Assignment Letters

The contract between editor and writer.

Assignment Letters

An assignment letter is an editor’s contract with a writer. More and more, these “letters” take the form of email messages.

• Provide too little information, and you risk

receiving subpar work.

• Provide too much information, and you risk squashing your writer’s creativity.

A Good Letter

Builds a relationship between editor and writer.reflects your magazine’s editorial standards includes reader demographicsoutlines submission rulesincludes contact informationdeadlinesword count (be realistic)paymentprojected publication datespecial needs beyond the story (for print or website)

A Good Letter Also

Clearly states goals for the article. assign with a purposesend examplesplan check-insspecial approaches (1st person or not)sidebarsbackground/research expected sources

Fact Checking, etc.

Think about fact-checking needs at the storyassignment stage. It’s easier to get thatinformation now than to scramble around at theend of production.

URLs of pages to link to (not just home page)Phone numbers, emails of those interviewedAny legal documents required (reprint agreement or

photo permission)Contacts for businesses or organizations cited.