What to do when "wrong" person purchases article?

[Lauren]

I know this has happened to Celeste Stewart recently with private requests, but today an article on DLP TV that I wrote for the public request was snapped up almost immediately - by the wrong person. At least, I think it was by the wrong person because it is pending purchase with unique rights, rather than the full rights the public request seems to be asking for.

Normally I would just be thrilled to have the purchase, but in this case, that article was my "audition" for on-going work with the public requestor.

What do you do when this happens? Rewrite the article from scratch? That's the only thing I can think of. (I could link the requestor to the article once it's posted, but since he can't buy it, it would only serve the "audition" purpose and not the "fulfilling the request" purpose.)

Any advice would be great. Thanks!

[Celeste Stewart]

Yes, rewrite from scratch! Make sure not to plagiarize yourself and try to use different keyword phrases to attract a different type of search entry.

Normally, I wouldn't bother for public requests but since you want to "audition" for this requester in hopes of landing his private requests later, then you don't have much choice. Of course, you could tackle one of his other topics if you want instead.

Funny how it's actually annoying to make a sale in these cases, huh?
At least the second article will be easier to write since you've already done the research.

[Lauren]

Hmmm, it has changed status from "waiting" to "view" though it still is listed under my licenses as "processing" for a unique license. But I can see my article on the front page.

I'm not really sure what's happening with the sale, but I am going to link it to the public request at this point and keep an eye while I write to one of the other requests. Then if the sale does go through, I'll rewrite.

Thanks, Celeste!

[Elizabeth Ann West]

I feel your pain Lauren. My business equipment rental article just sold. Only thing that irks me, is if it wasn't selected for the info.com opportunity, I planned on pricing it higher since it contained specialized tax information. But, it sounds absolutely awful as an author to complain about articles selling.

I just hope my other entries on paternity testing, and timeshares is enough to turn their heads.

I suppose I could rewrite it concentrating instead on computer rental than business equipment rental.

Always Smiling,
Elizabeth West

[Ed]

It may be frustrating, but isn't it cool that there is a fight to get your articles? The customers are lying in wait . . .

[Celeste Stewart]

Don't forget, the info.com people may have several different employees with their own log ins and screen names.... so these articles could be selling to the right people after all.

[Lauren]

Both of those are good points. And I'm certainly not one to complain about something selling. Maybe it's more of an eye roller. Of course that was the article that was snatched up!

Besides, it being sold motivated me to outline a more detailed article comparing HDTVs. Now I just need to write it!