Author: Lori Hatcher

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Magazine and Freelance

3 Reasons to Disagree with an Editor

You might be surprised to read the title of this post. Aren’t editors always right? Won’t you doom your writing career if you disagree with an editor? Won’t they label you difficult if you dare to question one of his or her edits?

It’s important to keep in mind that disagreeing is far different than being disagreeable. Your relationship with your editor should be one of mutual give and take, characterized by dialogue and interaction. This is the reason for the Accept and Reject Change button in Microsoft Word—you have the power and right to reject editorial changes, but only for very good reasons. And you must be prepared to defend yourself.

Here are three acceptable reasons to disagree with an editor.

1. The proposed change is incorrect. Most editors are well versed in grammar, punctuation, and the particular style guide of their publication. No editor, however, can know everything.

One reason to question an edit is the area of local or specific knowledge. For example, in my devotional book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, I refer to my home area as the Sandhills of South Carolina. During the editing phase of my book, my editor lowercased the s in Sandhills.

I rejected her edit and inserted a comment bubble that explained that I wasn’t using the word Sandhills to describe the topography of the region; it was the actual name of the area. To add credibility to my explanation, I inserted a link to a web page of South Carolina geography facts describing the Sandhills region of South Carolina. And yes, the S was capitalized.

Similarly, you may have knowledge about an area, field, or specialty your editor doesn’t. If this impacts an edit, it’s important to object and explain why you chose the wording you chose. Documentation adds credibility to your objection.

2. The edit alters your meaning. Sometimes a change in wording or word order will significantly alter your intended meaning. This is a valid reason to oppose an editorial change. For example, you may write, “The club is open to visitors and meets on the first and third Thursdays.” Your editor may think the specifics bog down the flow of the article and change it to “The club is open to visitors and meets every other Thursday.”

You know, however, that there might be a fifth Thursday in a month, making the “every other Thursday” change inaccurate.

If an edit changes the meaning or intent of your words, you must reject it (with an explanation) to maintain the accuracy of your writing.

3. The edit significantly alters your voice. Good editors know edits should reinforce your voice and style, not change it. If you’re folksy and casual, and you’re writing a whimsical novel about life in the mountains of North Carolina, your editor shouldn’t change your vernacular to sound like an academian. Conversely, if your topic is technical or educational, she’s justified in editing out the y’alls, sistahs and sugahs.

Voice is a tricky thing to pin down, but if you read the piece aloud, and it sounds more like your editor than you, it’s time to politely object.

Keep in mind that editors are not adversaries. Their job is to make writers look good and make your work as clear and effective as possible. While most are knowledgeable and professional, they’re not infallible.

It’s important to remember that while you may be justified in disagreeing with an editor, you’re never justified in being disagreeable. If you interact respectfully and remain teachable, and you’ll always have a great relationship with the editors with whom you work.

Lori Hatcher loves God even more than she loves chocolate. Since He rescued her at age 18, she’s been on a relentless journey to know and love Him more. Her deepest desire is for others to join her on the journey. As an author, blogger, and women’s ministry speaker, she writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. She’s written three devotional books, including Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible, and Hungry for God…Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women. Connect with her at LoriHatcher.com or on Facebook, Twitter (@lorihatcher2) or Pinterest (Hungry for God).

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Magazine and Freelance

A Writer’s Bio – The Most Valuable Piece of Real Estate on the Block

Many writers assume that the value of their article is the payment they receive for writing it. The opposite may be true.

If you’re trying to make a living as a freelance writer, you may be tempted to choose which articles you write based on the compensation you receive. Fiscal sense tells us to accept the articles that pay the most and reject the ones with little financial reward. While compensation can determine if we can pay our bills, there’s often a hidden value in every article that has little to do with financial compensation. It’s a prime piece of literary real estate called a bio.

Almost without exception, magazines, compilations, devotionals, and online publications include a writer’s bio—short for biography—at the end of each article. A bio is a few lines that tell the reader about the writer. If you craft your bio well, it can be more valuable in the long term than a check.

 A well-written bio can:

1. Help convert one-time readers to followers. If your writing resonates with a reader, they’ll want to read more of your work. Be sure to include live links (if allowed) to your blog, book, or social media sites.

2. Establish your credibility. Whenever I write grandparenting articles, for example, I always say something about my four grandchildren in my bio. If you write for professional publications, mention your education or awards. If you contribute articles to Bikers Weekly, be sure to include a detail or two about your Honda Goldwing or your Harley.

