Sorry if I offended with my suggestion. I knew some would find it shocking. I really didn't mean to say you should wear a clingy red dress and stilettos, but was just being honest. And by subtle, I meant subtle. I didn't mean, bat your eyelashes and lick your lips, and I said nothing at all about flirting. Just about wearing something "subtle but sexy". No mention of any pole there!
Yes agents are looking for a product, they are also looking for something to market, and a pretty girl, who is comfortable in her own skin, is definitely marketable. I'm sorry, but I know quite a few young women who's agents sent along their photos along with their submission package to editors. Now what purpose on earth could a photo have to do with a writing submission, except the obvious? Also even if the man is gay, gay men like a well dressed woman comfortable in her sexuality. I actually didn't specify straight or gay for that reason.
Of course the most important thing is for you to be comfortable, dress how you would dress, don't try to be someone else. Look clean and presentable, and I totally agree with not wearing a lot of perfume.
But those suggestions had already been made, I was thinking a little outside the box. I was pointing out possibly a slightly uncomfortable truth. We all have different things we can use to our advantage - of course the writing is the most important thing. But I wanted to throw the idea out there, just so she could think about it.
In the end though, I expected she would take all our suggestions into consideration and choose whatever one suited her best. Just wanted to keep her options open!
ETA- I want to add that this is only something to do if you feel comfortable with it. You won't lose points if you don't want to do it, nor should an agent decide against an author if they don't look right. It's just one more thing to use to your advantage is all, but it shouldn't be the most important thing. And if an agent thinks it is, woah, so not worth signing with that agent!
