There have been a couple of times recently when I’ve had editorial feedback where it felt like the person delivering it was expecting me to reject their advice.
Like much of freelancing, unless we work on the commissioning side, we don’t really have much of a clue what others are up to but it did make me wonder what reactions these editors usually get?
In both these cases, the purpose of the feedback was different. One was a meeting after hitting a brick wall on an investigation to discuss how to move the piece on and identify what was missing. The other was an editor taking an all important fresh eye on a lengthy bit of work.
What struck me most was the difference between expectation and reality (which may say more about me). In both scenarios I had actually expected more criticism or red pen through my words than I got. They of course had notes, but they were far more happy with the current state of the pieces than I thought they would be.
But I have heard from editors about freelance journalists having big reactions to edits, refusing to make changes and being angry about the process. Perhaps in those cases, there had been a certain amount of butchery that had taken place. Yet I mostly feel that a good edit can only make a piece better. I’ve never been so assured of my work that I expect it to pass through without comment. If nothing else you can become too close to it after being the one to do all the interviews and research.
Some features sail through with barely a change while others end up bearing little resemblance to what you first submitted. It may be that my zen like approach to this process comes with age and experience. I would always point out where a change had introduced inaccurate information or if a point had been misunderstood. Some of my editors have a lot of in-depth questions but their attention to detail keeps me out of trouble. Headlines can often cause the most headaches but that’s the bit you don’t always see until publication.
Having chatted to Lily about this, our approach tends to be similar so we would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. There may be some of you who feel very differently.
To get the conversation started, here are my top tips for considering feedback.
Know that a heavy edit does not mean you did a bad job. This may be the approach they take to all articles at this publication. They may be a perfectionist or just justifying their salary.
Most copy can be improved by editing. Often this will involve getting to the point quicker, keeping flow and cutting jargon or unnecessary detail. Far easier to be ruthless with someone else’s work than your own.
It is fine to push back where you feel strongly. You are the one that spoke to that case study or read that research and your name is on the byline. It is OK to question decisions where meaning has changed.
Pick your battles. I only tend to question where something is incorrect or now does not make sense to me. On occasion I may ask for an aspect to be more strongly made or even to add a clarification.
Feedback is mostly a good thing. How else do we improve or learn what a specific editor is looking for?
Say thank you when big errors have been spotted. For example the misspelling of a key person’s name - and just be glad it happened pre-publication.
If something doesn’t make sense just ask. Feedback does not have to be a one way process.
The more you work with an editor the easier the process will be as you learn more about the style they are after. Over time you will also find the editors you work well with. If something feels like more effort than it should be then maybe it’s time to walk away.
Longer pieces will tend to need more work because they can be harder to structure or see where you might be losing the reader.
Don’t be afraid to ask for web changes after publication or to ask to see the copy and/or headline before publication. Don’t make a habit of this but select stories where you feel this might be necessary to avoid confusion or alienating a source.
Has an editor ever got it really wrong or messed up your work? Have you learned to go with the editing flow? What are your red lines? Comment below or message us at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
What’s coming up
For logistical reasons we have pushed back the start date of our September online course by a couple of weeks so there is still time to sign up. The revamped four-week online course run in partnership with Journalism.co.uk is perfect for those new to freelance journalism or who want to boost their success. Kickstart your freelance journalism career is one of the most reasonably priced courses out there and we provide lots of feedback, support and guidance as you go. Previous attendees have achieved commissions on the back of pitches they worked with us on in the Guardian, Metro, Runners’ World and EuroNews to name but a few.
To find out more and grab your place click the button below. We should stress this can all be done in your own time at your own pace and the course also now includes live Q&A sessions if you want to take part.
Freelancing for Journalists Resources
If you want to find out more about the wide range of resources we offer at Freelancing for Journalists including the podcast, guides, training, and work experience and mentorship scheme visit our website. We started life as a book but over the past four years have become a lot more, including a large Facebook community.
Triumph of the week
Getting more engagement on platforms that are not Twitter/X
That feeling when
By the end of the day only half the things on your to do list are done
We love to hear your feedback on everything we do, so feel free to drop us an email anytime at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
Bye for now!
Enjoyed the post, Emma. Yes, I think you have to consider feedback as a positive, unless you're regarded as so knowledgeable about the subject you're writing about that there's nothing anyone can teach you - few of us in that position. Editors do have the benefit of being more detached and less invested in your copy. I still get a slight twang when I get feedback from an editor who I know is younger than me. I know I shouldn't and it's badly ageist of me. I'm in an interesting position at the moment in that I'm freelancing for a publication whose editor used to report to me, though not on the same publication.