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Best American Sports Writing 2018, Jeff Pearlman guest editor

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by Songbird, Dec 29, 2017.

  1. SnarkShark

    SnarkShark Well-Known Member

    If I had a nickel for all the “editors” who don’t edit...
     
  2. typefitter

    typefitter Well-Known Member

    Magazines often call writers "contributing editors." I was one once. I can't edit for shit. I have no idea why they do that.
     
  3. SnarkShark

    SnarkShark Well-Known Member

    It is quite nonsensical. I am an “editor” who edits (even though I also report), and I definitely know “why they do that.” It’s because “editor” carries stature and authority. It’s a title. People like titles.
     
  4. typefitter

    typefitter Well-Known Member

    "Contributing writer" is also a title. And it's one that makes more sense to me.
     
  5. ChrisLong

    ChrisLong Well-Known Member

    Damn, I have friends who (back in the day) continually introduced me to others as "the sports editor ..." etc. I always have to add the addendum, "I'm an editor, meaning I edit; not that I'm the boss."
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2018
  6. SnarkShark

    SnarkShark Well-Known Member

    “Contributing writer” sounds like “stringer” to me.
     
  7. Azrael

    Azrael Well-Known Member

    Yeah. It's pretty squishy.

    But unlike a stringer, who gets hired mostly one assignment at a time, a "contributor" or "senior contributor" or "special contributor" usually has a contract deal with the magazine and a place on the masthead. Either for some number of pieces during the year, or some number of words to be written, and some agreed upon fee paid out in 12 installments. It's a freelance contract with a steady income but no benefits. "Writers" or "Senior writers," more often than not, are full-time employees with salaries and benefits.
     
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