I am speaking to a diverse group of media professionals, next week, who are looking for a job. They are corporate media professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to land a job that pays the bills and doesn’t suck the living daylight out of their souls.
[Good luck, right?]
Obviously, I need your help. You are job seekers, recruiters, and HR professionals.
- What do the attendees really need to hear about the state of the American job market? Is it getting any better in your opinion?
- What mistakes have you made in your job search? What should the audience avoid?
- Is now a good time to start a business or freelance in the media industry?
- How do they find a job in the media industry without compromising their values? Can they?
We need some straight talk from experts: you.
I am offering three $10 gift cards to Alice.com if you can provide some guidance for my presentation. Comments are open, and I would really like to ensure that the mediabistro attendees walk away with practical & honest advice. They’re paying for this session. Let’s make it worth their while.
[Side note: I will acknowledge your names & ideas if I use them. A rising tide lifts all boats — and since I have this platform, I would love to help others learn from your experiences and knowledge.]
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
The American job market is slowly improving. Positions that were once in demand have shifted, professionals need to adjust to the new job market and learn appropriate skills. In addition, job seekers need to change how they search for a new position. They must be avid networkers both online and offline.
Researching industries that are in demand now AND that fit the candidates passion and interests will go a long way to creating a targeted job search.
I think right now is a great time to start a business or freelance as long as they have done sufficient research and create a good business plan that they are willing to adhere to. Like anything else, it takes a tremendous amount of work to start a company/freelance.
The job market is getting better. In pockets. There are some areas of the country that are better than others for jobs and some industries that are doing better. We are hiring due to growth at a pace we never estimated 6 months ago.
The biggest mistake that can be made in a job search right now is not being open to relocation. Many big cities may be years in recovery, while in other areas things are strong (read this: http://bit.ly/HXu69 ). Just like in some post apocolyptic world we have to accept that we are career nomads, we go where the jobs are, we can’t wait for them to come to us.
If they feel they have a nice to fill, then start a business, if not don’t. Many companies are torn between using flexible employees, like consultants, and hiring their own. The trick right now is if you think you can make more and want to spend at least 50% of your time trying to hustle up business do it. On the other side of the coin, know that companies are using this down time to upgrade talent, and there are real efforts to ID the best players out there.
Please feel free to let the group know, I have an excellent opportunity for a Director of Public and Media Relations, that we are just opening. The position will be based in Marshall, MN, so it ain’t NYC or Chicago, but we have a solid economy, and many great things to offer.
Okay Laurie- I have been living this nightmare of being unemployed for the past 6 months. I have also been on the other side helping desperate folks to find a good job.Some things to remember:
*You must get out there and infront of hiring managers. You can not apply online for a job and expect a phone call
* Utilize Social media Applications. Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin Network, upload your resume. A Summary of Qualifications
* FOLLOW UP!
*BE AUTHENTIC, Do not inflate your skills, and try to be someone you are not.
* Do Not Give UP!
Shennee
I think the market is getting a little better. At least, there’s more job postings out there. Doesn’t mean there’s any less people looking though.
Mistakes I’ve made? Trying too hard, following up too much – looking desperate.
Recommendations? Be flexible and open to different ideas – let the companies know you’re willing to set up different situations (contract, part-time, etc).
I don’t think it’s a good time to start your own companies – I think contracting is a better way to go. Check out odesk.com for hourly contracting gigs. Maybe after you get a few good jobs under your belt and you can market that.
Also, I don’t think this is the time to be idealistic about what you want in a job. You don’t necessarily want to take something if you’re going to be miserable but you also don’t want to be too rigid in your requirements. More of a ‘wish list’.
Most importantly, network, network, network. Request informational interviews and DO NOT ask for a job. Do your research on the company and ask intelligent questions. Let them know you know your stuff and have done your homework. And, make sure you keep on top of recent trends. And follow up, just not everyday.
Job Market is building up slightly, so be patient and opportunities will come.
Normally, I would say to people to network and build relationships, which should be number one. However, since you’re talking with media professionals, I tell them to go the extra mile. Tell them to take advantage of the resources the internet is giving from social media, YouTube (or other video outlets), and podcasts. Media is the only showcase you can prove you can handle the job by proving through the media streams. Broadcast yourself and promote it to the key people, either your friends or potential employers. Don’t sit around and wait for a job opening, force yourself into the discussion.
