5 Tips for Building Strong Editor Connections

Published on 1 August 2023 6 min read

Be professional and respectful
Show appreciation for editor's work
Follow up appropriately
Engage on social media
Network at industry events

Navigating the publishing industry isn't always a walk in the park. It requires a bit of finesse, a dash of patience, and a healthy dose of perseverance. But one thing that can make your journey smoother is knowing how to build connections with editors. Here, we'll share five practical tips to help you strengthen these vital industry relationships.

Be Professional and Respectful

When it comes to forging relationships with editors, professionalism and respect should be your guiding principles. These are the cornerstones of any successful relationship, and they're particularly important in the publishing world.

Maintain Professionalism in Communication

Timeliness: Respond to emails or calls promptly. This shows respect for the editor's time.
Clarity: Be clear and concise in your communication. Avoid using jargon unless it's necessary and always explain any industry-specific terms you use. This makes it easy for the editor to understand your point.
Consistency: Be consistent in your communication style. This helps establish a level of predictability, which editors appreciate.

Respect Boundaries

Every editor has their own working style, and it's crucial to respect their boundaries. This could mean understanding their preferred method of communication, respecting their office hours, or sticking to the agreed-upon word count for submissions.

Submit Quality Work

Submitting high-quality work shows that you respect the editor's time and their readers. Make sure your work is well-researched, well-written, and thoroughly proofread before you hit the submit button. This will help you stand out and build a positive reputation.

Remember: how to build connections with editors isn't about bending over backwards or pandering to their every request. It's about showing respect, being professional, and demonstrating that you're someone they can rely on. These tips are just the starting point, and building strong editor connections takes time and effort. So, be patient, stay persistent, and you'll see the results in due time.

Show Appreciation for Editor's Work

Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and editors are no different. They work hard to make your work shine, and a little gratitude can go a long way in building a strong connection.

Acknowledge Their Efforts

Editors often work behind the scenes, refining and polishing your work until it's ready for the world to see. It's easy to overlook their efforts, but a simple "thank you" or acknowledgement can make all the difference. Take a moment to appreciate their feedback, their guidance, and their dedication to making your work the best it can be.

Be Open to Feedback

Feedback is a gift, even when it's hard to hear. Instead of getting defensive or dismissive, show appreciation for your editor's input. Remember, they're trying to help you grow as a writer and produce the best work possible.

Respond positively: When you receive feedback, respond positively. This shows that you value their opinion and are open to growth.
Implement changes: When appropriate, make the changes suggested by the editor. This demonstrates that you take their feedback seriously.

Give Credit Where It's Due

When your work gets published, don't forget to give credit to your editor. This can be as simple as a shout-out on social media or a mention in your acknowledgments. This not only shows appreciation for their work, but also helps increase their visibility in the industry.

Remember, understanding how to build connections with editors involves recognizing their hard work and showing appreciation. When you value their contributions, you're not just building a stronger professional relationship — you're also building a stronger piece of work.

Follow Up Appropriately

Everyone gets busy, and it's possible for emails to get lost in the shuffle. A timely and polite follow-up can keep your work at the forefront of an editor's mind, and show them that you respect their time.

Be Patient

Remember, editors are often juggling several projects at once. While it's natural to want a quick response, it's important to be patient. Give them a reasonable amount of time to respond before sending a follow-up. This shows that you respect their workload and their process.

Keep It Professional

When you do follow up, make sure it's professional. Keep emails concise, polite, and to the point. Avoid sending multiple follow-ups in a short span of time, as this can come off as pushy. Instead, aim for a balance between assertiveness and understanding.

Respect their time: When you follow up, do so at a reasonable time. Early morning or late evening emails may not be appreciated.
Remind them gently: A short, polite reminder of your previous communication can be effective. Something like, "I just wanted to follow-up on my previous email regarding..." can work well.

Take No for an Answer

Lastly, know when to take no for an answer. If an editor has declined your work or decided not to move forward, respect their decision. A gracious response to rejection can leave the door open for future opportunities.

Knowing how to follow up appropriately is a key aspect of building connections with editors. It shows that you value their time, respect their decisions, and are committed to maintaining a positive professional relationship.

As digital platforms continue to grow in popularity, it's becoming increasingly important to engage with editors on social media. This can be a great way to stay updated on their latest projects, and show your support for their work.

Follow Their Accounts

Start by following their social media accounts. This will give you a better understanding of their work, their interests, and their style. Plus, it's a great way to show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.

Stay updated: By following their accounts, you'll stay in the loop about their latest projects, blog posts or articles.
Show support: Liking, sharing, or commenting on their posts can be a great way to show your support and appreciation.

Join the Conversation

Don't just follow, engage! Comment on their posts, share your thoughts, ask questions. This not only shows your interest, but also can lead to meaningful conversations and potential collaborations.

Sharing relevant content is another effective way to catch an editor's attention. If you come across an article, blog post, or other piece of content that you think they might find interesting, don't hesitate to share it with them. This can show that you value their opinion and are committed to supporting their work.

Engaging on social media can be a powerful tool for building connections with editors. It allows you to show your support, engage in meaningful conversations, and share relevant content, all of which can help to strengthen your professional relationship.

Network at Industry Events

Industry events serve as a goldmine for networking opportunities. They provide a platform to meet and interact with editors in a professional setting. Let's explore how to build connections with editors at these events.

Prepare and Plan Ahead

Before you attend an industry event, take some time to prepare. Research about the editors who will be present at the event. Understand their work, their interests, and their style. This preparation will help you make meaningful conversations with them.

Know your audience: Identify the editors who resonate with your work or field of interest. This will help you focus your networking efforts.
Plan your approach: Think about how you will introduce yourself and your work. Remember, first impressions matter a lot.

Make Genuine Connections

Industry events are not just about exchanging business cards. The goal is to make genuine connections. Engage in meaningful conversations with editors, ask about their work, share your experiences. This will help you stand out and make a lasting impression.

Follow Up Post-Event

Post-event follow-ups are crucial in maintaining the connections you formed at the industry event. Send them a quick note expressing how much you enjoyed meeting them and discussing your shared interests. This shows that you value the connection and are keen to keep the conversation going.

Networking at industry events is a strategic approach to build connections with editors. By preparing ahead, making genuine connections, and following up post-event, you can form strong professional relationships that can greatly benefit your career.

If you're eager to strengthen your editor connections and enhance your publication success, don't miss out on Jose Espaillat's workshop, 'Editorial Submissions: Shoot Development To Publication.' This in-depth workshop will guide you through the entire editorial submission process, from developing your shoot concept to getting your work published. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert and level up your networking skills!