Help Me Blogger!!! How Do I Get My Editor Off My Back

4 Mistakes That Can Drive Your Editors Crazy and Kill Your Writing Career

As an Editor, I manage a team of roughly one hundred writers and time and time again I see the same patterns repeated in what makes the difference between the good writers that I keep around and that constantly get their work approved and published, versus the writers that keep making these four deadly mistakes which tends to make working with them a chore and that ultimately can ruin their chances at a successful career as a writer. So take these notes to heart and make sure that you avoid these four mistakes that can drive your editors crazy and kill your writing career.

Mistake # 1: Failure to Follow Directions

You would think that following the instructions of your editors would be a given; however, I often see too many writers that simply do not follow directions. For example, if your editor's guidelines state that all articles must be at least 350 words minimum then submitting 275-300 words is only going to insure that your Editor returns the work. It is important to pay attention to what your editor needs from you as a writer and to follow through on those expectations. Of course, we are all human and miscommunication happens, so it is important that you create a line of communication with your editor and to ask for clarification whenever you are unsure of something. In the end, this will mean less work for both of you and create a more positive working environment where you can flourish as a writer instead of looking for another gig.

Mistake # 2: Obscure or Irrelevant Titles

Your title is what grabs a reader and entices them to read your work; however, if the title that you use is obscure and gives the reader no clue about the subject matter it is likely to go unread. Even worse, if the title is misleading you will start to loose the trust of your audience and editors will start to stir assignments elsewhere. For example, if the title of an article is “The Role of Mutations in Natural Selection” yet you never mention natural selection or the connection between genetic mutations and natural selection then your readers will feel that they were tricked into reading your article and that it was a waste of time which is a sure way to kill your writing career.

Mistake # 3: Lack of Research and Original Content

Again, this should be a given. When you write, use your own words, your own ideas, and the fruits of your own research labor. Cite the works that you use as references and attribute quotes properly. Failure to do so is one of the quickest ways to get yourself fired from any writing job. Having your own voice and original content is what helps a writer to gain a following, and a popular writer is an editor's dream.

Mistake # 4: Failure to Proofread and Spellcheck

Typos are as widespread these days as the common cold and mistakes happen to the best of us. However, when an editor gets a copy with half a dozen or more glaring mistakes in spelling, grammar, or typing it sends a clear message that you did not put enough pride into your work to proofread and spellcheck the document before you submitted it. Reading your work aloud can often help you find mistakes. Asking a friend to read it for you as well can at times be helpful. Also, try running a grammar check with whatever word processing software you are using, even if your spellcheck is clear because while you may have spelled “there” correctly, that means very little if the word that should have been used was “their”. Lastly, try to keep a cheat sheet of common mistakes such as the difference between “its” and “it's” and “to” versus “too”.

Above all remember that your name, your career, and your reputation is on the line with every piece that you write. And while not every single thing that you turn out may be award winning writing, it should reflect your talents and skills in a positive light and send editors the message that you are a valuable asset and easy to work with. Avoiding these four deadly mistakes while turning out quality work, building confidence in your readers, delivering reliable text in a timely manner, and working with your editor's needs will help you lay the foundation to a long and successful career as a writer.