4.2 Know who you are writing for
4.2.1 Your editor

Before you jot down a single letter on your paper or Word document, acquaint yourself with three of your most important critics: your editor, your audience, and yourself – and in that order!

Make sure you understand your editor well. Discuss your story idea first and get a feel for the angle he or she wants to see. Make sure you understand how long an article the editor needs and whether he or she expects pictures, diagrams, or any other additional material to help make your article more interesting.

It's important to understand that a delicate balance is needed while communicating with your editor. As noted in Lesson One of this online course, your editor will be busy, communicating with other writers in addition to the daily burden of getting several articles from the cooking pan and into the fire. So although he or she will appreciate your communication, it shouldn't take more than the exchange of a couple of emails for you to make a start. Otherwise, you may find that in future your editor just as easily switches to another writer who "gets on with the job" more quickly. Remember: this is a very competitive market!

But take heed – you know your story better than anyone else. Editors sometimes look for stories that just aren't there. Be confident in your research and communicate your findings clearly.

After you've written your article, expect your editor to ask for changes. This is one of the most important ways of getting to understand your editor well. Learn from the changes, not only to understand his or her requirements for next time, but also to improve your writing in general. Editors are writers' best teachers.

Always remember: no matter how many years you've been writing, there is always something more to learn, and room for improving your skills!

Communicate with your editor without being irritating. Be confident in your skills as a journalist but always be willing to accept direction.


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