One of the perks of writing for a particular publication is the rapport you develop with an editor. By the time you’ve written a few pieces that have been accepted by this person, the editorial atmosphere becomes more relaxed, more welcoming. Happily, the responses to your queries will probably be more prompt, whereas you often have to twiddle your thumbs and wait anywhere from a few days to a few months to hear from an editor to whom you are an unknown quantity.
Here are a few of the benefits you can look forward to when you nurture your relationship with an editor:
You know what they want
The editor will take the time to tell you, sometimes in detail, what the publication is looking for, so you get a better sense of the kind of slant they want on certain topics. This gives you a leg up; it’s great for developing subject matter for a new article.
Query with confidence
Most writers sweat bullets over query letters, but once you have your foot firmly in the door with a particular publication, you can relax a bit. Your query letters should still contain all the pertinent information, but you can now go lighter on your own credentials—the editor knows what they are—and concentrate on providing clear, concise information about the article or blog you have in mind.
A better payday
Some publications will increase payment when you have written for them before. You have proven your worth as a writer and deserve a better payday for the articles or blogs you produce for them now.
Repeat assignments
Depending on the kind of publication you’re dealing with, the editor may contact you for subsequent assignments. This is a plus in my book. It’s always nice to be sought out because you produce quality work consistently.
And finally…
Some publications are a dream to work with, and that makes developing a good relationship with their editors all the more rewarding.
James River Writing 