The Author’s Voice, Episode #3: Attitude II

The Author’s Voice, Episode #3: Attitude II
by Martel Sardina

Last time, I offered the writers out there a few tips on how to make their book signings successful. But writers are only one side of the attitude equation. I believe in that old adage “the customer is always right” most of the time. However, there are times when the “customer” is wrong. There is nothing worse than being excited to meet your favorite author at a signing or a convention and having the interaction end badly.

I attended the World Horror Convention for the first time in 2005. In addition to being a reader/fan of almost every author in attendance, I was also a fledgling writer who was desperately seeking to be published. A combination that could kill a career before it ever had a chance to get off the ground. I’m sure that I’ve made almost every mistake that I’m about to list. Fortunately, many of the authors/editors/publishers I’ve met over the last five years have been gracious and forgiving when I’ve done something “wrong.” But here are some tips to help you, the fledgling writer or the reader/fan, navigate personal interactions with your favorite author/editor/publisher with grace.

For readers/fans:

1. Abide by the rules of the event – There are reasons why signings might be limited to the author’s most current release or a certain number of books. If you have more books that you would like the author to sign, ask politely if that is possible but don’t be upset if the author has to decline the request. Everyone’s time is valuable and limited. As much as an author might love to sign every edition of every book he’s ever had published, there are a myriad of reasons why he can’t accommodate your request at this time.
2. Don’t spoil it for the rest of us – Believe it or not, there are people out there who haven’t read all of Author X’s books, including the latest release, prior to attending the signing. While you’re chitchatting in line, try to keep your reviews “spoiler free” for those who aren’t uber fans like you.
3. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion – If you read one of Author X’s books and liked it, feel free to spread the word. However, if you didn’t like the book, it would be better to share your opinion in a private conversation, letter or e-mail, rather than in front of a group of potential readers or fans at a signing or convention.
4. Timing is everything – Assess the environment you are in before interrupting a conversation. In a convention setting, it’s generally ok to approach someone at the bar and strike up a conversation or ask politely for something to be signed. Don’t interrupt someone when they are on the phone or if they are in the midst of a one-on-one discussion with someone in a semi-private area of the hotel. You could be interrupting a business meeting or a pitch session with an agent. Keep after-panel interactions short and to the point as the author may have other places he needs to go.

All of the above apply to any audience members, but here are a couple of additional tips for fledgling writers:

1. Create a professional mirage – You’re a newbie. But you don’t have to make newbie mistakes. Know who you are talking to and what you are talking about. Do your homework. Learn the lingo of the industry.  Agent? Editor? Publisher? Small Press vs. Vanity Press? Advance vs. Royalty? If you don’t know what these terms mean, look them up. One of my favorite blogs for writing advice is J.A. Konrath’s A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/ .
2. Listen and learn – Authors/editors/publishers are generally willing to give new writers advice. Take advantage of this opportunity by asking good questions. As mentioned above, do your homework first. Most convention websites provide a list of Guests of Honor and attendees. Many will provide links to the GoH and attendee websites. Research the people you want to meet prior to the event so you can ask questions that are more thought provoking than “How did you get your start in publishing?” or “Where do you get your ideas?”
3. Desperation does not lead to publication – Do not hound every person you meet to read and/or critique your manuscript. Your writing will stand for itself given the chance. Do what professional writers do – Write, edit, submit, and repeat as necessary.

I hope that learning from my mistakes will help you make a good first impression when the time comes. And if you do happen to make a mistake of your own from time to time, don’t dwell on it. Apologize and make amends if you can. Otherwise, do your best to learn from the experience and move forward. Good luck!