any newsletter editors here?

[mimitabby]

I have a question. Do newsletter editors have the right to make changes in submitted articles without asking permission of the writers?

Thanks

[Trek420]

It's been a while since I was in publications. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong; Editors have the right to suggest changes. It's best to talk things over with the writer. That's why deadlines were invented

Your deadlines allow time for the writer write, get material to the editer, editor reads the material (editors edit, that's their job ) suggest changes, the writer gets a revision back to you and then it's off to the press.

Writers write, editors edit. If you make changes without permission I'd take the writers byline out.

But if the material is deemed unfit/unready for any reason it can "end up on the cutting room floor"

[mimitabby]

thanks for responding Trek. I'm referring to small edits to make room on a page and also small grammatical things.

(and people who wait until the last minute to get stuff to me)

[Duck on Wheels]

I write back to the authors with my suggestions. They're usually grateful for the suggestions (most are not native speakers of English). In one case, tho, I was very glad I checked, because some wording that seemed clumsy or non-idiomatic was actually meant that way, meant to be just a bit jarring and off-kilter.

I have seen some newspapers/newsletters that carry a reader alert to the effect that letters to the editor may be shortened by the editors. So it's not illegal, but I would either make the policy up front and explicit or follow a policy of allowing time to check back with the writers. In my experience so far, writers are quick to get back to me when I email them, so that it has only taken overnight to let them have the final word.

[mimitabby]

thank you both.

Perhaps I have been too stronghanded.