by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden
Linda Gilden is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She finds great joy (and excellent writing material) in time spent with her family. Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing children!
Several terms you will hear that pertain to article writing
begin with the word “on.”
ON Speculation
Many times you will hear this term shortened to on spec.
This usually follows a query and issues an invitation to send your article on
speculation. That is a tentative “yes" meaning that once your article is received they will read it
carefully and if it fits their needs, will accept it. Acceptance on speculation
leaves the door open for the publisher to reject the work if it is not up to
the standards set in the query. If you have studied the publication and its
guidelines and have written a strong query letter that shows excellent writing
skills, the possibility of acceptance for an on spec article is high.
“I don’t worry about money, this is my ministry.” How many
times have I heard these words at Christian writers conferences when the
subject of money comes up? Many writers seem to think that talking about making
money for your writing is a sin. But the Bible reminds us “the worker deserves
his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18). That doesn’t just apply to construction workers,
teachers, or bank executives. Writers are on that list as well. No matter what
market you write for, secular or inspirational, your time is valuable to you
and to those you write for.
There are several “on’s” pertaining to payment you should be
familiar with.
ON Acceptance
Simply put, payment on acceptance is that once your article
has been accepted for publication, you will be paid within a reasonable amount
of time. This is the preference of most writers.
ON Publication
This term means that even though your article has been
accepted, you will not be paid until the article is in print. Writers don’t
like this as well because your article could be accepted one day and not
published for a year or two later. Occasionally, the time could be even longer.
Another important “on” is on time.
On Time
It seems understood that if you promise an article by a certain
deadline, you will have it done. The importance of meeting deadlines is
paramount for writers. Publishers need to know they can trust writers to
deliver what they promise when they promise it. If you get into a pinch and
need a few more days for an assignment, contact your editor and ask for a few
days of grace. Keep him or her posted on your progress if there is a question
as to whether or not you can meet your deadline.
Paying attention to the details of the writing business is
one of the keys to being a successful writer. So don’t hesitate to ask a fellow
writer if you run into a PSL term that you don’t understand! Feel free to post
questions about PSL in the comment section and we will address those terms here
in the future!
TWEETABLE
To find out more about Linda, her writing, and her ministry, visit www.lindagilden.com. You can also connect with her on Twitter @LindaGilden and Facebook at Author Linda Gilden.
Linda, This was so helpful. I am new to freelance writing. I introduced it to a few of my friends who can write well and fast. They are on their way to supplementing their incomes.
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