What to Do Before Turning In an Assignment
When I turn in an assignment, I always thank the editor or client for the job and tell her that I hope she likes what I’ve written. I attach the assignment but also paste it into the e-mail in case the client can’t open the attachment. But I also do something else that I think reduces the number of questions and revisions: I explain why I wrote the piece the way I did. For example, here’s the e-mail I sent to a hospital client about the web copy I wrote for her:
During the interviews, it was interesting to hear what each Service Leader thought made [client] unique in their area, and I worked to get that across.
Also, for each section of each area’s web copy, I stressed the benefits to the patient — so not just what you offer, but why the patient would care.
I added more information to each area, explaining procedures where needed, but worked to keep the pages short and readable, with informational subheads since many people scan instead of reading straight through.
Finally, I varied the tone just a bit for each area. I usually kept it upbeat and conversational, but for the cancer and behavioral sections I used a more soothing tone.
I think that an explanation like this heads off potential objections. For example, I told the client that I varied the tone so she wouldn’t have to ask, “Why do the cancer and behavioral health pages sound different from the rest?” I told her I kept the pages short and readable so she wouldn’t wonder why she didn’t get 1,000 words on each page.
Also, giving the client a peek into the way I work helps her appreciate the thought and skill I put into each piece. For example, here’s an e-mail I sent to a national health magazine editor today:
Here’s the [article title] piece, below and attached. I tried to keep the headlines and text guy-friendly (unlike the girlie tone I usually use with these pieces). I hope you love it! As usual, it was fun to write. Thanks for the assignment, and I look forward to the next one!
I wanted my editor to note that I thought about the audience and what tone they would appreciate. My take is that explaining my thought process boosts my credibility as a professional writer.
When you turn in an assignment, don’t just bang out a “here it is” e-mail to your editor, heaving a sigh of relief that the article or copy is finally off your plate. Tell her about the thought and care that you put into the piece, and she’ll likely appreciate it more. [lf]
Thank you for the tips! I usually thank the editor and let her know that I am available for revisions (or when I will be unreachable, in certain rare cases), but I hadn’t thought of explaining my thought process. I have an assignment to turn in today, and I think I will go with your plan.
Let us know what happens!
This is pretty interesting. I usually talk alot in that “here it is” email but I always thought it was just me rambling as usual. lol But I think you’re right that the information is useful for the editor (client in my case) to understand where you’re coming from.
Thanks, P.S.! Hey, as long as your e-mail isn’t longer than the article I’m sure it’s okay.
Great tip, Linda. Like you, and the other writers who commented, I never just send a “here it is” email, but I’ve never thought to explain why I wrote something a certain way. I’m definitely going to start doing that! As a side note, when writing for a magazine, how many rounds of revisions do you usually have per assignment? Is it pretty typical for you to turn in your piece and be done with it after the first try? Or do you usually have several rounds of edits to go through before the article is accepted? Thanks!!
It depends on the magazine…anywhere from 0 up to say two or three for the women’s magazines.
So often I find myself having to explain my thought process during revisions. What an excellent idea to put it out there first! Of course, one never knows what an editor might consider a sticking point – often something quite surprising! = but I think a little something extra other than “Here it is!” is worth the effort and might head off problems.
BTW, I like the new look of your website – the header, also the references to related posts. Keep up the good work!
Good point — you never do know what an editor will pick out of your article to question. But sometimes there are obvious ones, and you can head off those questions pretty easily.
Glad you like the new site. Reese did a great job!
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