Writing with Persistence

PERSISTENCE in WRITING

Win-Win Propositions

Persistence in writing DOES pay off! Win-win propositions pay off, too.

Editors love win-win phrases, which means you have a deal whereby both ends have something to gain. I remember the first time I used that term.

The American Legion’s upcoming 75th Anniversary Edition was in preparation and their national office was only a few miles from me. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that soon enough and when I called to ask about available positions, the kind editor, Mr. Greenwald, said he had filled all of them.

Somewhere on the path of life, I had heard not to take no for an answer so I called again the next day and said, "This is Deborah Owen again. I called yesterday to ask about a position... " and the not so kind editor cut me off mid-sentence with, "As I said yesterday, I have no positions available. Thank you for calling.”

*dial tone*

I didn't sleep much that night. Instead, I laid in bed and devised a plan whereby Mr. Greenwald would have to hire me. By morning, I was ready with my new approach. I called yet a third time and literally read from a written script, faking a voice of bravado and excitement:

“Hello, Mr. Greenwald. This is Deborah Owen again. I understand that you don’t have any openings available, but I have a win-win proposition that's sure to interest you. I'd like to take you out to lunch one day this week and discuss it."

He tried every way possible to finagle the proposition out of me. I sensed that it would be good-bye for good if I told him, so I said, "It's much too complicated to discuss on the phone. You choose the time and place and I'll tell you in person." He hesitated. "I promise to be brief," I said.

After great reluctance, he agreed. We met at his office on Friday and walked two blocks to the diner. All the way there he wanted to know what it was all about but I answered, "There's plenty of time for business later. For now, let's just get to know one other."

I asked how long he had been editor at The American Legion, where he worked before and what his goals were in life. I kept him talking about himself - which is always a great strategy. At the end of the meal he asked about the great win-win proposition. I knew it was then or never. I waded in and tried to look confident and enthusiastic (best done with a smile on one's face).

"I'm a published freelance writer but I have yet to work inside a magazine. I understand the importance of a deadline and I'm never late. I'm meticulous in researching, and I was once a secretary for five men so I have good office skills. I'm a touch typist and a quick learner. Here's my proposition: I'll work for you free of charge. I'll research, write, edit, or sweep floors if you'll let me work on the 75th Edition with you. Teach me. I want to learn. I'll be the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave at night. No matter what job you give me, you can count on it being done well. Now if that's not a win-win proposition, I don't know what one is."

With a smile, he answered, “Let me give you some advice, Mrs. Owen. Never offer your services for nothing. Someone may think your services aren't worth anything, and everyone is worth something. I'll see you Monday morning at 8 am... and I will pay you a salary. I met you because I was curious, and I hired you because you were persistent. Persistence is a good quality. You'll intern directly beneath me and you can have the desk right outside my office."

I earned over $400 as I researched amazing WWI history and ghost wrote 37 articles for that landmark edition. No other job taught me so much in such a short amount of time but some stories don't have a happy ending. I also lost that job because a superior lied to me to my face and I called her on it in front of an employee. When Mr. Greenwald regretfully let me go, he lectured me on the urgency of politics. The high was too high and the low was too low and I dropped out of writing for ten years. But here's the lesson:

When the doors don't open easily, take a crowbar with you! Know what you are going to say, practice saying it out loud (alone), and then go for it! What do you have to lose? Greet the editor with a strong handshake and take him out for lunch. And by the way, don't leave your wallet at home (like I did) and... learn when to button your lip.

Editors want to hire writers who have horse sense, not know-it-alls that put their magazine in a bad light. I know you can do this. Writing persistence and "win-win propositions" will take you far but in the end, you have to believe in yourself.

Mr. Greenwald was one of the main stepping stones that turned me into a writing school founder and administrator. The future is exciting! Go after it. And on the way, swing by my site at http://www.creativewritinginstitute.com.

Best,
Deb