Publishing etiquette...

Christine N. · Jun 10, 2007

A thread for us to discuss what's standard in publishing, and what's considered bad form or just plain rude.

For example, it's good to make sure you include an SASE when requested and to follow all submission guidelines.

But would you ever send a response to a poor review or rejection slip, outside of 'thank you for your time'?

Is there anyone out there who can explain why this is A Really Bad Idea? Because apparently there are people who don't get it.

Discuss. What's proper and what's not. Like 'don't slip your manuscript under the stall door when you see an agent you want to read to into the bathroom.'

Oh, and for fun, I dug this out... Bernard's Letter

chibeth · Jun 10, 2007

The thing I hate most is when people don't inform me they've placed their manuscript somewhere else. This *really* aggravates me if I've requested their full, because if I go that far, I almost always take the time to read through the whole thing before making my decision. I hate sending someone an acceptance only for them to reply, "Oh, sorry. It's already being published at Publisher XYZ. Thanks though!"

Thanks, sure. Thanks for wasting hours of my time that could have been spent on someone else's manuscript.

Another thing that's a bad idea--not mentioning in a query letter that the manuscript you're submitting is a re-release (i.e. already been published elsewhere) that you have the rights back for.

General rudeness or an entitled attitude should probably be avoided.

Will Lavender · Jun 10, 2007

It's definitely not proper to shotgun submit and pay no attention to whom you're submitting.

Seems simple, and it's been discussed to death on here, but authors should definitely read the submission guidelines.

If an agent wants science fiction starring mutant dwarves and you send a romance, that's bad form. You can save yourself and a lot of other folks time and energy if you simply search out the best fit for your manuscript.

Christine N. · Jun 11, 2007

Or how about simultaneous submissions when the guildelines clearly state they don't accept sim subs???

That's bad.

Jersey Chick · Jun 11, 2007

What about being a general pain in the butt by calling or e-mailing an editor/agent, just "to make sure they received" your submission? I don't mean if it's weeks past the approximate review time, but within a week or so of the actual submission.

And, in the vein of shotgunning, what about sending out a "form" query that proves the most research a writer did was pulling names and addresses from Writer's Market?

Maryn · Jun 11, 2007

[Maryn leans back in her chair, listening and learning. She is amazed at people's inability to follow simple directions and dismayed at their failure to be considerate of others.]

justpat · Jun 11, 2007

Christine N. said:
'don't slip your manuscript under the stall door when you see an agent you want to read to into the bathroom.'

I tried this once, and got a very grateful, "Thanks for the TP." (Then I got arrested for being in the ladies room.)

As for responding to rejection letters. Here is a guy who does it all the time, then posts them on his website. He is just a tad rude about it

, and agents now avoid him like... like... like the plague (I'm terrible at coming up with original metaphors). It's a fun and educational site (educational because it's probably best to always do the opposite of this guy.) http://www.everyonewhosanyone.com/

Christine N. · Jun 11, 2007

Yes, and the 'neener neener neener' note is certainly rude. Because people do pass on things that get picked up later. Happened to me recently.

I mean, if you want to write one out, that's fine. But you don't actually send them. People who have manners don't anyway...

Jersey Chick · Jun 11, 2007

If it's a personalized rejection, I always send out a "thank you for your time anyway" note. Firm believer in not burning bridges and I'd rather be remembered for that. (of course, on the inside, I'm writing the eff off and die, idiot letter!)

justpat · Jun 11, 2007

Jersey Chick said:
If it's a personalized rejection, I always send out a "thank you for your time anyway" note. Firm believer in not burning bridges and I'd rather be remembered for that. (of course, on the inside, I'm writing the eff off and die, idiot letter!)

But are they really gonna remember you? Or will they just be annoyed because now there is another envelope or email in their already huge stack?

Jersey Chick · Jun 11, 2007

It's usually an email. Maybe it's me, but I wouldn't be all that miffed because someone took the time to say thank you. But, if they are, I'd rather be remembered as the pain who said thanks as opposed to the one who wrote the nasty note.

Sandy J · Jun 11, 2007

As far as etiquette, always remember... what goes around comes around. I always treat editors/agents with the respect and professionalism I'd expect from them. It's amazing how people just don't seem to know good manners in this day and age.

MidnightMuse · Jun 11, 2007

I'm with Maryn - shocked by the hordes who can't follow simple instructions and demonstrate common courtesy. And we've all heard the horror stories of those who can't. We even joke about things we'd all like to do, but would never actually consider. Sadly, there are too many who don't stop at the fantasy-reaction and do follow through!

MidnightMuse, who finds waiting to hear back terribly difficult, but sucks it up and waits anyway

janetbellinger · Jun 11, 2007

I always try to keep in mind the fact that editors and agents aren't obligated to read unsolicited queries or mss. I look at it as though I'm a telephone solicitation person calling somebody up at suppertime. I'd better be dam polite and have done all my homework

justpat said:
I tried this once, and got a very grateful, "Thanks for the TP." (Then I got arrested for being in the ladies room.)

As for responding to rejection letters. Here is a guy who does it all the time, then posts them on his website. He is just a tad rude about it , and agents now avoid him like... like... like the plague (I'm terrible at coming up with original metaphors). It's a fun and educational site (educational because it's probably best to always do the opposite of this guy.) http://www.everyonewhosanyone.com/

Christine N. · Jun 12, 2007

How about...don't act like a nitwit.

Man, I wish Miss Snark was still blogging...

Don't write 'this book is the next....' in your query letter.
Don't say 'my grandmother/mother/next-door neighbor's cat loved it!'
DO thank people who take time out of their lives and businesses to read your stuff, even if they don't like it, and especially if they give you feedback with your rejection note.

Oh, and make sure you pay attention to the postal rates and if they postage is going up anytime in the near future, include the proper postage on your SASE.

Jersey Chick · Jun 12, 2007

Since we're channeling Miss Snark -

Never, ever, EVER put in your query that you've written a "fiction novel".

The person opening the letter is liable to burst into flames.

Christine N. · Jun 12, 2007

Don't worry more about how to format your manuscript than your actual story.

Then again, don't submit on neon pick unicorn paper in a squiggly font.

Calla Lily · Jun 12, 2007

Christine N. said:
Then again, don't submit on neon pick unicorn paper in a squiggly font.

But Wal-Mart just had a SALE!

Actually, I made some horrendous noob mistakes years ago when I started querying. I wrote my query letter using my marketing background. :e2paperba

I'm just happy now that I'm querying a different ms and that--thank the Good Lord--I researched and learned the rules.

All hail AW----> :Hail:

Jersey Chick · Jun 12, 2007

And don't put confetti, glitter, or anything else in the envelope (or in the letter) but the letter itself.

Crinklish · Jun 12, 2007

And no "clever" presents, like toys, scarves, and for heaven's sake, not food. I still follow my sainted mother's advice and refuse to take candy from strangers.

Jersey Chick · Jun 12, 2007

It would definitely get you off to a poor start to send chocolate to an agent/editor who is deathly allergic.

Petroglyph · Jun 12, 2007

Kristin Nelson has a post on her pubrants blog today about some guy who answered his cell phone during a Q&A and then asked the speaker to repeat what they said cause he couldn't hear it.

Publishing etiquette...

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