I Have a Problem
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I Have a Problem

I recently got a job as a writer at an online newspaper. I wrote this article and sent it to the editor. While all of the information is correct, it's heavily edited. It doesn't feel like I wrote it. It feels like she wrote it using the information I gave her. Should I be honest with her and tell her how I feel about it? Is this normal in newspapers to do that?
JewStar4Life
31-35, F
30 replies 101 views May 25, 2017
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SW-User
Perhaps, it needed to be heavily edited?
Read both versions yours and hers and be honest. Which sounds better, read them out loud, too.
If hers is the better one, take it to heart and let it be a learning opportunity for you.
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
JewStar4Life · 31-35, F
@justmerae: It may be the better one but I don't want to tell people about my article and have them think that I wrote it 100% when I didn't. I just e-mailed my editor now telling her what I think. Hopefully she's understanding and doesn't get mad at me for being honest with her.
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
SW-User
@JewStar4Life: You are telling her how to do her job she will not like that. Like I said even Steven King has an editor...
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
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firefall · 61-69, M
As I understand it, that's -very- normal at newspapers, online or otherwise; especially when you're first writing for a new editor and finding out her quirks and preferences.

I wouldn't discuss it with her, unless you have a fairly close personal relationship
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
JewStar4Life · 31-35, F
@firefall: I spoke to her. She replied back that it's normal for editors to edit articles that they see fit for their publication. That the publications aren't to show off my creativity but to simply report the news. Then what's the point of it all? Yes, I did the interview but she could have done that. She could have done everything so what's the point of me being there if my words are going to end up being her words?
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
firefall · 61-69, M
@JewStar4Life: Well, (1) so you get experience in interviewing & writing, (2) so you learn how to write to please the editor not yourself, and (3) to save her time - I'm sure she could have done the interview & written it herself, but this way saves her time & lets her get more items done.
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
Bohemianbrassstrings · F
It's not normal. Editors check for grammar mistakes not rewrite your paper
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017 · Edited: 7 yrs ago
SW-User
@TheSaint: I am not too experienced myself, actually. I wrote a short article which I sent to my sister who is an English major she edited it heavily ...I felt pretty upset at first, but had to admit it sounded a hell of a lot more professional than what I had written. This was for college. Some of us would die for this opportunity this young lady has and hope she will take the next editing with a grain of salt and not blow her chance here.
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017 · Edited: 7 yrs ago
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SW-User
@TheSaint:
I got a good grade, so she must have known something, I didn't. LOL.
I believe you.
And yes they did.
I imagine you have to earn your stripes before you start demanding things.

Writers have big egos and they love the words they create sorta like someone telling you your kid is cross-eyed,even though it is true and you have to correct it, the first thought is :How dare you!!
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
SW-User
It's what the editor do! But don't let her take your credit!
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
SW-User
@justmerae: I didn't type or say 100%.
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
SW-User
@Breadroll: Sorry must have responded to wrong person
+ 1 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
SW-User
@justmerae: It's ok :D
+ 1 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
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GJOFJ3 · 61-69, M
That by definition is her job to edit what you write. As long as she used your article and you byline you have nothing to worry about
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
Bohemianbrassstrings · F
You people need to quit talking shit. She wants advice not your loud opinions. Damn
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
xSharp · 31-35, M
who owns the news paper? they all lean somewhere..
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
IcePrincess · 26-30, F
It's "normal" everywhere...
+ 0 · Reply · Translate · May 25, 2017
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