I received this email from my editor at the Athens Banner-Herald the other day:
“This morning, I read over your revision of Rabbit Hole Studios and I don't plan to use it. This, like other stories you have submitted, often read as disjointed and unpolished. I truly believe you have some talent, but it needs to be refined. Once you take some more writing classes, I'm sure your work will show a marked improvement. I wish I could work with you on how to best organize your thoughts, creating outlines, identifying a nutgraph, etc. But for now, we need to discontinue our professional relationship. I hope you reach out to us in the future, after you have furthered your education. You should already have received payment for Rabbit Hole and other previously submitted stories. If there is a discrepancy, please let me know.”
I wrote four articles for the Athens Banner-Herald as a freelance journalist. Only two were published. One Q&A was never used nor was the article alluded to above.
I worked my way up from being a reporter to the editor-in-chief at the student-led newspaper at my previous university over the course of two years. I have worked in two other newsrooms as an editor.
I am a proficient writer, which is why I have attached my article here for you to judge the quality of the work in question for yourself. Even if there are issues with my work, it is the responsibility of the editor to make edits and train journalists to improve quality.
After USA Today bought the Athens Banner-Herald, they have received nothing but negative feedback from the community. I am beyond disappointed. I am glad I switched majors but terrified what this means for truth in our society.