And if all else fails, you can talk to Jessica Lee.
Lately I have been paying attention to people my age (over 50) who are unemployed.
I recently spoke with one person who had sent out over 750 resumes in a year and received 4 responses.
I went OMG!. His response: That’s better than some other people my age that I know, (60+) so I must be doing something right!”
We also discussed other ideas for him to pursue. Here is a version of the plan we came up with.
1. Network in non-traditional groups (tech, social media) to break challenge age perceptions
2. Utilize non-tradtional search tools. I recommended a number of job aggregators and local boards outside the big 3. Indeed, SimplyHired, workforce50, Linkup, jobshouts
3. Resiliency – consider other oportunities – contract, consulting, – look for work places like elance, guru.com, sologig.com, odesk, and others. Consider teaching at colleges or on-line at schools like Webster or U of PHX.
4. Get over the idea that you have to work in a certain business sector. Stretch boundaries. Consider non-profit, etc
5. Increase your geographic reach. Consider New Orleans, for example. Relocate if necessary, and if possible. You can always move back where you left down the road if you want to.
6. Increase your voice wherever possible, with relevance. people will see it. It might help, and certainly can’t hurt!
7. Spend time on new things just for you. Be assertive about your job search, but don’t let it consume you.
From my perspective down here in Birmingham, the market is getting better. I’ve noticed far more job postings, at least in the HR world.
I would suggest they look for markets that are growing such as healthcare outsourcing. And as @Puf said, dont be afraid to move to a job if you are able.
The best advice I can offer is don’t be desperate and if you are, dont show it. This includes stalking, saying you’ll do anything the company wants and applying for every job the company has open.
I am a very “seasoned” professional in all phases of marketing communication. However, as a creative director, VP creative, public relations professional, video producer and account manager, I have never really learned html, dreamweaver, photoshop or other programming and design tools — there’s always been someone else good to focus on that. Many jobs I’m seeing want a marketing communications manager/designer/content developer/programmer all in one package. My strengths are really in writing and direction but…should I go all-out to learn web programming??
To completely ignore the job market side of the issue…
I’m a huge believer that people should do their own thing. An artist or creative has the products in his/her head to make thousands of sales. That creativity is their most powerful tool, and strapping that into a 9-5 job is almost guaranteed to kill it. If they’re just starting out, then there’s nothing wrong with working a full-time job to learn the ropes while developing creatively outside the day job. But long-term, *I hope none of them settles* for what corporate America has to offer.
Anyone with a few years of experience should know the basics of the industry (whether writing, web design, photography, videography, or something else). Taking that foundation and augmenting it with their creative talents can produce some amazing results. Chris Guillebeau is a great example. He has expanded on what he’s good at (writing/teaching) to create something amazing.
Being a freelancer or a self-employed artist isn’t for everyone. But those that do choose to go the distance *take the risk of becoming amazingly successful*. If they are looking for info on how to get started or take it to the next level, Freelance Switch is the best site that I’ve ever used to learn more about the subject.
Inspire them, Laurie. The world *needs* more creative people.
I can only give advice from an IT – Technical Recuiter perspective– and also past experience working in media. It looks like there are quite a bit of IT/Technical positions available– yet from what I’m getting from HM’s, companies are looking for candidates who can wear two or three hats, ie. More Bang for Their Buck!. Most are administrative positions these days, versus new projects being developed, etc.
I think anytime is a good time to start a business or freelance– you just have to work twice as hard in times like this. I’d say, from what I’ve researched over the past few weeks, that social media is on a serious upswing— and getting in on that bandwagon would be optimal. Maybe creating the next Twitter?? How about an interactive social dating site for the “Not so smart, and kinda plain looking” people in our society?? (There’s ALOT of them out there!!) History is important to most employers or investors, so risking uncharted territory? I wouldn’t recommend. Stay with your strengths– at least for now.
Sorry– there’s always some compromising in business– unless you’re independently wealthy or have the next Microsoft stuck in your garage somewhere. Just how far you’re willing to go is what will determine what values are compromised— everyone has their price— so what’s yours???
About relocation — I agree people should be willing to do it, but for a lot of them, it’s not that they don’t want to relocate so much as that they can’t. After all, it doesn’t help matters that the housing market has tanked and is still bad while this weak job market is going on as well. A house can be a weight that’s hard to get rid of. But if you can relocate, by all means do it.
