What to Do When Editors Cross the Line

When you choose to be a freelance writer, you also have to take on the task of dealing with editors. Although most editors you will work with are a delight to communicate with, which offer great advice and information. However, some editors can be very rude and difficult to work with. There are simple tips you can use to evaluate the situation about how to properly handle a rude editor.

Although editors are there to assist writer's, sometimes and editor will feel superior to a writer and try to use that power to their advantage against the writer they work with. This can lead to deconstructive criticism, rude comments, and offensive behavior. Although this type of behavior from an editor can cause your instinct to fire back at them, this can make the situation worse. Therefore, it is important to remain professional no matter what the circumstance.

Remain Professional
Although editors may cross the line with rude and offensive behavior, it is vital for you career and self image to remain professional. It can be very tempting to fire back rude comments but you must practice self restraint when dealing with rude editors. It is important to remain professional because it you begin to fire back at the editor with rude comments, it can damage your career. Rude behavior can give a company cause to terminate a writer, no matter how great their skills may be.

Asses the Situation
Before reacting to an offensive editor, you must assess the situation. Look back at your work and the editors comments, was it your best work? Did you follow the assignment guidelines? Did you meet the deadline? If you answer no to any of these question, it may be the reason behind your editors comments. Editors rely on their writer's to take care of their responsibilities. If a writer does not do this, it can be very aggravating to an editor. Although offensive behavior is not appropriate for an editor in this situation, it may help explain why the behavior occurred.

Make a Decision
Once you have assessed the situation, you may be forced to make a decision. If the behavior continues, you may need to sit back and think whether or not the job is worth keeping. Is it worth dealing with a rude editor or is it time to move on? If the job is worth keeping, all you can do is take care of your responsibilities as a writer and remain professional. If you choose it is time to leave the company, politely and respectively give your resignation notice.

Dealing with rude and offensive editors that cross the line is difficult enough. Remaining professional about the situation and carefully evaluating the experience is vital when dealing with an editor that has crossed the line.