top 10 things to consider when working with volunteer writers
TRANSCRIPT
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Knowledgeable professionals don’t always come with the best writing skills; know that you may have your work cut out for you.
Recruit volunteers with the requisite knowledge Request recommendations from staff and
members Approach specific members Be prepared to put the time in: varies based on
writing skill** Paying writers
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Choosing your words wisely: The Critique Special considerations: Prima donnas,
language barriers, cultural differences** Build trust and reassure through
communication; communicate, communicate, communicate!
Show respect and appreciation for their time and effort
Provide enough time to complete the job
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Know what you want from the writer and clearly communicate that Expectations: explain your role as editor ◦ Commitment ◦ Deadlines ◦ Editorial and peer review process
Guidelines ◦ Topics ◦ Length ◦ Style, Tone ◦ Include/Exclude Footnotes/Endnotes ◦ Length of bio
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Do you have any flexibility? Should you? And how much?
Deadlines ◦ Never give the real deadline! ◦ Plan 2 or 3 months out depending on the complexity of
the topic, maybe longer. Topics ◦ Editorial calendar? ◦ Timely, not time-sensitive ◦ Plan B: Repurposing previously written articles Recruiting more than one writer for a topic Going to press with fewer pages than planned
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Should your association own everything that appears in its magazine?
Copyright policy in writing Assignment of ownership form in advance Release form for photos Children’s privacy Reprint policy
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No surprises! Stay organized and on top of your writers Tickler system: strategic reminders ◦ 30 days ◦ 2 weeks ◦ 1 week ◦ Night before
Fake deadlines
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The good, the bad, and the ugly: Dealing with crappy writers for the sake of the association Diamond in the rough Document your use of the person** Provide feedback to the president or executive
director with evidence to make your case Be respectful and diplomatic but don’t change
the playbook for this one person Follow best practices Engage writer in other ways that might be more
beneficial
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Critical part of CYA Substantive review of articles Diversity among members Commitment Constructive criticism required Panel members ◦ 5 or 6 members ◦ 1 or 2 members from the board of directors
Steps to CYA ◦ At least 2 reviewers per article ◦ Submit articles anonymously ◦ Keep a paper trail or email trail ◦ Include in-house review for substantive and political
reasons
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Something to consider Controversial content? Advertising and sponsorships? A generic disclaimer on all articles? Example: “The author’s views do not necessarily represent the views of the association or its officers ...”
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When it’s time for a change
Poor quality work Change in focus False sense of ownership Complacency Procedure Using your peer review panel to reject or
terminate with cause Recruiting 2 writers for one column who will
take turns
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Are you motivated/committed?
Can you adapt to the preferred writing style?
Can you accept criticism (constructive)?
Will you relinquish ownership?
Can you accept editorial changes?
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Emily Schuster Editor-in-chief, Dimensions magazine Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Phone: (202) 783-7200 x130 E-mail: [email protected] www.astc.org Twitter handle: @esschuster
Tatia L. Gordon-Troy, Esq. Ramses House Publishing, LLC: “So Let It Be Written … So Let It
Be Done.” Former Editor-in-chief, Immigration Law Today magazine
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Cell: 410.428.2700 E-mail: [email protected] Twitter handle: @tatia_troy