Copywriter’s Guide: Deadlines for submissions

In order to get the October issue of a major magazine dropped on or before October 1, everything must be written, edited, proofread, formatted and approved by September 15. It is September 18, and I just got an email asking if I can include a listing for a fundraising event in the September issue.

You mean the issue that has been on the shelves for nearly three weeks already?

If there is one thing a copywriter learns how to do, it’s write under a deadline. Sadly, those of us who work with others must try to meet these deadlines even when those we work with don’t — or won’t.

If you do any sort of PR for a business — and especially for a non-profit — getting your events listed in as many places as possible is absolutely vital. Your organization depends on you, so don’t drop the ball.
Always assume the deadline for submissions is at least a month ahead. Click To Tweet
Always assume the deadline for submissions is at least a month ahead. Send all of the information (for a list see submitting events) all at once. If you make the editor work too hard to get it out of you, she may well just drop it in favor of the countless others who respected her enough to provide the information.