to want to write a wee email to my editor?

[LetThemEatCake]

Me: freelance journalist. Do regular work for a couple of websites and mags around being a full time mum.

Had editorial meeting with one of my editors at end of last year to discuss forward features for one of my regular pieces. I bought up an idea for another regular that I'd had, complete with name/ title. She loved it and said definitely one for the new year. When I spoke to her about it again at the beginning of the year, she said that with the economic situation being what it was, they didn't have the budget right now but would let me know if that changed.

So I'm a bit miffed to find that they have launched the feature, under the title I'd suggested, without me. Think it is being written in-house, so it's not like another freelancer got their paws on it, and I know that there's nothing I can do about it, but just feel like letting her know that I'm surprised and a little disappointed that they have so completely taken on my idea without my involvement.

Would it be wrong to do this? Don't want to have a rant at her and jeopardise my other work, but just want to gently point out that I am not 100% happy.

Hmm - I would have thought there would be an intellectual property issue here. I commission writers in my line of work and I would have been more than a bit nervous about doing what she did - but then, there is a lot of wonga involved in my line of work...and a lot of American's with itchy litty fingers...

Sycamore - it's all done on trust really. You have to hope that people don't rip off your ideas but it happens.
A good commissioning editor will want to keep in with a talented writer - but some don't think like that, fortunately those are the ones that don't tend to last long.
If somebody says: 'yeah we're already doing that' it's very hard to prove otherwise.

Good timing letthem!

Have just sent something off to my editor and, taking a quick break, thought I would check back to see your progress.

I am really pleased she replied so quickly.

It shows she is not trying to avoid you and - possibly - that you have a point.

You were non-confrontational, didn't demand a fee (really off-putting!) and the 'confused' tack is always good. (A bit of self-depreciation never goes amiss!)

IME, good managing editors are so madly busy, they don't have time to seek out the shy, retiring types.

I think you will be at the forefront of her mind now, should something that suits you come up - that doesn't stop you from pitching your ideas too of course!

(Now some virtual hand-holding please as I await the verdict on my recent work!)

Yes, we do a lot of "we're already doing something like that" but honestly ONLY ever when we actually are. I was just surprised this editor didn't say anything at the time as legally that's obviously the best way to protect yourself - innocent or not!

Merrylegs - good luck, let us know the outcome!! What's it on?

ShipsCat - The fee was actually set by her when I started working for her, so it would seem a bit desperate of me if I offered to work for less I think (it's a tiny fee anyway to be honest!! But quite a fun piece to write and a few lurks and perks involved, so I don't mind ... it's moisturiser money...)

However, I would be happy to work for you at a very reasonable rate if our subject matters coincide at all

yes, sycamore, whaddaya lookin' for?

I dunno Aitch, but it's gotta big BIG, ya here? We want BIG IDEAS!

i got big ideas... how big d'ya wan' em?

etcetera. do you want mostly ranting about the state of the world or do you want a Big Plan to fix it?

We mostly want ideas that will distract us all from having to think about it! (without wanting to give away too much about myself - very narrow profession )

I don't commission journalists btw! Not that type of writer...more fiction...

oh i see. like solidgoldbrass...

Same thing happened to me a couple of weeks ago - editor now taking me out for lunch so hopefully will result in a bit more work. Really, really demoralising though.

not sure what solid does - now I'm intrigued!

Oh, I see - quick search reveals all. No, actually, I'm in print - am in another, ahem, fiction medium...one you don't, erm, read

Am NOT in print - doh - right, bathtime.