This FAQ came from a reader with a big story to pitch. She writes:
I have a great story idea, but no official journalism training or background in the genre. I have done some freelancing though. I'd like to pitch my idea to a few major magazines I think it would suit, but my concern is that they might just take the idea and pass it on to a more seasoned or well-known journalist. What should I do?
First of all, let's deal with your pitch. A query is not necessarily selling just an idea- it's also selling you. Your tone, your mastery, your style and your spin on the idea are all a part of the package. You're selling the right idea at the right time, which often comes into play. So, keep in mind, your query is selling more than an idea.
When you compose this query, you'll need to find a perfect balance between getting your plum idea across without giving too much away. I know this sounds difficult, but queries aren't easy! Find just enough to whet your editor's appetite.
Let's move on to this editor. In general, editors don't steal ideas. It takes a great many years to work up to the position of an acquiring editor. They develop a reputation within the field, or within their specific company. Stealing one idea from a relatively unknown writer would bring all that crashing down. Would you risk it? I wouldn't.
So, you say you're not a seasoned journalist. However, I'm guessing that you still have a lot of contacts, friends and acquaintances, right? In this digital day and age, you could probably raise enough of a racket to impact a philandering publication. In the event of a tarnished reputation, such a magazine would probably find their queries- from new and veteran freelancers- would dry up very quickly! It's simply not a risk worth taking.
Now, a little warning. Carefully consider the fact that magazines work pretty far ahead of time. If you see an article that looks suspiciously like your idea, consider checking out the magazine's editorial calendar (generally available online). Chances are that your idea was in the works 6 months ago.
Now, I highly doubt this situation would happen. However, to allay your fears, let's take a look at some prevention and recourse options.
- If the magazine allows it, send in a written rough draft. This may seem counter-intuitive, but consider this: your writing is copyrighted the instant you set it into print. Of course, that's not to say that your idea is copyrighted, but it's a start. You may have a greater likelihood of legal recourse.
- You mentioned that you don't have any contacts in this particular genre. But, I bet your friends/acquaintances or other writing communities do. Listen to the grapevine. Reach out and ask about others' experiences with the particular publisher that your are considering.
- Should your idea be written by another, run to the magazine's competitor and sell them your original idea, but edited or changed to distinguish it from the printed version. Put your own spin on it, take it in another direction. Make it local. Make it national. Focus on the causes. Focus on the consequences. Do whatever you can to repackage your product and sell it to a competitor!
