I want to try my hand at transport journalism and currently have a good contact and article in mind. I’m aware I face rejection per se in publishing; that is to be expected. However, if I propose an idea to a magazine editor for an article, is it likely that that editor will reject my idea and my efforts, but take my idea and get somebody else to cover it? If so, what rights do I have?
I’m asking in other corners of the net too, but thought I’d try here as this place is relevant to the topic.
If it’s a great story, but you haven’t written it very well, then I think you’re on a sticky wicket!
The problem is, there’s no way you can stop someone writing a story that is in, or part of the public domain. If the story has exclusive, or even proprietary information to be a valid story, and you’ve written it well, then you “might” get published! Don’t expect to make a fortune.
Have you spoken to any of the editors yet to find out what their terms for submissions are? That should be your first step, you don’t have to tell them your life story or indeed reveal the details of this special article you’ve got in mind, just ring 'em up and find out if they still accept freelance articles (I can already tell you the answer to that one, but best you find out by chatting to someone at a mag yourself)
Let us know how you get on, and if you can take half-decent photos you’ll be much more likely to suceed.
~ Craig
ezydriver:
I want to try my hand at transport journalism and currently have a good contact and article in mind. I’m aware I face rejection per se in publishing; that is to be expected. However, if I propose an idea to a magazine editor for an article, is it likely that that editor will reject my idea and my efforts, but take my idea and get somebody else to cover it? If so, what rights do I have?I’m asking in other corners of the net too, but thought I’d try here as this place is relevant to the topic.
Go and see a an Intellectual Property Solicitor before all you hard work and endeavour is shamelessly plagiarised. Something I never did at school of course, hence, I’m driving a truck. 
I still write poetry though, only after half a bottle of Bells and 20 cigs…that *itch, I’ll never forgive her!!!
Suggest you PM Newmercman , yeah he’s a bit of a redneck but he’s been a trucking journo for a while now and could give you some valuable pointers ,seriously .
PS , don’t mention Outlaw style Petes 
Also unless its exclusive, expect to wait. I wrote an article for Trucking on the BTRA at Donington on 18 August and it finally hit shelves on 15th November.
And yes, anyone that read it despite the credit I wrote it and the headline photo was mine too. Pete did the other pics.