Do Writers or Editors Steal Article Ideas?
Reasons New Freelancers Should Pitch Query Letters Without Fear
Aug 23, 2009
New freelance writers may hesitate to share article ideas or detailed query letters with other writers or magazine editors, for fear the article idea will be “stolen.” New writers may even be reluctant to pitch book ideas to literary agents or book publishers for the same writing fear: the agent or publisher will kidnap the plot, theme, or characters and run far, far away.
These two reasons to pitch detailed query letters may ease a new freelancer’s writing fears. Granted, there is always the chance that another writer or editor will steal the article idea…but that chance is miniscule.
Writers and Editors Share the Same Pool of Article Ideas
A common scenario: a new (or even experienced) writer pitches an article idea to a magazine editor. The idea is rejected, or the freelancer never hears back from the editor. Then a few months later, their article idea appears in the magazine!
This does not necessarily mean the editor stole the article idea, because there is a cosmic karma flow of ideas that causes writers, editors, and publishers to think of the same article or book ideas at the same time. This isn’t just “cosmic”; it’s common sense. If, for instance, a new research study proves that flossing teeth improves brain health, then writers worldwide will be pitching query letters about brain health and flossing to magazine editors (who will publish the most detailed, interesting article idea they find).
Leads for article ideas are everywhere: the internet, TV news, on Twitter, etc. The global village is small enough that experienced and new writers alike will think of the same article ideas at the same time. The trick is to write a detailed query letter that gives magazine editors a reason to hire you to write that article!
Book publishers and literary agents are similarly affected by this “cosmic flow of ideas.”
Magazine Editors and Other Writers Don’t Have the Same Sources or Interests
A second reason not to fear the possibility that writers might steal article ideas: not all freelancers want to write about, say, brain health. Not all writers have access to the same sources or information, and not all freelance writers want to write about the same things. So, don't fear talking to fellow freelancers about your article ideas or pitch letters -- talking about your ideas can make them more clear and viable.
Further, most magazine editors are far too busy to steal ideas and write articles (unless the magazine doesn’t have enough money to pay writers, leaving the editor to write most of the articles). Most editors are editing articles, juggling last minute problems, and attending editorial meetings to worry about stealing article ideas from writers.
New freelance writers should pitch detailed query letters without fear! The chances are slim that a fellow writer or magazine editor will steal the article idea. Plus, the more ideas freelance writers pitch, the higher the chances they’ll get published.
Resources on Freelance Writing
Writers struggling to think of new article ideas (and who don't want to steal other writers' article ideas!) might find How to Find New Article Ideas helpful.
New freelance writers who want to earn a full-time living might find Articles About Earning Money as a Freelance Writer helpful. And, bloggers and web writers might also like Articles About Earning Money as a Blogger or Web Writer.
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