I also agree that being open to contract opportunities is a good idea. You don’t need to do it forever, after all, and they can lead to permanent jobs (case in point: me). I read a tweet from someone today that said the staffing industry has doubled in size in the last six years.
Laurie,
I am working, now. I was laid off from a publishing company last June and endured 8 months of unemployment. Prior to working for the publishing company I was with an ad agency in Dallas, TX.
Some observations from my experience networking and staying networked before, during and after unemployment.
I think the market is improving in some industries and locations, regardless of the broader indicators, candidates need to get on board with the following:
1) Don’t pay too close attention to the news! Unemployment statistics are a blunt indicator and paying too much attention to them will do nothing but stoke your fears. Unemployment is NOT evenly distributed, it can be much lower or higher depending on geography, industry, level of education… and (sadly) age, race, and gender. If you’re unemployed, the unemployment rate is 100%. Focus on that.
2) Get with the most brutally honest acquaintences you can and let them critique you in a mock-interview. Friends are nice and reassuring. Acquaintences may try to spare your feelings, but are more likely to be honest about your ill-fitting clothes, excess cologne, or poor choice in facial hair. They’ll also tell you if you’re too soft spoken or unresolved in your presentation. You’ve got time, job #1 is self-improvement.
3) Use the networking tools out there. I am practically ready to suggest people ignore Monster and Career Builder entirely. Make Linked-In or any industry specific professional networking site stop #1. Get your name out there. Then, identify companies you’d like to work for and apply directly for open positions (if/when you find them) through their websites. Indeed.com is a terrific aggregator of jobs listed on corporate sites.
4) Healthcare is an issue. I hate to break this to everyone, but I was in a professional networking group and often observed a correllary between physical fitness and your desirability as a candidate. It’s illegal, but almost unenforceable, to discriminate against candidates based on their age, weight or any health issues (assuming they don’t directly interfere with the ability to execute one’s responsibilities) — but people do. Given the choice between two equally qualified candidates, the job is far more likely to go to a candidate who appears to be in good health and conveys energy than someone who is tired and/or overweight. You can’t change who you are, but it’s worth the time (while unemployed) to stay fit and to eat right. Use the shock to your schedule to establish new fitness and diet routines that will improve your health and it may improve your chances of getting a job.
5) Time always favors the employer. The people you interview with should not be distracted with your plight, your resume or the application you complete will indicate when you last worked, but you don’t really want that factored into how you’re being evaluated as a candidate. The process can take weeks, even months, for a company to sufficiently review applicants, interview candidates, refine the search and identify the best prospects. Unless you have an offer pending that would force a decision on the part of the company considering you, patience is required and it’s good to convey.
6) Freelancing is a great way to network and to appear valuable to potential employers. I am seeing many people make a “soft” entry into a company this way. They start as contractors or freelancers before being hired. It sucks from a tax and benefits perspective, but it’s part of the cautiousness of American business now. Rather than insist on a full-time position, be prepared with an idea of what you’d charge hourly, weekly and monthly as a contractor or consultant. I didn’t even think of myself as unemployed, but “temporarily self-employed” — it sounds better even if you don’t have any work when you say it.
Hey Laurie – i posted my comment here on HRH and got several comments over there. I wanted to share this awesome advice that someone left as a comment to my post.
___________________________________________________
Awesome article but you missed something. In 2006 I interviewed with a general manager and later with a recruiter; both were some where in their early twenties.
When I accepted the job offer my friends went nuts. I was 51 working for a general manager half my age and most probably be the oldest peep in the company. Hear my famous “WhatEVER”. I am sure my point is obvious.
I talk to so many job seekers in my age bracket who would have absolutely refused to consider working for a boss half their age in company of twenty somethings.
OMG much less “endure the humiliation” of being interviewed by a twenty something. Age never entered my mind or the minds of anyone else here at Jobing. Amazing how a mind set has the potential to limit one’s options.
Angela Rosario
Jobing.com
My advice: You already have a job. It’s called “finding a new one,” and it is the hardest, toughest, most grueling job you can find.
