I've been trying to decide whether or not to keep working for a certain editor/publication. I do need the money, but I'm not happy with some of the things he's been doing and I'm hoping some other freelance writers can give me their opinions of what has been happening. Family members don't really understand this kind of situation, but I think other writers can relate.
First, he asked me to try to find my own story ideas for this publication. (Before, he would give me assignments.) So, of course, I started hunting for appropriate story ideas. I pitched a few ideas. One of them he said was better suited for another one of his writers(it was in the arts/theater field), so basically he took it away from me! Hmm. I'm supposed to come up with my own story ideas, I did so, and then he gives it to another writer.
Second, he asked me in an email if I would like to write a weekly business profile story. I wrote back saying yes, I would be interested. He turned around and said he'd forgotten he has another writer who has a lot of experience in that kind of article, so never mind about that. What? Why ask me to do something and then take it back?
Third, he asked me to write a certain special feature for each week. He wasn't very specific about what I had to do, but gave me a general idea in an email. (Or let's say I thought I had the right idea of what to write, but basically I was winging it.) Since I wasn't sure if I was doing it right, I gave him TWO different pieces to choose from. I had a deadline and had to do it quickly. That Wednesday I found that he had not used either one of my pieces. And he did not bother to contact me to tell me why not. So that meant I did NOT get paid for my work. I could only assume I didn't get it right. How can I fix something if I don't know I need to fix it?
These are a few of my concerns. I'd like to know what other writers think about these things? Is he just forgetful? Absent-minded?
What do you think about a writer pitching a story idea and then having the editor give it to someone else?
First, he asked me to try to find my own story ideas for this publication. (Before, he would give me assignments.) So, of course, I started hunting for appropriate story ideas. I pitched a few ideas. One of them he said was better suited for another one of his writers(it was in the arts/theater field), so basically he took it away from me! Hmm. I'm supposed to come up with my own story ideas, I did so, and then he gives it to another writer.
Second, he asked me in an email if I would like to write a weekly business profile story. I wrote back saying yes, I would be interested. He turned around and said he'd forgotten he has another writer who has a lot of experience in that kind of article, so never mind about that. What? Why ask me to do something and then take it back?
Third, he asked me to write a certain special feature for each week. He wasn't very specific about what I had to do, but gave me a general idea in an email. (Or let's say I thought I had the right idea of what to write, but basically I was winging it.) Since I wasn't sure if I was doing it right, I gave him TWO different pieces to choose from. I had a deadline and had to do it quickly. That Wednesday I found that he had not used either one of my pieces. And he did not bother to contact me to tell me why not. So that meant I did NOT get paid for my work. I could only assume I didn't get it right. How can I fix something if I don't know I need to fix it?
These are a few of my concerns. I'd like to know what other writers think about these things? Is he just forgetful? Absent-minded?
What do you think about a writer pitching a story idea and then having the editor give it to someone else?