Thank you for your site and the valuable information you provide. You've given me wonderful advice in the past, and I appreciate that so much.
I have another problem. I just switched jobs and relocated to a new place. The problem is that my editor is micromanaging me. He seems to not trust me at all and actually gives me questions to ask for my story. He tells me through e-mail and in person what he wants me to ask and how the story should be written. The other day he even proposed a lede for me! I don't understand, because I have quite a few years of experience. The lede he wanted was also very thesis-like.
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On a recent story I wrote, he assumed what the outcome would be, and it wasn't like that at all. The editor even went so far as to edit in what he felt was necessary.
I've only been here for a few months and I'm getting ready to leave. I understand that editors have to give input and direction, but I'm also a very independent person who's used to getting out there and getting the story. I'm not a recent college grad either, so I know what I'm doing.
I've covered numerous beats during my tenure and uncovered some pretty great stories. I know how people are and their personalities, but my editor is sending me the message that he doesn't feel I am capable. What should I do? I've tried talking to him, but he just blew me off the other day. I'm not a journalist who needs to be taken by the hand and told what to do. Help!!!
Concerned
This editor doesn't trust your judgment and, from what you're saying, you don't respect his abilities. Before you do anything rash, do two things. Ask more experienced people in the newsroom whether he treats everyone this way. If he does, I wouldn't expect much to change. In either case, I would have one more meeting with the editor. I'd want to clear the air without getting personal and see if you can get some relief. Have this discussion at a scheduled appointment. Tell him it's important. Schedule it over coffee away from the newsroom and deadlines.
Ways to make your point:
"When I am given a lot of questions to ask before I go on an interview, I feel like I'm not being trusted. If I come back and am missing something we need, I'll go back and get it, but I need to make the first stab on my own."
"We seem to disagree on ledes. I am trying to write punchy ledes that will draw readers in. Should that be my goal? Am I reaching it?"
"I know you're my editor and are responsible for what I am doing, but I sometimes feel like I don't get to make many of the decisions. Would giving you more details on what I am doing give me more leeway to handle the reporting and writing?"
Coming Thursday: After going through the trouble of a job interview, she got neither a job nor any feedback on how she did. She'd like to know more.
I agree with Joe that you need to have a...
