I had a philosophical discussion with someone this week who didn’t like the way a particular state they visited did certain things. I don’t want to get into a political discussion here, so I’ll keep it general. I also won’t mention the state.

I’m a rather live and let live type of person. I told them if a state does things I didn’t like, I don’t go there. I don’t live there, therefore, it wasn’t my place to tell them how to live.

They took issue. They didn’t like the state’s rules and laws. Also, with a live and let live mentality, I told them they could think like they wanted to, but you don’t enter someone else’s house and tell them how to decorate it, clean it, or secure it for the night.

Same goes for writing. When you pitch to a magazine, site, or company, you offer them your services in hope they can use your talents. You do not submit a pitch that isn’t a pertinent topic, has the wrong word count, or assumes a voice the company doesn’t prefer. You offer them what they believe they need. . . not what you think they need that they aren’t doing.

It’s presumptuous to want to change others without them seeking change. Yet I read social media posts from freelance writers all the time who get distraught over being rejected because an employer took a certain stance, held a certain opinion, or wished a project performed a certain way.

It’s their baby. It’s their home. It’s their creation. It’s not yours. Help them do their thing, their way, or find someplace else to market yourself. There are plenty of markets out there needing so many different things. Surely you can find the ones that fit your talent.

Don’t put a square peg in a round hole, regardless how much you think everything ought to be square.