Get Out There. Blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, Network, Network, Network. As soon as a position is posted, apply and apply well. Do not send me a cover letter saying you are interested in my admin assistant position, when you emailed regarding a Public Relations Coordinator position. Do not act desperate. If we are hiring, we already know you are desperate for a job–believe it or not, I do read your resume. If you have to call and if you are polite and ask good questions about the position, you’ll probably get an honest answer. Remember though, my assistant will know you name if you call 50 times and she will tell me about it….so, don’t do that.
I took the punk rock approach here, so sorry if it is a little harsh.
Sincerely, A currently over-worked, thankful to have a job, HR professional.
These are definitely not times for the faint of heart and it can take a lot out of us to find meaningful and fulfilling work. Out of this economic turmoil is a wealth of opportunity though for true leaders. What better time to put your entrepreneurial skills to use. Start a new business. Give it a shot if you have it in you.
The job market is definitely changing. As others have commented, networking both on-line and in person is the key. The mistake I’ve made and have seen others make is submitting a bunch of cover letters with resumes to companies I had little knowledge about beyond what was posted on their website. Get out there and meet people. Talk about what you do and what you are passionate about. A good elevator speech goes a long way.
An excellent way to network is volunteering doing something that you love. You’ll be surprised how others will help you when you are helping them. Not to mention that it is a great way to escape that job searching funk for a while when the positive engergy comes back to you.
My advice is this: If you are considering freelancing or starting your own business, consider your health and the liklihood that you can a.) buy insurance you can afford or b.) get insurance at all.
It is sad to say, but one must consider pre-existing conditions and or conditions that may disqualify one from being able to buy insurance before deciding that they do not need a big employer with a big employer healthplan in their future.
My SIL cannot get anything but catastrophic insurance because of her health issues – which are NOT major but the insurnace companies consider her high-risk and so NONE of them will sell her anything but catastrophic. Bummer. So, she has given up on the idea of working for herself and has gotten a job that offers a group plan.
Things we have to consider in the USA…
I remember the first time I tried to get into an “Exclusive Club”. I had just left a Prince concert and caught wind that his gang planned on stopping by a certain private club after the show. My friends and I were hell bent on going.
When we arrived there was a line outside that wrapped around the building like a 6 flags ride (everyone, pitifully desperate to get in). Unless you were on the guest list or could stand to lose a grand or two to the doorman you didn’t stand a chance.
I realized at that moment that I had two options:
1. Ask my friend to flash the bouncers.
2. Make such compelling impression on someone who was “already in” to the point that they’d bring me in through the back door.
My friend said no. Instead she, like the rest of the crowd, started kissing up to the doorman begging him to let us in. That didn’t and never does works.
I noticed that the dude who did a keyboard solo during the show was around back and getting bombarded by a group of girls. With a quick pace, a ton of confidence and authority I walked over and shouted “Ladies, step away and please let this gentlemen through” They all assumed I worked there. I grabbed his arm and led him through the crowd towards the back door.
Afterward I looked up and said “you looked like you could use some help” then I started to walk away. He grabbed my arm and said “Hey wait. wow? that was really cool what’s your name?” I told him my name and he invited me in.
I think you should approach getting a job the same way.
1. Don’t waste your time on the doorman or following the crowd.
2. Work to deliver a big favor/impression to someone on the inside who can take you through back door.
3. Even if it works, never flash the bouncer.
Laurie-
I hope this helps. What a great way to build a presentation with different people who have made great suggestions. To answer your question:
What do the attendees really need to hear about the state of the American job market? Is it getting any better in your opinion? The market is tough no matter how you cut it and will most likely remain so for the next year maybe two. Most companies are really looking at filling positions that have turned over instead of adding positions. The influx of new positions will slowly start building in January but my thoughts are we don’t see 1998/2004/06/06 hiring numbers for two three years.
What mistakes have you made in your job search? What should the audience avoid? First off, don’t use social media to network, use it to identify people in your existing and potential network. A lot of people tend to think that since social media is the latest craze, s/he should use it to communicate. We have become a society that has become used to hiding behind emails, tweets, InMails, Facebook..yada. Pick up the f##$#$ phone, reach out and network with your voice. This will show your passion. Most people are empathetic to job searchers these days and will provide advice. One thing I used to do when I was younger was set the call up as a network and then ask if they had opportunities coming open soon. BOZO, I was. It made the recipient feel very uncomfortable. Also, don’t stop networking after you find your job bc in the next job market when you have stopped networking for the last 3 years and you call that same contact…it shows you only need them when you want them and not at any other time to share information and collaborate.
