there's no way I can say anything without looking like a cock, is there?

[SolidGoldBrass]

I've had a couple of pieces published in a new-ish magazine, which has credibility but not much cash. I'm OK with that.

But they've edited my stuff, both times and (IMO) bolloxed it up. I've been writing (and being paid for it) for 20 years now, and though I have more than once been told to go away and do it again because it's not right, I am not used to being told the copy is great and then having some clammy-handed amateur completely flatten the style and muck about with the order of it. I really really don't think I am being over-precious about my own stuff as there is a clunky bad writing elsewhere in the mag (which may again be bad editing).

But I can't say anything to the editorial team without sounding like my head is so far up my arse I can see daylight, can I?

having had my work reviewed and edited although in a completely different context, I would point out in specific terms what you didn't like and why you thought it was better originally. I would say it's more important to agree what is going to happen next time. I don't know how much say writers have over their work once submitted.

It's difficult to be absolutely specific without looking completely mental and whiny. I think I might just quietly not write for them again .

SGB are you familiar with Giles Coren's rant about editing?!

No experience with this but I can imagine that it is very annoying as your writing is an advert for your services and I can see why you wouldn't want your "style" to be interfered with.

TBH I think that you should say something.

SGB I feel your pain. I'd not say anything this time, but if they commission you again say that you'll be delighted but if there's editing (ie. more than a quick sub) to be done you'd rather have direction from them, and rework it yourself.

Gizz the initials of the mag?

FA: Thanks for that link, yes that is how I feel, pretty much (though I can't help laughing at the way the vengeful subs ran it in the paper without correcting the furious mis-spellings)...

OBM: No
OK it begins with F.

Fanjo Weekly?

Ah - Family Circle. Thought as much.
Or, it's more specialist than that

I used to be an editor and had to edit freelance submissions regularly. Sometimes they would be incredibly good but we still had to edit them to housestyle. As for swapping paragraphs, did you write it in an editorial or news style (ie did you do it most important para, second most important blah de blah blah?) If so this may not have fitted, alternatively this may have been what they were going for.

In any event, don't say anything, you will look like an arse and they won't use you again, editors do have a job to do and whether or not you agree to their editorial decisions thats their job - sorry.

Whomoved: I wouldn;t be whinging so much if I thought they knew what they were doing. I think they were just fiddling for the sake of it. And I have been a copy editor and a sub myself and am used to subbing other people's copy, whether for length or because the person had great material but zero fluency with it.
I know I can't say anything, I am just grumbling.

Yes that is frustrating - has happened to me too. I guess everyone has to justify their salary?

Drives me mad - but happens a lot in the industry.

Subs are the worst, in my experience, as they're usually frustrated writers who think they're too good for the job they're doing. The worst problem I ever had was with a male sub who hated working on female writer's copy and used to hack it to pieces like Edward Scissorhands.

It's frustrating if you write something that has a bit of bite/humour to it and then it's subbed or edited by some humourless twat and all the attitude is removed.

As you're a senior writer with lots of experience, I don't think it's unreasonable to ask that your edited copy is sent back to you.

I'm now working as an editor myself and I would never be offended or think anyone difficult if they did this - a 21 year old just starting out - yes, that would piss me off - but an established writer - I'd be happy to let them approve final copy.