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I’ve tried to find a book, column, or article about manners for writers, but Miss Manners doesn’t cover the subject. So I've tried to put a few suggestions together.
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Good Manners for Authors
Authors are often the best supporters that other authors and readers can have, but sometimes we can overlook a few things that highlight our bad manners with writers, with editors, and with readers. As I looked back over some of my own experiences as an author and as a “fan,” I came up with ideas that can help me and others to be better mannered.
Don’t “hog” an author’s attention at a signing. *sigh* I’ve been guilty of this, I’m afraid. I’ve also had this happen when I had a signing. Of course we’re thrilled to visit, actually talk to an author we admire or maybe knew way back when. However, we need to move over or fade into the background so that others can visit and/or get their books autographed. Then, if and when the author is no longer busy, we might visit some more.
Remember to buy other authors’ books, too. We need to realize when other authors buy our books, we need to return the favor. Of course we can’t buy everyone’s books: Some may not be well written (although, I have a few rather unimpressive books I bought anyway); some may be the genre we won’t buy no matter who the author is; sometimes we don’t have the money to buy anyone’s book. However, we should try to buy at least one book from authors we know have bought a few of ours.
Don’t ask an author to critique your work. A person can inadvertently take an idea from something read months and years previously without realizing from where it came. Authors don’t want to be accused of “stealing” someone else’s story. Therefore, we shouldn’t be offended when an author says she or he can’t read our manuscripts.
Actually, unless we are in a critique group with authors, or know them very well, we shouldn’t ask at all. Just because we think we know authors through their writings does not mean we do “know” them or that they know us.
Unless, an author offers, {b{don’t ask him to review your book, again, unless you know the author well or are in a group with him. Also, if an author should agree to review your book, don’t pout if you don’t like the review. I have some books sitting behind my desk that people requested I review, but I cannot recommend anyone read them. Some need extensive professional editing. Therefore I face upsetting authors no matter what I do – either because the review would not be flattering to the book or because I don’t review it.
The Golden Rule is a good rule to follow. Try putting ourselves in the other author’s position, and then treat her or him as we would like to be treated – truly would like to be treated. For example, I think I’d rather my book not be reviewed at all if a review would be negative.
Insincere praise is worse than saying nothing. Believe it or not, we do not always have to gush over a celebrity, or even a friend. A sincere smile is better than making up something “nice” to say. Well-known authors enjoy hearing we like their books, but we need to mean it. We should also not layer on the flattery, making it worthless.
Working with a professional editor (whether one who volunteers to help, one we pay for services, or one provided by a publisher - should one be fortunate enough to be accepted by a publisher) requires that we as writers cooperate. A good editor is a partner with the author, helping the book be the best it can be. An editor is not the enemy, but he/she is more objective than our friends and/or writing group. I’ve been on the receiving end, and sometimes it hurts to see our “baby” criticized or harmed. However, when I worked with the editor, the results were an improved manuscript. Does that mean we have to make every change suggested, or make changes as suggested? No, but we can use what the editor says to see what we can do to clarify and improve those areas that are noted as requiring improvement.
I hope my few thoughts help us become more mannerly in our dealings as authors, with editors, and for readers. |
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Words from Our Readers
Thank you for the good response concerning ways to cut back during this tight economy. So may comments were so close to being the same that I'm sending a blanket thanks. Several good additions are offered, too.
D.L. Fields 
Everyone is affected in this economy.
I would've gone to the library before paying for a subscription, but then again I'm cheap.
Reuse and recycle; I print as little as possible and revise on the computer. When I print something, it becomes a "to do" list when I'm done.
What a shock to see Inner Brat as an editors pick! I had to read the title twice to make sure I wasn't seeing things. Thank you!
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JACE 
Smart and timely, Miss Viv ... and common sense if you take a moment to think about these. Thanks for the reminder.
Jace
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Cubby 
Viv, I order both The Writer and Writer's Digest for the library I work in. We also offer all the updated Market books, among other writing reference books. The writing materials didn't go out much for a long time until I formed a writing group; now they go out consistently. I love to see this! Thanks for recommending the library. Smile Oh, and we also sell back issues of most periodicals for ten cents a piece if they are a year old or more. I think with the economy the way it is, more people are using their public library. YAY!
~Cubby ")
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sarahreed
Thanks for writing about ways to save money. It is certainly an important issue right now. I have also started to focus on publishers that accept submissions through the internet. I do this for a couple of reasons. There is the obvious savings on paper, ink & postage. The main reason, though, is that it shows me that the publishers are moving forward with technology rather than resisting it. Those who adopt technology will probably last much longer than those that don't because it saves them money too. To add to this, I saved up for a mini laptop ($300) and now use that wherever I go rather than a pad of paper & pen. It definitely saves me time. I no longer have the second step of typing up my handwritten notes.
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StephBee 
Viv, great tips! I do the same - most of my editing is done on printed copies. That's probably the one place I can save at. Smiles, Steph
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Tadpole1 
{indent|Hi Vivian, thank you for the article!
Tadpole1
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flex
Thank you for your thoughts, and some practical tips to help during the economic downturn. For those published authors in Britain, facing hardship, there is one source that could prove a useful aid:
http://www.societyofauthors.org/prizes-grants-and-awards/grants/
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Sandy~HopeWhisperer
Viv,
This newsletter was so needed and timing was just right. We are all feeling the crunch of the economy now.
Thanks for the tips!
Sandy
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lotto
What a timely editorial. Glad to know that I am not the only one printing drafts on recycled paper. I too opted not to renew my subscriptions. It was difficult at first but I have become a frequent visitor at the local library. Thanks for having the courage to draw attention to the sacrifices we writers are making in this economy
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weekendnovel
Vivian Zabel,
Great job with your economical piece on saving money in the writing world. I didn't realize exactly how much paper my wife and I go through until I did my taxes this past year and discovered we went through 25 reams of paper. Of course we are both journalists so we are most likely the exception. I have a few more ways to save money and hopefully make your publishers happy. Advertise for your other books using the inner flaps of your newer books. Many houses are going to this practice now to maximize exposure and save money on printing costs. Very well done. Keep up the good work.
A Weekend Novelist
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I appreciate those who send comments. I also enjoyed the extra information shared about helping to cut expenses.
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Thanks for joining me for this issue. Hope to see you again next month.
Viv |
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For Authors: July 08, 2009 Issue [#3147]
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