Is now a good time to start a business or freelance in the media industry? Kevin Wheeler, Recruiting Guru believes that our economy has shifted to the lifestyles back to post revolution when most people were independent creating roles such as Farmers, Blacksmiths, Carpenters. In speaking to Wheeler, he believes that we will see an increase in independent workers. I believe that if you can work as a contractor for a business, do that. Starting a business in this economy is not a good idea at least until some time next year. If you have a stellar idea and can offer something no one else can…go for it. I tried my hand at my own business in January 2001. 9 months and 11 days later..well, you get the idea. I would recommend holding off for now.
How do they find a job in the media industry without compromising their values? Can they? Yes they can. (if I understand the question) Depending on the media medium, focus on blogs, guest writing opportunities and speak with firms that have a need for professional media skills on a contract basis. Topics on their blogs to keep their skills fresh should focus on industry trends, but make sure they are dead on with what they publish to ensure credibility.
Laurie, Jenny DeVaughn had some great ideas so you should reach out to her. I have a presentation I can send you that I did a few weeks ago for a Job Angels group here in Dallas. I can also share some links, but it depends if you are going to give them skills on LinkedIn and Twitter and their level of comfort.
Found this post form a few days ago. May be appropriate for your presentation.
http://www.cruitertalk.com/2009/07/27/geoff-peterson/
This is all good advice — and I will actually craft a response to each and everyone of you. For the record, here are the winners of the Alice.com gift cards based on a randomly generated number from http://random.org
1. Low on the Totem Pole
2. Amada from http://santabarbaragal.wordpress.com/
3. Suzanne Kart from http://genxpert.blogspot.com/ (who posted on Facebook)
Congrats to the winners. Please email me your addresses at Yo@PunkRockHR.com so I can send your gift cards!
Hi Laurie,
I’m an laid off web producer from a Fortune 500 company. I frequent MediaBistro events and hope this can help.
My advice, no need to beat a dead horse everyone knows the state of the job market people looking for jobs know where it’s at on a day to day basis. Stay away from generic advice like “use linkedin, twitter & facebook” Typically creative media personnel tend to be the early adopters of bleeding edge technology and time spent talking about it is a waste of time.
From my experiences job searching and formerly hiring media professionals, I would prefer to hear about:
Portfolios: Both hard copies and online versions
- What do recruiters and hiring managers really look for in portfolios, writing and previous work samples.
- Are they actually looked at?
- Are there/have you seen ways to make your portfolio stand out.
- With portfolio samples, do you want just the finished product or should it be beneficial to include project goals and description or precisely what was done
- I’ve read previous posts saying leave the hard copies of your portfolio at home when you’re interviewing? Is this true and why?
Freelancing vs. full-time employment
- How do recruiters and hiring managers view on-going freelancing. If I work at “Major Corp” for 4 years but also do part-time freelancing work listing as my company “Urban Fluffy Unicorn” where I’m the business owner and say graphic designer or copywriter. How should I list this on my resume, especially if the time frames are overlapping?
Does previous “moonlighting” show perspective employers a lack of devotion or loyalty to the perspective full-time job? What about when your cute home business name that seemed creative 2 years ago but now is completely inconsistent with the a professional you’re currently trying to portray?
When you own your freelancing business should you include any of the business aspects and or list yourself as the CEO?
What do recruiters think when they see 4 years “Graphic Designer at Major Corp”, “(same period) 2 years President & CEO of “Urban Fluffy Unicorn” followed by “2 years Copy Editor at Big Bank Corp”.
I hope this helps!
Jarrah- feel free to reach out to me @ michael.goldberg@freemanco.com and I will be happy to answer your questions. This is great material to think about for Laurie’s presentation.
@David Sage advice. Thank you!
@Puf I will let them know — and thanks for reminding us that we are in the post-apocalyptic Mad Max world of the Thunderdome.
@Shennee All good advice. Thanks!
@Rebecca I had never heard of odesk.com, but I know companies who are bringing IT functions back to America and putting them in low-wage areas (WI, VW) and capitalizing on American talent. I hope that’s a trend that continues.
@TracyTran Maybe I should bring Jessica Lee with me??
@adowling Stalkers: don’t hire them, don’t date them, and don’t be one.
