It sounds like the start to either a filthy joke or an anecdote when you say “20 food bloggers all sit at the same table”. What possible conversations could they have over the sound of their cameras? Well, as it turns out, bloggers and writers are capable of quite revelatory discussion as evidenced by the conference component of Words To Go, a welcome addition to the diverse Tasting Australia program housed in Victoria Square at the beginning of the month.
You weren’t there, but we want to help fix that by May next year when the conference returns. To begin this process, here’s a token home truth for budding writers of all levels and styles to understand: everyone makes the same mistakes. Nobody is special.
At least, so says former Deputy Editor at The Sunday Times, Max Anderson.
In his illuminating talk entitled Five Star F**k-ups, as part of Words To Go, Anderson enthusiastically conveyed the 5 most common mistakes made by submissions he’s received over his 20 years of industry experience. Time to get a pen and a pad to write these down (or copy and paste, who uses pen these days?):
- Made by 98% of submissions; being completely blind to what a publication/editor needs content wise.
Because we are not all mind readers, you simply must take the time to familiarise yourself with the content commonly featured by whoever you’re pitching to. Pitching something you feel is edgy and left of centre is like proposing to an editor that they consider utter irrelevance to fill a column. Just look at what they already do to know what a publication want. It’s not rocket science. - Made by 60% of submissions; being a crap writer.
To which sadly, the only solution is determined practice and constructive feedback. Moving along… - Made by 20% of submissions; not understanding the identity or agenda of the readers you’re targeting.
Consider you’re a travel writer for a moment. Are you pitching a story about Winter in Spring? What sort of person is traveling to Mozambique in August? And what would they want to do there? This feeds strongly back into Mistake #1. You simply must be clear on the demographics you are aiming your piece at, the relevant timing of your pitch and how it will reach publication’s existing readership. - Not having a strong enough angle.
But how do you know if an angle is strong or not? Well, you’ll need to channel your inner tabloid reader to get a gauge on whether your angle is going to excite. Again, this isn’t about being left of centre, it’s about being able to focus upon what parts of the article will be most likely to capture attention. - Just simply pitching poorly
You might have all the right ingredients, but it that final pitch isn’t focused, condensed, smart, savvy, attention grabbing, an appropriate length and pitched to a specific section of your publication, you’re going to face an uphill battle.
Other issues addressed included over-writing (trying to write photographs), a lack of rhythm and pace, and the need to move away from long form narrative structures. There really wasn’t any punches held back, because quite simply editors are the most overworked people you will ever come across. It’s not that they’re not supportive people, rather they don’t have time for massaging a piece. Wise words.
Keep an eye on the Tasting Australia website for the announcement of the 2017 Words To Go Conference.
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