3. Spark emotional connections. Years ago I read one of Lori Roeleveld’s articles on Crosswalk.com. Her message resonated with me and made me want to learn more about her. When I read in her bio she was from my home state of Rhode Island, I had to reach out. As we exchanged emails, we discovered a multitude of common interests and experiences. Her well-written bio sparked what is now a delightful friendship.

4. Open the door to other writing opportunities. When you write in your area of expertise and use your bio to share additional credentials, others in the field can find you. For years I wrote articles and devotions for homeschooling parents. One day a friend shared one of my articles on Facebook. It caught the eye of an editor seeking a writer with homeschool experience. When she read in my bio that I had homeschooled for 17 years, the editor invited me to write for their website.

As you craft your bio, make every word count. And don’t use the same bio every time. Customize it for each publication, including details relevant to that audience. Use humor or share quirky details as long as it furthers your purpose. Check with each publication for style preferences and word count.

If you found this article helpful, I hope you’ll read my bio below. If I’ve written it well, it might make you want to visit my blog, vouch for my credibility, be my friend, or invite me to write for you. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of three devotional books including Refresh Your Faith – Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible and Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women, winner of the 2016 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award. A blogger, writing instructor, and inspirational speaker, her goal is to help busy women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time . Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter (@LoriHatcher2), or Pinterest (Hungry for God).

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Magazine and Freelance

Avoid these Common Article-Writing Mistakes

As the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine, I’ve had the pleasure of coaching new (and seasoned) writers for more than ten years. Every month we work together to produce informative, engaging, and inspiring material for our readers. As I review submissions, I often see one or more of these common mistakes:

Common article-writing mistakes

1. Beginning at the beginning

It seems logical, when writing a feature article, to begin at the beginning of someone’s life. That’s where it all began, right? And the details are so fascinating and relevant. Unfortunately a reader doesn’t care about the details until they care about the subject.

We have to hook ‘em first, show them why they should care, then fill in the back story. Twentieth-century filmmaker Billy Wilder described this technique: “You grab them by the throat, their heart is beating, and you never let go.”

Instead of beginning at a subject’s birth, choose the point of highest conflict in their story and dive in. Once you’ve captured your reader’s attention, you can flesh out the details and the back story.

2. Telling not showing.

I find it much easier to rattle off a list of details rather than take the time to set the stage. But whether we’re writing a novel or penning an article, we must create a setting, provide sensory details, and showcase the story.

Dialogue is a great way to inject a reader into the scene by showing. Here’s an example:

“Mom,” Simpson said, raising his eyes and staring deeply into hers, “I’m going to New York to follow my dream.” He swallowed hard, then spoke again. “I hope you’ll give me your blessing.”

Simpson Jackson’s mother knew her response would impact their relationship for the rest of their lives.

3. Omitting description.

In today’s image-driven world, we rely heavily on graphics. We know the art director plans to use photos of our subject in the layout, so we skip the physical description in the story. Why waste precious words on the person’s salt and pepper crew cut or Bambi eyes?

Weaving physical descriptions into our narratives reinforces the graphics and spotlights details we want our readers to notice. Mentioning a subject’s “kind eyes” or “quick smile” also provides welcome description for visually-impaired readers and those listening to an article rather than reading it.

4. Failing to answer the readers’ questions.

Before I submit an article, I run it through the Have I Answered All My Readers’ Questions? test. This is an important step, especially if I’m very familiar with the subject or ministry. Just because I know the vernacular doesn’t mean everyone does.

Set aside your writer perspective and read the article as someone who knows nothing about the topic or person. Make sure you’ve included details that might answer their questions. Some examples might be:

  • How is this project funded?
  • How can I learn more about it?
  • How can I get involved?

5. Failing to define acronyms and jargon.

In recent days we’ve learned about the CDC, PPE, and LMNOP (oops, that was kindergarten). Although terms may be familiar to us, we can’t assume everyone knows what they mean. Unless it’s a universally-understood acronym, spell it out the first time and include the acronym in parenthesis immediately after, i.e. “the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said recently . . .” or “My WIP (work in progress) is coming along nicely.” Once you’ve defined it, you’re free to use the acronym in place of the complete name.

The next time you write an article, edit your piece with these common article writing mistakes in mind. If your work avoids all five, you’ll provide your editor with an article that’s clear, enjoyable, and RTP (ready to publish)!

Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of several devotional books including Refresh Your Faith – Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible and Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women, winner of the 2016 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award. Her most recent book, A blogger, writing instructor, and inspirational speaker, her goal is to help women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter (@LoriHatcher2), or Pinterest (Hungry for God).

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Magazine and Freelance

5 Tips to Make Your Editor Smile

It’s confession time.

I’ve been a magazine editor for nine years. During those years I’ve worked with more than one hundred writers.  I’ve loved and respected many of these writers with my whole heart. Others, well, not so much.

