Why I Never Give Anyone My Editors' Names
I don't have to deal with this kind of thing often. I think people take one look at me and realize I'm not capable of helping anyone with anything.
I have had requests for the name of my agent or editor, though. I don't have an agent, and if I gave my editor's name out I wouldn't have one of those, either.
I once had an acquaintance call me to explain that she had a friend who was interested in writing and that she'd told him I'd be happy to talk to him. And my computer guy was once approached by a guy who developed commercial property who wanted him to have me read a manuscript. Computer Guy took care of that situation for me. I shudder to think how.
I want to be generous and help others. But very new writers can be fragile, and it's hard to give honest--and helpful--feedback without discouraging them or seeming harsh. So a number of years back, I wrote up a couple of page guide explaining how I went about contacting publishers back when I was struggling more than I am now. It might have included some websites or directories to use.
I haven't had to offer it to anyone in years. I don't even know where it is, anymore. But I do think something like that could help people who are approached for advice and actually be of assistance for the people who are doing the approaching.
The people in the article I sent you to (by way of A Fuse #8 Production) could carry it with them to give out at funerals and hospitals! Or they could create a website with this information and just give out business cards with the url. Yes, a business card would be much easier to distribute in your doctor's office than 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper.
6 Comments:
You don't have an agent. How interesting. Do you find that you work better without one?
I've never had one so I don't know. Agents are a mystery to me. I'm not joking. I can't recall ever even meeting one.
I think a good idea would be to send people to the Verla Kay boards. Tell 'em they can find writing groups, partners, etc. (I don't hang over there, but I did find a GREAT critique group from them and it has really helped my writing.)
Then make up something like your editor told you she doesn't take recommendations from her authors :) (Something I would say if I were an editor, I think!)
The Verla Kay boards are great.
I think I could probably say that my editor doesn't take recommendations from me, and most people would believe it.
I like to buy lindens, because it is very interesting. I think if you meet the second life linden, you will like it too. And when you play the game well you can get some cheap linden as the rewards from the game. As long as you have a lot of linden dollars in the game you will be strong, and you can exchange the secondlife money with the other players.
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