Getting Ghosted by an Editor? Here's Why

One of the most frustrating things that happens to us freelance writers is an editor that ghosts for no apparent reason. They loved your work and you had a great relationship. Why the silence all the sudden? Why can’t they email you back? Is it your pitches? I’ve had this happen to me many times, and there’s one major reason why editors don’t reply.

Change happens…often

First of all, it’s probably not your fault. In the publication world, editors come and go frequently. And when an editor joins a publication, they get an email address that is specifically for that publication. When the editor moves to a new publication, no on is checking that old email address anymore, so all of your emails go unread.

Why some editors just leave and don’t tell their writers is beyond me. (You’d think they would want to keep their writers happy just incase they need them again in the future.) Once they leave, your connection with that editor is severed…unless…

You keep connected with editors

You need to take action when you make a connection with a new editor. Once you’ve made contact with an editor at a publication, make sure to connect with them on LinkedIn. That way, no matter where their career takes them, you can still get in touch with them about an article idea.

When reaching out, make sure to remind them about who you are in the connection message. Something like, “Hi, Amy. We recently worked together at XYZ Magazine on an article about ghosts in Texas boarding houses. I would love to connect here on LinkedIn.” Chances are, your connection will be accepted, and who knows, they may even offer you another chance to pitch an article.

BTW

If you haven’t heard back after just one email, an editor could have just missed your email. Sending a follow-up with your original message copy and pasted in the new email is always smart after about a week with no reply. If you don’t hear back after a follow-up, the editor may have moved on.