As all freelancers know, a good editor is worth their weight in gold. The Sydney Freelance Journalists Group wants to recognise those editors whose professionalism and love of good work enhances our industry. Our 2009 winner, Roger Fox, gardening editor for Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, is the sort of editor we would all like to work for. Read about his editing style and the team of freelancers he manages here.
We are currently calling for nominations for our 2010 Award.
There are two categories in this competition – the Good Editor and the Corporate Editor.
The Good Editor Award is for editors of publications / programs that fall under the category of journalism i.e. that do not exist to serve the interests of a company or organisation.
The Corporate Editor Award is for editors of publications / programs that do exist to serve the interests of a company or organisation i.e. they publish / broadcast stories that fall under the category of corporate / organisational media.
Criteria for the Good Editor / Corporate Editor Awards
* shows respect for freelancers’ work
They don’t over-edit, they phone or email freelancers to discuss major changes. They don’t under-edit or allow typos and bloopers to slip past.
* shows respect for freelancers’ time
They don’t ask for the world with no notice, they pass on any contacts they have and show general business etiquette. They don’t change their mind and want a different angle for stories / pictures / work after it has been submitted.
* knows what they want
They have a solid grasp of their publication or their particular department, so they are able to clearly explain what they want when they commission work. They can explain why a pitch is or isn’t a good fit, and if it’s the latter, make suggestions for changes that would bring it on target. Such knowledge also enables them to give constructive critiques.
* is able to facilitate fair and timely payment
Editors should not be the friendly face of publishers or broadcasters who do not pay or underpay freelancers.
* is an impermeable barrier between advertising and editorial
There is a difference between journalism and advertorial. Good editors know and respect that difference.
Good Editor Award nominees must satisfy all five criteria, while Corporate Editor Award nominees must satisfy the first four (there is no need for a barrier between advertising and editorial in corporate media).
The committee of the Sydney Freelance Journalists Group will decide which category nominees fall into. As a guide, publications and programs that sell advertising, or public or community funded broadcasters or publishers are within the category of journalism. Publications and programs that are in-house or exist to distribute information about a company or organisation are within the category of corporate / organisational media.
Email your entries to freelinesydney@gmail.com. Entries close COB Friday 19 June 2010. The winner will be decided by the Sydney Freelance Journalists Group committee and announced at the end of June.
Freelancers from all media are encouraged to nominate editors who fulfill all of the relevant criteria.
Nominate your favorite editor today!
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