@Clare You need to learn skills for the jobs you want to do. Many times, job descriptions are a catch-all for every skill out there. You’ll be hired based on who you know, how you present yourself, how you turn any weakness into a strength, how you can solve problems for a potential employer, and how you look (physically) compared to other candidates. That’s the formula, more or less. If you can’t do Dreamweaver, can you do something else that’s related to the job? Can you solve problems for a company in a different way?
@Ben I think the world needs more creative people. I just wish creative people didn’t need 401ks and benefits.
@MattyMat Everyone does have a price. If my husband lost his job, tomorrow, I’d be on the street looking for health insurance. That’s how it works.
@Tim Good point about working as a contractor. Every job is temporary — even the permanent ones.
@Christopher Awesome & special props to #4 and #6.
@MikeV Thank you. Great comments.
@OWL I totally support volunteerism. Great suggestion.
@Totempole Sad to hear about your SIL. It’s so stupid that we have to choose between passion & health insurance.
@Amanda Your metaphors? Brilliant. You should be a novelist.
@Jarrah Whoa, thanks!
@Michael Thank you for everything. All great resources
Laurie –
A few last minute thoughts from someone who earned her hrgoddess stripes in Corporate America and who now labors lovingly in the media:
- lose the wimpy resume and wussy cover letter. Pitch yourself just as compellingly as you pitch any article or story.
- just as you ruthlessly edit draft after draft, edit yourself…your appearance, how you speak, etc. Sweats and blog-ese speak are OK at home, kick’em up a couple notches if you want the job
- use the same care and diligence in targeting employers as you would in identifying the right outlet for your story. If you truly want to hang on to your soul, research, research, research and find a company whose values match yours. If you don’t do this, you’ve got no right to complain later.
- you look exhaustively for story sources, do the same in working your network…do it til your fingers cramp and your knees ache and all your electronic equipment batteries are pooped out
With an ink-stained grin,
Jane
Hi, Laurie.
I recruited for a mid-sized regional ad agency until last month (marketing spend is a lagging economic indicator), and I spent a ton of time working the media-professional space. here’s what I learned from the experience.
First, in response to Jarrah, the portfolio is absolutely vital — much more important than a resume in this field. Online is a must these days, and there are lots of good portfolio-building and hosting sites out there for anyone who doesn’t have great HTML/CSS chops. Try these: http://www.coroflot.com/, http://www.bigblackbag.com/, http://www.designerfolio.com/, and http://www.creativehotlist.com/. Carl Alviani at Coroflot is a great resource, too (although that advice might not go over too well at a Mediabistro conference!).
Yes, Creative Directors *do* look at the books they receive, but you have to show some fantastic work samples to cut through the clutter — just like with HR pros and resumes, only a zillion times more visually interesting.
Next, the freelancing/contracting trend is definitely here to stay, given the wild swings in demand for talent dictated by the continued atomization of media channels and consumption. Sites like http://www.freelancersunion.org/ and http://www.artisantalent.com/ can help media pros make the most of the trend while protecting their intellectual property rights and securing some decent benefits.
Slowly improving? That’s like saying that things are improving in a high-rise fire because those people who used to be pounding windows screaming and wondering whether or not to throw an Aeron chair through the plate glass and jump are now dead of smoke inhalation.
I’ve been at this for 20 years. I’ve seen dozens of editors get fired, magazines close, and every other work-related disaster you can imagine and more than a few that you can’t. And I’ve always been able to make a living and usually a really good one. Until now.
It’s never been worse than it is right this minute. Never. Ever.
A story: After nurturing a contact with the web editor of a top magazine over the span of six months, pitching him a few ideas he declined, I finally got an assignment for a 750-word piece, deadline ASAP.
He was going to pay me $150.
A year ago, you could have added a zero to that number. And if I did stumble upon a $150 assignment, I half-apologized before I gave it to my intern.
When I asked my editor if there was any wiggle room, he said that’s what we pay all our writers, even
This did not make me feel better.
Don’t fool yourself. That light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming Bronx-bound 6 train.
I guess the the software didn’t like my attempt at coding, and decided to delete the punch line of the third-from-last graf.
“When I asked my editor if there was any wiggle room, he said that’s what we pay all our writers, even *insert the name of a National Magazine Award winner here.*”