Why Good Writers Stink at Writing Email

Writers know how to construct the perfect sentence that can transport readers into other worlds, but when it comes to communicating with an editor about rewrites, deadlines, and criticism, often times writers go mysteriously quiet. What should be a harmonious relationship can turn sour when fear of misunderstanding takes precedent.

Both sides of the editor-writer partnership chime in on why writers go offline, why this can be a big mistake, and how both sides can work together as a more productive team.

The devil is in the details

In order for this symbiotic relationship to work, there needs to be direct communication and a willingness to compromise, which can be difficult for a writer worried about possible criticisms waiting in their email inboxes.

“Writers enjoy, writing: Crafting a story, conducting an interview, pulling facts together and creating a flow,” Automotive Week and Wired magazine’s GeekDad writer John Booth said. “Sometimes things like ironing out details with an editor via email might feel more like bumps in the road than a crucial part of the process.”

“A lot of writers are personally attached to their writing — and rightly so, and they sometimes have a hard time separating themselves from their work,” NerdsInBabeland.com editor Marissa Nolan-Layman said. “If an editor offers criticisms, suggestions for changes, or requests for re-writes, it is taken personally instead of as an attempt to push them to produce the best writing they can. I’ve had writers think I personally dislike them, when I was simply asking for clarification on a statement made in a piece.”

Writers don’t know what they’re writing

Before writers begin tackling story assignments, they should ask their editors for a specific spin, tone and preferred sources. The more info they have ahead of time, the less an editor will be surprised with the outcome and less back-and-forth will ensue.

“Make sure you know whether the editor expects an angle, or a just-the-facts summary, or a gathering of opposing viewpoints,” Booth said. “Approach the assignment itself the way you’d approach researching the story: It’s difficult to over-prepare or ask too many questions.”.”

It’s also up to the editor to give their writers as much information as possible so they aren’t writing without a cohesive roadmap of expectations.

“As an editor, I try to be mindful of how attached people can be to their work and make sure my emails don’t come across as dismissive of the time put into the work,” Nolan-Layman said. “I also make sure that everyone knows I am always open to their opinions.

Online misunderstandings often seem insurmountable

Without continual communication, the relationship between a writer and editor can go from being cooperative to adversarial quickly, and can be difficult to correct.

“The biggest mistake a writer can make is to be rude; tone is so hard to discern in emails,” Nolan-Layman said. “Not only will it taint the relationship with the current editor, but it can hurt prospective assignments in the future. The same can be said for editors. I have worked with some editors who were so rude I would never write for them again.”

The best way to repair a fractured writer-editor relationship after a misunderstanding is to be honest and genuine in your apology. People make mistakes and editors appreciate candor over excuses. When you promise to listen to constructive criticism instead of going on the defensive, mean it. Apologies only make a difference if you never have to say “I’m sorry” again.

Over communicating is never a bad thing

Writers who worry about bugging their editors with too many questions about an assignment might be surprised to learn that editors often appreciate continual communication about how an article is coming along.

“Email is quick and easy,” Booth said. “I’ve never been hesitant to pick up the phone and call an editor with questions or concerns about an assignment, and most of them seemed grateful for the effort.”