What's Your Style?

Photo: afasoulis

The publishing industry sometimes reminds me of a fortress with its imposing and almost impenetrable walls. Gatekeepers (agents) check our credentials (book proposal) to see if they're worthy of an audience with the king's representatives (editors). If we pass muster, our work is presented to those who have the ear of the potentate (publishing board).

How do we scale these walls? Here are a few styles I've observed over the years:

The writer suited up for battle:

1) Will pursue an agent/editor until they corner the hapless person and demand an audience.

2) Will "accidentally" trip the emergency button on the elevator, so they have their target captive for at least half an hour.

3) Will stalk their favorite agent/editor throughout a conference, hoping to gain inside information of how to locate a side entrance.

Photo: boquerones

 

The polite writer:

1) Keeps knocking on the castle door. Their theory centers around the logic that eventually someone will answer.

2) Follows the rules of etiquette when coming face to face with an agent/editor. They wouldn't think of approaching someone without a formal invitation (conference appointment).

3) Has 5,000 Facebook friends, a website, a blog, is on Twitter, and any other social media they hear about.








Photo: gworzdek

Photo: dsparil

The Mountain Climber:

1) Values slow, but steady, progress.

2) Works hard to improve their craft and put in seat-in-chair time.

3) Gives fellow writers a helping hand and values relationships.

4) Builds a platform without being obnoxious.

5) Prays for God's favor and is thankful for the opportunities He provides.

Writers:  Have you observed any other writer styles? Which writer style are you?

Readers: What traits endear you to authors?