6 tips for asking for editorial business advice over the phone

Before you call an experienced editor for business advice, read these six tips to make sure you create a good impression.

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1. Before you call, email to make an appointment

Unscheduled calls are a no-no. The experienced editor you're seeking advice from is already running a business, and their clients come first. Check their website to find out if they offer business advice.

If you can't find this information, email them to ask whether they're prepared to have a call with you and for how long. Don't assume it will be free ...

2. Recognize that you’re costing them money

Acknowledge that your time on the phone with the editor is costing them money. It demonstrates respect for the fact that the person you're calling is running a business. Every minute they spend focusing on someone else’s business development is a minute they're not spending on their own. 

Think of it like this: If you were to hire a professional consultant, you would expect to pay a fee for that service. So when your chosen specialist agrees to talk to you for half an hour for free, that’s money staying in your pocket, and time they have to make up out of hours so that their income isn't affected.

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3. Have the necessary information ready

Focus on providing information that the editor needs to know in order to guide you.

Don't ramble on about how you're good at spotting typos in newspaper articles and really love reading. Instead, concentrate on the specific business questions you want guidance on ...  what you want to do next, rather than what you already like or feel.

This will make a good impression on the editor because they won't feel that they're spending their valuable time having a chitchat with a stranger. Instead, they'll be focusing on your business goals.

So, before you pick up the phone (or write an email), make a bullet list of the following:

• your career skills
• your educational background
• any relevant editorial training
• any previous editorial experience
• two core things you want to achieve so you can move forward.

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4. Listen

If you call up an experienced colleague-to-be, have your note-taking gear to hand, keep your ears sharp, and ensure the conversation remains streamlined by not straying from the reason you phoned.

Once you've explained what you need, and the editor starts to talk, listen without interruption (unless you need clarification).

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5. Ask for honesty

Ask the person you've called to give you an honest assessment of your prospects. This is really important because it shows them that you understand something fundamental – that you're considering becoming a self-employed editorial business owner, and it isn't going to be something you can just fall into without being engaged, active and organized.

Don't ring up expecting them to tell you not to worry, that everything will be fine if you just dip your toe in the water, have a group hug with a few friends and wait to see how things go.

There will be things you need to do, now and in the future, to have the best chance of developing a solid client base and regular work stream that will secure a sustainable income (as defined by your needs).

If you don't want the editor you've called to throw the business version of a kitchen sink at you, that's fine. But in that case, don't call them! You wouldn't pay a consultant for anything other than substantive ideas for your business development. If they just had a little chitchat with you for half an hour, you'd probably feel short-changed and want your money back!

Toe-dipping is fine if that's your preference, but don't expect a stranger to spend half an hour of their working day to have a chinwag with you about it. They've other things they could be doing with their time.

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6. Show your gratitude

It’s such a simple thing, but saying thank you makes a huge difference. Follow up with an email that thanks the editor for the time they've taken out of their busy schedule to help you.

They're much more likely to keep in touch with you because you've impressed them with your professional and gracious attitude, and they'll want to know how you're getting on!

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