I've been working freelance for the last few months, and I have a question about etiquette.
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I have a story that I think will break soon, whether I get to be the one to break it or not, and I've pitched it to an editor, but I haven't received a response. In this situation, is it acceptable behavior to pitch the article to another editor in the same newspaper? How long should I wait before offering the article to another paper?
Thanks a lot for your help.
All best wishes,
Justine
The key in either case is to keep people informed. Tell the first editor, "I may not have submitted this to the right editor, so I am going to try this other editor at your publication," or, "I am getting anxious about losing this story, so I would like to withdraw the story from your publication and pitch it to another."
It is best not to have the story pitched to two editors at the same paper all at once without their knowledge. It could come up at a news meeting, which would straighten things out, but it could be a little bumpy. There could be a train wreck if both of them like your story so well it is slated for two section fronts at once.
Under no circumstance do you want to surprise an editor who is reviewing your proposal by having it appear in the competition. That could kill future freelance chances at that publication.
So, tell.
The recruiter asks back: To freelancers and editors who have been there: What has been your experience in situations like this? Click on Add Your Comments below and tell the rest of us.
Coming Tuesday: He knows he should thank his lucky stars for getting off his parents' couch and into a $40,000 job at a trade publication, but he hates it. Should he quit?
