Q: In terms of managing a writing career, what are the best lessons you’ve learned in 2008?

A: In my fifteen years of freelancing, I think 2008 was my best “revelation” (not “resolution”) year yet. Many of my writer friends and I learned these lessons this year:

1. I do not have to take every opportunity that comes my way. This is an especially hard lesson for intermediate/advanced writers who got to where they are today by taking low-paying projects. We often develop a mindset that we shouldn’t pass up any project that’s offered because the gigs may dry up. The truth is, there’s plenty of work and we deserve to make great money. We need to raise the bar for ourselves. Creative people are incredibly undervalued.
2. I need to take care of my body. If I worked my body as hard as I worked my brain in 2008, I’d be fit, healthy and free of back problems.
3. I need to have a life. I love what I do-perhaps a bit too much. I need to remember that all work and no play makes for a dull mommy, wife and friend. A successful writing career is as much about balance as talent.

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Wendy Burt is a successful full-time freelance writer and editor who has more than doubled her income since leaving her job as a newspaper editor just four years ago. With two women’s humor books for McGraw-Hill and more than 1,000 published pieces, Wendy’s work has appeared in such varied publications as Family Circle, The Writer, MSNBC.com, NewYorkTimes.com, Home Cooking Magazine and American Fitness. Wendy teaches “Breaking Into Freelance Writing” and still finds ample time to spend with her beautiful children, Gracie and Ben. Visit www.BurtCreations.com to see books by Wendy and her award-winning dad.

Ask Wendy: Your Writing & Publishing Questions Answered

By Wendy Burt Thomas

Q: Some argue that there’s no such thing as “writer’s block.” But procrastination is certainly real. How do you avoid it?

A: There are a few tips you can use to help fight procrastination on almost any project.

1) Always get plenty of information on the direction of your assignment. Beyond word count and deadline, this means asking specific questions about content. I’ve found that in nearly 100 percent of the cases, the projects that keep getting bumped off my daily to-do list are the ones that I feel somewhat confused about. Then, because I’ve waited too long, I’m embarrassed to call my client to ask for clarification. I’ve learned to ask a lot of questions up front and no one has ever complained!

2) Break your project down into specific and small tasks. Instead of “write 3,000-word feature article on public policy,” try:
· Make phone call to set up interview with lobbyist.
· Create list of questions for lobbyist.
· Find paragraph that explains what bill H-2356 is.
· Email chamber to see if they have any info on their public policy stance.

3) Make your first step the one that will likely garner you the most information: a phone interview, a visit to a website, or an email to a company’s media relations department. Oftentimes, just a short summary of the topic will create a snowball of momentum to help you (at least) write an outline.

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Wendy Burt is a successful full-time freelance writer and editor who has more than doubled her income since leaving her job as a newspaper editor just four years ago. With two women’s humor books for McGraw-Hill and more than 1,000 published pieces, Wendy’s work has appeared in such varied publications as Family Circle, The Writer, MSNBC.com, NewYorkTimes.com, Home Cooking Magazine and American Fitness. Wendy teaches “Breaking Into Freelance Writing” and still finds ample time to spend with her beautiful children, Gracie and Ben. Visit www.BurtCreations.com to see books by Wendy and her award-winning dad.

Ask Wendy: Your Writing and Publishing Questions Answered

Q: Where do you find clients?

A: Your greatest resource for work is referrals. This means not only asking past clients if they know anyone who needs a writer/editor/copy writer/etc. but also friends, family and businesses you frequent.

Why not send an email to everyone you know telling them you have a freelance writing business and inviting them to send work your way? Consider that most people don’t know what that means exactly and don’t know what you specialize in. Give them concrete examples, like:
·    ”I write ad copy, articles and press releases for start-ups and established businesses that can’t afford to hire an ad agency.”
·    ”I edit term papers, brochures and book manuscripts.”
·    ”I ghost write books for business people and inexperienced writers who want to be published.”
Also, hand out business cards everywhere you go. Strike up conversations with the store owner when you purchase something from her boutique, or email some graphic designers and tell them you’ll refer them to your past/present/future clients if they’ll do the same.
Freelancing is as much about selling yourself as it is about writing, so practice, practice, practice!

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Wendy Burt is a successful full-time freelance writer and editor who has more than doubled her income since leaving her job as a newspaper editor just four years ago. With two women’s humor books for McGraw-Hill and more than 1,000 published pieces, Wendy’s work has appeared in such varied publications as Family Circle, The Writer, MSNBC.com, NewYorkTimes.com, Home Cooking Magazine and American Fitness. Wendy teaches “Breaking Into Freelance Writing” and still finds ample time to spend with her beautiful children, Gracie and Ben. Visit www.BurtCreations.com to see books by Wendy and her award-winning dad.