Writers & bloggers resource guide
Editors tips: why your work ends up in the bin!
As an editor I have both the pleasure and displeasure of viewing a lot of freelance submissions, many of which are highly original and interesting in content, but are still turned down. Following is an insight into why editors avoid some writers like the plague.
blah blah blah …
no one cares what you think!
One of the more common mistakes a writer makes, particularly a beginner, is giving an opinion. Yes, it’s natural to get passionate about the topic your writing on, but unless it is specifically requested by the editor, it’s wise to keep your opinions to yourself. No one is interested in what you think!
I know, I know … it’s a bruise to the ego, but like it or not, an editor always has the best interests of the reader in mind, and - as hard as it is to swallow, the reader doesn’t want your opinion. The reader wants to be left to draw their own conclusions based on what you have written. An editor will choose articles that allow readers to do just that.
The comment piece does of course have a place, and is generally used in columns or specialized areas of journalism like sport, motoring or restaurant, book and movie reviews. But unless you’ve been specifically asked to write a comment piece, the first rule of writing requires you to keep yourself out of your article.
What you have to report is important, but your opinion of events is not, unless you are an expert who specialises in your field of writing, it’s wise to keep your personal opinions or thoughts for your blog.
What readers do want to hear are comments from people whose opinions do count and this can add a lot of weight and substance to your piece. Take a look at the following two examples:
There would be fewer deaths in Australia if guns were not so readily available.
Says who …. you? While some readers may be sympathetic with your opinion, other readers will have different views.
Hundreds of people die each year because of the availability of firearms, the Police Minister said.
This story gains credibility and immediately improves because it carries the weight of authority and would be looked upon by an editor in a more favourable light.
Although a writer should never deliberately inject their point of view into an article, there may be particular issues relating to politics or finance where the reader would benefit from an interpretation or analysis.
Interpretation and analysis requires that the writer explain as well as inform, but be careful … there is a fine line between interpretation and editorialising by way of making comment.
Finally, beware of inadvertent comments: writers can sometimes comment without realising they are. An example of this may be defining someone as old or elderly - a 50 year old woman may be considered elderly by the writer, but not necessarily by women, or men for that matter, who are in their fifties. In fact if we were to consider the shift in life expectancy, 50 year old people could be considered young. In such circumstances it is best to state the age of the person, rather than make judgement on whether or not they should be considered elderly.
For more editors tips on how to avoid the bottom of the bin, follow the link to … you want me to do what!
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