Get Ready for Success
Writing isn't called a business without good reason. You'll need to present yourself in a businesslike manner in person, on paper, and in cyberspace. This means you'll need to know how to talk to agents, editors, and fans. You'll need to know how to dress for success, as well as when to pitch to an editor/agent and when not to pitch. Plus, it may be time for you to start thinking about marketing tools (writing blogs) and to come up with a plan to sell yourself. And for sure, you'll need to write a resume.
Lots to learn, lots to think about, but don't worry, the next few pages will cover almost everything you need to know to start your climb to stardom.
A writing resume is not the same type of resume you would send out to get a traditional job. Most writing resumes will be condensed into one or two paragraphs at the end of your query letter. (For more about writing query letters, see Chapter 20.)
So, what goes into those paragraphs? Anything that involves your writing credits or the story you are pitching. For sure, include the information if you've published anything in the past. (Short stories, articles, or even newsletter articles count.) Contest wins and placements are useful. Be sure to include any affiliations or positions you may have held for writing organizations, such as RWA.
If you are a lawyer or a brain surgeon and your story isn't about one of the two professions, then more than a mention of your day job is considered too much. If your day job were in public relations, or sales, and you feel your experience will help you promote yourself or your book, this would be pertinent information. Basically, an editor or agent won't care what you do outside your writing life unless it will affect your writing career or your ability to write your particular story.
Just because you don't have any publishing credits or contest finals doesn't mean your query will be rejected, however. The quality of your writing and the marketability of your story will impress an editor/agent. However, if you have credits, they sure can't hurt. Some book doctors/publishing experts insist that time is well spent attaining credits outside the genre just to prove you can write. If you're in the beginning of your career, start thinking of how you can build your resume with small publishing credits.
Okay … at home you can wear your PJs all day if you want. But for most writers' conferences, where you meet editors and agents, you should wear casual business to dressy business attire, depending on the event. If you have a nice suit to wear, wear it on the day you have an appointment with an editor/agent. However, whatever wardrobe you choose, make sure you feel good in it, and it makes you feel successful. There is some truth to the adage, “Clothes make the person.”
A picture says a thousand words. How you dress will be the way editors, peers, and future fans picture you. Many writers try to create an image with their wardrobe, by adding something that's not too over-the-top, but makes them stand out in a crowd — for example, a hat or unique jewelry. A lot of authors even attempt to match their wardrobe to the tone of their writing voice.
When attending regular writers' meetings, some authors choose to dress down; others choose to wear casual business attire.
Most writing conferences will set up appointments for you to speak with editors and agents if you request them. If you get stuck in an elevator, or find yourself sitting next to an agent/editor during lunch, you should only pitch to her if the conversation leads to your book. Be professional, outgoing, but courteous and never pushy.
Rather than think of the chance meeting as an opportunity to pitch your novel, think of it as a chance to make a good impression. Strike up a conversation; be yourself. Treat the agent/editor as you would any other person you've met for the first time. Then, when you write the agent or editor later and pitch your novel, you can add, “We met in the elevator. I'm the woman with the two Boston terriers who gave you advice about your new puppy.”
What is it about your writing that stands out? Are you funny and sassy? Dark and suspenseful? Most writers come up with a branding phrase that describes their writing voice and the tone of their books.
Some authors who write in different genres will have a branding phrase for the different types of books they write. For example, Christina Dodd's branding phrase for her romantic suspense is “Cool suspense. Hot romance.”
Do I need a Web site before I get published?
Some authors do post Web sites before they make that first sale. An interested editor or agent may log on to investigate the author. However, a Web site doesn't really become a needed tool until a few months before your book is to be released. Keep in consideration, however, that it does take a while to get a Web site up and running.
Choose your branding phrase carefully, because it will be attached to you for a while. Make sure it not only reflects your writing voice, but the genre in which you are writing.
