Through the years, I’ve heard too often from people that I should write my own story about all the events that have happened in my life. Of course the people who know some of these aspects are family, friends and coworkers. But if I do what everyone requests, it’s going to be a story with huge chunks missing or, at the very least, people important to those chunks.
I wrote a travel piece for an online website, which I had heard good things about. Although the pay was low, many postings about this site said they paid on time and that writers had no problem with the editor. I wrote an article for them about a ghost tour I took.
My article appeared on the website at the beginning of October. But it wasn’t really my article. I expected some editing – buried lead moved to front of story, etc. But they actually added paragraphs of detail that were not mine, including a location and ghost story that I neither visited nor heard. I would say about 50% of the story is actually mine.
I have had editors make changes before. One of my editors even added a paragraph to my article, due to some last minute information I received. But I provided her with the information and she sent me back the manuscript to review and approve what she added.
I am not sure what to do. I don’t care at this point if I receive the $25. I am worried that I won’t be able to resell this article with all the changes. And I haven’t been using this as a clip; I don’t want to explain why the clip is so different from my manuscript.
Richard’s mom and her boyfriend left on Tuesday morning. We had a fun visit and, on leaving, his mom hugged me and said I was a “good hostess.” So, I want to thank all of you who sent in easy recipes for me to use while they were here! I’ll admit, we did eat out while they were here, too, but that sure can get expensive. I enjoy cooking at home much more. We took them to Bar Harbor for a day, to our favorite antique mall, and spent Sunday driving to our land, which was resplendent in its fall colors! It was gorgeous and we are dreaming of next spring when we’ll start building.
This Week:
In order to determine whether podcasting is a good choice for your book promotion efforts, you need to learn the basics of podcasting.
I heard through the grapevine that a major retail chain store here in my hometown was looking for a full time copywriter. I sent over my resume and writing samples to their inside ad agency. The creative director said that they would be sending over a little exercise “to see what their applicants could do with a pair of assignments that we might actually take on.”
With marketing in mind for two states (where they are planning on opening stores), for the “test,” they want one :30 second grand opening TV spot and one :60 second radio spot. In addition, for another campaign, they want one :60 second radio spot targeted at teens.
Sounds to me like a lot of work for free. I’m not going to do it. I don’t need the work that much but want to reply in a dignified way. What are your thoughts?
I won’t give in to Murphy’s Law. You know, “If anything can go wrong, it will.” I am convinced that Murphy’s Law happened to me again when my assigned sources never followed through on an interview. Of course, this also was during a time when I was ready to leave for vacation, and my family and I were getting ready to move. Besides, I insisted on meeting my editorial deadline, and keeping my writing moving forward during these seemingly stressful events.
In anticipation of the arrival of my mother-in-law this week, we cleaned the house from top to bottom. Ali (age 15) complained the ENTIRE time I spent in her room rearranging drawers, sorting clothes, looking under her bed and hope chest (pretty scary!), and arranging her books, among other fun things. But, she was very happy with her new room when I was finished. The very next morning, I walked into her room and was horrified to discover it looked like I’ve never even been in there!
Amazon allows any Amazon customer to post a review about a book, even if that person did not purchase the book from Amazon. This means Amazon has no way of verifying if that person has even read the book or not.
I know people with a lot less on their plates who are anxiety-ridden and depressed! Despite all you’ve been through, you manage to write about it concisely and in a fashion that’s certain to help others.
You’re a caring, giving, valuable person not just to your immediate family but to your larger family of fans and writers. Those of us in the latter group are glad you’re taking care of yourself. Soon life will brighten and you’ll feel yourself again. Meanwhile, we’re out here cheering for you.
By the way, the John Borchardt article is the best I’ve read on the subject of white papers. Thank you for a wonderful publication.
All the very best,
Paulette
