Being a writer is so weird and difficult and strange. Being a freelancer even more so. I've spent the better part of a week gently harassing a magazine that I pitched an idea to in DECEMBER. They said yes and it would run in March. Since then I went ahead, did the interview, wrote the draft, re-pitched as a blanket email went out for pitches and cc:ed everyone else important in case someone else would get back to me. I called the editor who said we'd do it. I emailed. I emailed someone else. And then I emailed all three together and said, hey what's going on with this pitch?
I haven't heard anything back. My friend says go sell it elsewhere. It was my idea and I did all the work. But it feels sleazy to sell it elsewhere. That said, the aforementioned magazine just hasn't gotten back to me, and I think I've been pretty cool about it. I mean, it's over 2 months without a hard deadline and contract. They said they'd make it work but I haven't heard anything for a while. I dunno why they won't get back to me--maybe they want a "more capable" writer to write a longer piece. I don't think it's the content because it's about a topic that is time-sensitive and about a band people really want to read about (plus their album drops right around when the issue would). So I guess I go elsewhere? I mean do I have to tell the first people? And I know this is not important, but why oh why don't people just say "no" in the first place? It would have felt much better to hear a "we're not into your style these days" instead of waiting around like a jackass and promising it to this band and having to call and email and beg for someone just to give me a deadline.
Writing sucks and rejection is involved at every turn. Why I chose it, I'll never know.
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4 comments:
Hmm, that sucks. Sounds like you need to go to another magazine with it before it becomes old news. Maybe you should go to a magazine that isn't in direct competition, though, so you don't risk pissing them off. Maybe you could try a UK-based magazine?
I'd go to another magazine, then, if and when the first one re-contacts you, just tell them you are not interested anymore.
I don't think they don't want your piece, they are just very disorganized...
I hate sticky situations like that. Maybe try a phone call and when that doesn't work, take it to another magazine? I know it feels gross but you are the only one who is going to look out for you so gotta just do it.
Thanks guys,
I have taken the pitch elsewhere. Eep!
Burning bridges....aaaah.
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