"I'm a person, just like you," says Kathy Deering, senior editor of Servant Publications. She was one of many editors who were part of a panel at a writers' conference I attended. "I want the same thing you do--a good book."

"I like to work with authors who respect deadlines," said another.

"Approach me," said Danny Boultinghouse, of Howard Publishing. "Don't hang back."

The collective viewpoint seemed to be one of partnership between author and editor. Each member of the panel was as interested in working with dependable writers as the writers were interested in working with willing editors.

I came away from that session recommitted to being as professional (and authentic) as possible when interacting with the editors I work with. They are not people to be feared or revered. They are just like us! They deserve respect and cooperation. Here are three ways we can demonstrate our respect and display our cooperation.

E-mail has made it possible to communicate with editors more frequently and more openly than in years past. Make a point of getting to know the editors you work with. Talk to other writers, as well, to learn all you can about specific individuals, their style, their particular likes and dislikes. Editors also want writers who pay attention to the marketplace. This requires reading book catalogues, studying the editor's magazine, knowing the competition, paying attention to sales and marketing campaigns in the media and in bookstores, attending writers' conferences, preparing professional-looking book proposals and query letters for magazine articles or stories.

One new writer I met at a conference some years ago discussed her children's book proposal with me. It had been turned down by six different publishers the year before. She had received helpful feedback from one editor, however, as well as an invitation to re-submit after the author made the suggested changes. A year had passed since that time. The woman appeared to be so attached to her writing that she couldn't accept any help. Her lack of alertness to the marketplace kept her stuck.

Are you willing to do the work necessary to complete the book or magazine article or story you've proposed? Many writers get excited about the attention they receive from an editor via mail, e-mail, or at a conference, but when the assignment is given and a deadline set, they go to pieces. They make excuses, procrastinate, ignore deadlines. Any one of these behaviors will jeopardize one's career. Editors are looking for people who turn in their work ahead of time, give more than asked for, keep a cheerful attitude, an open mind, and a willingness to apply an editor's suggestions.

Recently Rachael Bender, editor of bluesuitmom.com asked me to get a photo of my subject (I had written a profile of a prominent woman in Florida) to her within 24 hours. It seemed impossible to meet that deadline. But then I remembered that my interviewee worked with a public relations firm in Miami. I called one of the employees there and told her my need. She said she'd e-mail a photo of the woman directly to the editor that very hour. Later Bender wrote in an e-mail to me, "You're an editor's dream!"

Another writer and friend of mine said an editor once told her that she could count on plenty of work because she had demonstrated true professionalism. "You are more interested in the quality of your work than in your byline," she told my friend, "a refreshing change from many of the writers I work with."

Editors love to be acknowledged. Marita Littauer, author, speaker, and president of CLASS Services in Albuquerque, New Mexico recently compiled a list of birthdays for the editors she works with. Imagine how nice it will be for these men and women to receive a special greeting on their day. You can also surprise them with a tangible gift of appreciation. Once a year, usually around Thanksgiving, I send each editor I work with a memento and a short note. One year I sent a card with a tiny bag of candy. Another year I sent a small chocolate bar with the words THANK YOU imprinted on the foil wrapper. One editor told me the chocolate bar had arrived at just the right time. She was having a meltdown that day and my gift had lifted her up!

How about sending a coupon for a movie or an ice cream cone or even a gift certificate to a favorite store--depending on the amount of work you received and the level of relationship you have with the editor. In other situations a simple note of thanks is sufficient. The important thing is that we acknowledge the relationship and say 'thank you for working with me' in whatever way is comfortable for us. Give editors what they need and want and they'll give you what you need and want--an assignment or a contract!

SIDE-BAR:
It takes so little to be above average:
1. Know your market.
2. Follow author guidelines.
3. Accept feedback graciously.
4. Check facts for accuracy.
5. Secure permission from experts where necessary.
6. Meet (or beat) deadlines.
7. Say 'thank you.'
8. Nurture relationships with editors.

Karen O'Connnor is an award-winning author of more than 35 books for children and adults. She is also a sought-after speaker and writing instructor. You can reach her via her web site: www.karenoconnor.com