Beware the Con-Man Editor
In my years of deriving most of my income from writing magazine articles I discovered
that some editors are good guys and want you to have every penny they can afford to pay. Others cut you back every chance
they get.
Once in awhile I would get a letter which said in effect "I love the
article. I am sure we can use it." He or she then usually asks for more interviews and more research and ends by saying as
soon as you do this he will hold the article and let you know just before its published.
Invariably I never heard from this editor again until I received the
manuscript back in the mail with a note that said sorry we cant use the article now since the conditions have changed. No
offer of a kill fee no apology.
The answer to this is to get them to put any needed new information
in writing. Also ask for a kill fee (usually 1/4 to 1/2 of the regular fee) if they cant use the article. It took me a long
time to learn this and occasionally the editor would terminate the relationship right there. When this happened I counted
my blessings because one way or another this editor would never really treat me fairly. If this happens consider yourself
ahead of the game. At least you can send the article out again without having it tied up for months.
