First Magazine Contribution

[ZombieChickensHaveNoMercy]

Hmmm, not sure this is the right section, but hope so.

I sent an idea for an article to a magazine editor, and he was interested. Sent him first draft plus photos which could accompany it. He asked for second draft (first slightly too short). Said he could see it being a double page spread. Redrafted, polished and mailed him second draft along with jpegs for pics. He sent a mail thanking me for my efficiency.

Thing is, I have no idea what happens next. Will he let me know if he decides to publish it? Or should I send him a mail basically saying 'Erm, sorry, this is my first attempt at writing for publication, soooo....what happens next?'. Don't want to be pushy or blow it at what seems like a positive time. Oh, and no one has mentioned payment, least of all me. Have I well and truly ballsed this up?

I'd send an email saying, 'I hope you can use the piece, and I look forward to your feedback.' Then wait for a fortnight.

If you haven't heard anything in 2 wks then send another email along the same lines.

I'm guessing that as it's your first piece, you'd probably pay him to print it... but the NUJ used to list wordage/payrates somewhere. I'll see if I can find it.

He'll probably tell you what he's willing to pay and it's worth just taking that for now

NUJ rates for the job

Did he actually commission it? With a word length and rate and deadline?

No deadline, but he did give me a word length and ask for the redraft as soon as convenient (he had it within the hour). It's a monthly mag, if that makes a difference.

I think you need to be upfront with him about payment. And also WHEN you get paid. Some journals allege - illegally, I think - that they can only pay you after publication.

Also:

when is it going to be published
can you please be sent a PDF when it is published (so you can flash this around to other potential commissions)
would he be interested in some other ideas?

Thanks. That's helpful. Have drafted a mail basically saying that I'm new to all this, so would very much appreciate a few pointers. Kept the tone very friendly. Hoping he will mention payment in his 'pointers'. Gosh, how terribly British

Hi
Was wondering how you got on? Did you hear back from the editor with the info you needed?