How do I hand over a newsletter’s interview contacts and guest writers?

Create a simple record for each person. Include their expertise, what they wrote or said, any fee or credit, how you found them, and how they like to be approached. Add notes about deadlines, edits and any topics they prefer or avoid. Keep it factual and respectful, since these people may later see what is written.

Be clear about rights. For each article or interview, note whether there is a written agreement about reuse, credit and archives. Where it was informal, ask the contributor to confirm in writing. Ask your lawyer how to describe the archive to a buyer, and what contributors may expect if their work is republished.

Then plan introductions. Tell the contributors early and personally, explain who the buyer is and what is staying the same, and give them an easy way to decline. Arrange a first conversation together. Stay available for a period after closing to smooth things over. Some people will stop contributing, so tell the buyer honestly which relationships depend on you and which are tied to the publication. Share any pending commitments, such as articles in progress or interviews already promised, so the buyer honours them.

Key takeaways

• Keep a factual record of each contributor, their work and what was agreed.
• Confirm reuse and archive permissions in writing where the arrangement was informal.
• Introduce contributors personally and give them room to decline.
• Hand over pending commissions and interview promises along with the contact list.