What makes the difference? Are magazine editors like me fickle and random in their judgments? Maybe some are, but most are hardworking people trying to do their jobs well.

If you’d like to make your editor smile, do these five things. Not only will they improve the quality of your submissions, but they’ll win you a place in your overworked editor’s heart forever.

1 Include your bio in every submission.

Even if you’ve written for a particular venue for years, don’t skip this. If you don’t include it, your editor will have to dig into the files of past publications to find your (probably now outdated) bio and cut and paste it into the current article. Sounds easy? Picture having to hunt down a whole magazine full of missing bios.

2 Include a current, professional head shot with every submission.

Make sure it’s a picture that won’t embarrass the publication (or you) when they print it alongside your article. Shun the painful, goofy writer poses (hand on chin gazing off into the sunset, for example) and instead opt for something casual yet professional. Again, even if you write for them regularly, don’t make them hunt for your head shot.

3 Stick to the word count.

If the submission guidelines say 400-600 words, don’t send them 750. Or 300. Editors set word counts based on space in the magazine. If your editor has room for a 600-word article, but you send him a 750-word one, it physically won’t fit on the page. He’ll do one of two things—mercilessly trim off all your favorite phrases or reject the piece outright. Even editors of online publications take their word counts seriously. Although they’re not restricted by physical space, today’s editors and webmasters battle decreasing attention spans and fierce competition for their corner of the worldwide web.

4 Submit on time or early.

Keep in mind that you’re not the only one with a deadline. Editors have deadlines, too. They have bosses who expect them to produce a product –on schedule. Every time you miss your deadline, you make it harder for your editor to meet his. What if you have a legitimate emergency? If you’ve established yourself as a punctual writer, your editor will do everything he can to accommodate. If you’re frequently late, however, your editor may choose not to work with you in the future.

5 Ask and answer the questions readers will most likely wonder about.

One of the first tests I put an article through is the 5 W’s and an H: who, what, when, where, why, and how? If you don’t answer these questions in your article, your editor (and your reader) will become frustrated.

These five tips are simple and easy, but don’t be fooled. They’re verrrrry important. If you implement them as you write and submit, before long you’ll have editors chasing you instead of running away from you.

Now it’s your turn. What tips can you share to help writers make a good impression on their editors? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine. She’s also a blogger, writing instructor, and inspirational speaker. A pastor’s wife who lives delightfully close to their four grandchildren in Lexington, South Carolina, she’s authored several devotional books including  Refresh Your Faith – Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible (Our Daily Bread Publishing) and Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women , the 2016 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time . Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter (@LoriHatcher2), or Pinterest (Hungry for God).

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Magazine and Freelance

Don’t Let “Bio Foxes” Spoil Your Article Submission

For almost ten years I’ve served as the editor Reach Out, Columbia magazine, a regional publication dedicated to celebrating the life and light of Jesus Christ in the world. My favorite part of my job is reading and editing articles—until I get to the end and encounter a problem with the writer’s bio.

Solomon (who must have edited a magazine at one time) warned about “the little foxes that spoil the vineyard” (Song of Solomon 2:15).

Every field has its little foxes. Today I’d like to share four “bio foxes” common to magazine and website submissions. Problems with this seemingly insignificant component won’t totally ruin your submission, but they can hinder a publication timetable, reduce an editor’s efficiency, and make said editor decidedly grumpy.

And we never, ever, ever want to make an editor grumpy.

Four Bio Foxes that Can Spoil Your Submission

  1. Forgetting to include your bio at the end of your submission.

If a magazine allows you to include a bio instead of just a byline, they’ve given you a gift. This valuable piece of literary real estate allows you to mention (and, often, include links to) your blog, book, or website. A bio provides a way for readers to further explore your writing by visiting your blog or website or hop over to Amazon to buy your book. If you include personal details, you help readers learn more about you and enhance the connection they feel.

Whether this is the first time you’ve written for the publication or the twentieth, always, always, always include a bio at the end of your submission. It saves the editor the time and frustration of having to either email you for the missing item, search for it on a previous submission, or (heaven forbid) make one up.

  • Failing to update your bio.

If you’re still using the bio you sent ten years ago, or five, or even two, it’s time to update. Hopefully the list of your writing accomplishments has grown, you’ve gained a new hobby, or added a grandchild or two. Not sure what to include? Study the bios of other contributors and take your cue from theirs. Be sure links and web addresses are functional.

  • Failing to follow the publication guidelines for your bio.

