I’m in a bit of a pickle. I just had my first article published in two weeks – TWO WEEKS!! Considering that I’m one of only about six writers each for two publications, that’s not good … but it’s not all my fault.
In one corner there’s the small local paper that’s trying to cover the happenings of the local government. Well, some real brianiacs have decided to pay over a public beach to put up a parking lot for boat owners to park their boat trailers (nice, eh?). Anyway – that topic has dominated the news, so my stories on an August breast cancer walk and the early childhood programs at school can wait. I completely understand that.
The other paper, however … is it really my fault? I don’t know.
I’ve already been in contact with four different people regarding four different stories. I NEED to speak with these people, otherwise I’ll have an incomplete story (and it’ll be 150 words long). Here’s my problem – no one is getting back with me.
Am I being too nice? I mean, I have their contact info (usually a work email), so I email. Then I wait. But how long do I wait? And if I only have their work info, is it okay to find their home phone numbers and call them there? How many times do I email them per week?
Some of this just seems too stalker-ish, and I just refuse to call people on Sunday (unless they tell me to). But I’m also sitting here with half-written stories trying to figure out what to do. I just can’t bring myself to badger anyone because I know that I tend to ignore people who do that to me, but I also don’t know how else to get people to call/email me back.
Sigh.
At least I arranged an interview with one guy. I get to go meet him this morning. Maybe that story (at least) will be ready this week!
You could give them a deadline. Say, "The dealine for the article is this date, so if you want to contribute, you need to contact me by this date." That would spur me into action.
I agree with the deadline idea, only I would give them 2 days to get back to you (regardless of the deadline) and tell them if you don't hear from them by then, the article won't be run. Then move on. If you don't hear from them in 48 hours, call the editor and tell him it's a dead story, can you please have another assignment.
You can also ask the editor for his suggestions on how to handle the situation.
oh, good luck! that's a tough spot to be in and I don't have any brilliant advice. but, I'm crossing my fingers over here that it all comes through quickly!
Thanks, all! This is such a unique situation because I live in SUCH a small town, that most of the time the editors know the people they want me to write about.
I sort of feel like a kid running to mommy, but I've done this before – I might just have to "tell on them" so my editor can call them and tell them to call me back!
It seems so silly…but it works.
I like the suggestions of a deadline. I'm not sure how else I would handle it. I'm sure it's frustrating. I hope it works out for you. 🙂
Oh, I hope it worked out. You do seem to be extremely nice, Karen!
I am so bad at these things!!!!
Blessings,
Patti