A Reader With The Write Stuff

Now THIS is how to ask the right questions about anything or anyone associated with the Teaching Drum. In response to Tamarack's Craigslist ad for an editor, our dear contributor (who asked to remain anonymous) astutely observes why there is something seriously wrong with a writer who wants a live-in editor.

Great follow-through, anon. We shiver everytime Tamarack writes that he is looking forward to "our sharing." You've spared yourself a lot of grief and given us yet another good chuckle at Dan Konen's loony desperation.

"A liberal percentage of royalties..."? Oh, please. Tamarack self-publishes. You'd make more money looking under the sofa cushions!

Hi there. I just wanted to say, thank you so much for your website. I just wanted to share with you why I came across it.

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I'm looking for a job in the editing or writing field. I came across this post on Craigslist.

http://madison.craigslist.org/wri/598355561.html

Writer-Editor--Earth conscious material
Reply to: see below
Date: 2008-03-07, 8:22AM CST

This is a full-time, live-in position in northern Wisconsin. Established book writer needs writer-editor to assist with organization and structure, proofreading, and research. Topic matter includes social change, personal healing, Native spirituality, and nature writings. You'll be working on and off with another editor and an award-winning book designer.

Writing talent and organizational skills are required; will teach editing. Compensation is a liberal percentage of royalties and a small monthly stipend. Room and board (modern or rustic cabin, organic food) and vehicle use provided. Please submit two writing samples (resume optional but preferred) to tamarack@teachingdrum.org

* Location: Three Lakes (four hours north of Madison
* Compensation: Compensation is a liberal percentage of royalties
and a small monthly stipend. Room and board (modern or rustic cabin,organic food) and vehicle use provided.
* This is at a non-profit organization.
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Phone calls about this job are ok.
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
PostingID: 598355561

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I'm badly in need of a job and decided to respond looking for more information. I didn't want to send my resume or writing sample because I don't know this person, who knows what kind of creep he or she may be (I was once a New Yorker so I'm pretty paranoid on the whole). Also, the fact that they are looking for a live-in editor, prior editing experience not required, set off alarm bells in my head. Most editing can be done over the phone or email; I can't think of one professional writer who -lives- with an editor. That seemed a little ridiculous. Anyway, I responded to the ad listing my qualifications and also asking for more information about the project itself. I received this email in return:

Greetings _,

You have the training and experience I'm looking for, so yes, I would like to explore possibilities with you. I think it might be easier to fill you in on the job by phone, as I could answer your questions directly. If you will provide me your number, I can call you at your convenience, or you may call me at 715-546-2944. I look forward to our sharing.

In Balance,
Tamarack

More alarm bells. At first, I thought Tamarack was a fake name. Secondly, the man required no training or experience, so how is it that I have what he's looking for? And finally, what can't be said over email that can be said over the phone? So I decided to do a little digging. I started with public records then did some general Google searches. Everything seemed okay - he seemed a little kooky but nothing out of the ordinary.

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Anyway, I can't remember how I came across your website, but I am so glad that I did. I just wanted to thank you for putting that information out there before I wasted more of my time following up on his ad. There is also a copy of the ad on his website as well.

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