Most websites will specify the length and scope of your bio. If the guidelines say, “No more than 40 words,” please don’t send 75. Worse yet is sending 75 and instructing the editor to “edit if necessary.” An editor has no idea what your priorities are and may very well cut the item you most want to include.

If the guidelines instruct you to focus on your writing credits, personal life, or expertise with the subject matter, be sure to honor the request.

  • Neglecting to include a professional head shot.

Not every site or publication includes a head shot with your bio, but many do. Be sure to attach this (usually in jpg format) with every submission. Even if you’ve written for the publication before, attaching it to every submission ensures that the correct picture will accompany your article. It also saves the editor or graphic designer the time and effort it takes to email you for a picture or search their files.

Your bio may seem like a small thing, but attaching one that is up-to-date, fits the publication guidelines, and includes a headshot in every submission will maximize your reach and please your editor. If you doubt its importance, take a page from King Solomon, one of the wisest writers of all. He was so convinced a bio was valuable that he included it at the beginning of one of his most famous books: “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.”

Too bad he didn’t include a head shot.

Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of several devotional books including Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women, winner of the 2016 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award. Her most recent book, Refresh Your Faith – Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible releases in the spring of 2020. A blogger, writing instructor, and inspirational speaker, her goal is to help women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time . Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter (@LoriHatcher2), or Pinterest (Hungry for God).

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Magazine and Freelance

3 Tips to Help You Secure that Elusive Media Interview

Readers love stories about people. Because readers love stories about people, newspapers, magazines, online publications, and websites love stories about people. If you’re trying to break into these markets, a few well-written profile pieces can be a great way to grab an editor’s attention.

But in order to write an article or profile piece, you first must secure an interview.

Here are three tips for how to bag that elusive media interview:

1. Email through a person’s website

Most websites have a Contact me link or page. Sometimes the website will have an online form you can fill out that includes your contact information and your question. This is the place to paste a carefully-worded request for an interview, called a pitch email. Remember, even though you’re filling in boxes on a website, you should treat this as formal correspondence.

In the letter, include the following information:

  • When you need an interview (your time frame)
  • What publication you’re representing. If you’re a freelancer unassociated with a particular publication, say so.
  • What angle you plan to cover (slant/focus)
  • How much time the interview will take.
  • When the story will be published
  • Anything that sets you apart for doing the interview.
  • Your experience
  • Any point of connection

2. Through a publicist

Publicists are great, because they get paid to book publicity opportunities. They know an article in a local paper or website in advance of an event can provide much-needed exposure and raise the number of attendees.

Speakers want people to attend their events. Musicians want fans to come to their concerts. Writers want readers to purchase their books. If you hear a well-known personality’s coming to town for an event, reach out to their publicist and ask for an interview. A publicist’s information is usually displayed on a celebrity’s website.

I’ve secured many interviews in advance of an event by contacting the local sponsor and asking for the name of the publicist or contact person handling the arrangements. Sometimes the local contact is even willing to reach out on my behalf to request an interview. It’s in their best interest to ensure that the event is well-publicized and attended, so they’re usually motivated to help get the word out.

3. Through personal connections.

I secured an interview with Jack Easterby, the character coach of the New England Patriots, through David, a dental patient of mine. David suggested that Jack would be a great person to feature in Reach Out, Columbia, the regional magazine I edit. “I agree,” I said, “but how in the world would I get an interview with him?”

“His father is in my Sunday School class,” David said. “I’d be glad to ask him if he’d connect you.”

True to his word, David reached out to Jack’s father, who emailed Jack. Imagine my surprise when he agreed to grant us an interview the next time he was in town. The resulting interview generated so much material that we featured him in a two-part series on the role of sports in Christian families.

You never know who knows someone famous. Keep your ears open in conversation and don’t be afraid to ask people to connect you. I was surprised to discover that a man in my Bible study is the grandson of one of the women who started the Vera Bradley company. I haven’t asked for an interview yet, but I plan to.

After you’ve reached out through one or more of these avenues, give it some time, then follow up. Be polite but persistent. If you’re speaking with an administrative assistant or secretary but haven’t gotten a response, ask if there might be a time in the future when the person’s schedule might be lighter, then check back then. Don’t be discouraged if they don’t say yes right away. Some interviews take months to set up.

Above all, pray. Ask God to open doors you could never open on your own. Ask him to help your request find favor with the person who will read it. Ask him to direct you to the people and stories he wants you to write. If you surrender your writing life to him, he will guide your path.

Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of several devotional books. Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women won the 2016 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award. Her most recent book, Refresh Your Faith – Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is due out in the spring of 2020. A blogger, writing instructor, and inspirational speaker, her goal is to help women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time . Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter (@LoriHatcher2), or Pinterest (Hungry for God).