Getting It Right

One of the most important things you can do when accepting an assignment is make sure you understand what you're being asked to do.

I just got my nose rubbed in this when I discovered that a story I've been doing interviews for isn't the story I was actually assigned. They're close enough I can salvage most of my work, but it's annoying as heck. If I hadn't caught it before I submitted the story I would have looked like a right fool to an important editor.

So make sure you understand. Ask questions. If you have follow up questions email the editor. You'll be happier for it.