The Midnight Hour » 11 Editors & Agents on Websites and Public Dissing

11 Editors & Agents on Websites and Public Dissing

June 26, 2007 at 1:00 am

Filed in About Writing, Cheyenne McCray, Editor, Literary Agent, Opinions, Quotes, The Business of Writing.

Hi, everyone!

I have very strong feelings about these topics and out of curiosity, I wanted to see how agents and editors feel about professional websites and dissing agents/editors/publishers/other authors in public forums. Below are responses on this topic from several of the top agents and editors in publishing.

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“I always check out an author’s website and blog if I’m considering offering representation, and have in the past discovered nasty comments on blogs or message boards from authors—although that’s been from writers whose work I chose to pass on. Still, when you consider that the next book might have been “the one” it really doesn’t make sense to publicly “diss” me or any other agent/editor for that matter. You’d be amazed how many clients I didn’t sign on for that first book they submitted. I think the problem rests in authors taking a rejection as a personal affront. That’s why I prefer the word “pass” over the term “rejection” because it’s much less loaded, and much closer to the truth—it’s a temporary “pass” not an ultimate rejection. Oftentimes that first work that we see just isn’t the magic one, but a later manuscript turns out to be a perfect fit.” Deidre Knight, Literary Agent, The Knight Agency

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“If it’s a first time author, I don’t go looking for a website because I figure there isn’t one yet–unless the author or agent tells me that they have already put a website into place. For already published authors (print or electronic) I will pop over to their websites to check them out. It doesn’t sway my decision about the book, but if it’s a good website it can give me a good initial feeling for the author’s savvy and their ability to reach out to the audience.” Monique Patterson, Senior Editor, St. Martin’s Press

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“I don’t have time to check things all the time, but yes, I definitely think that having a professional website/blog is important. When I do check things out, I’ve been amazed at what people will say on the web, and then be surprised that someone else knows about it.

If they wouldn’t say it to the person directly, then they shouldn’t put it on a site/blog, imo….

Of course, I also believe that applies to editors, publishers, reviewers, etc. as well.” Diana Gill, Executive Editor, HarperCollins

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“Yes, I do take a look at the author’s website to get a feel for her personality, what it would be like to work with this person, if she would be receptive to my comments about her work. I would want my relationship with authors to be professional and respectful, so I’d expect to see that on any blog. And if a published author is unhappy about something, I think she should go directly to her editor to address the problem. Posting complaints on a blog rather than communicating with your editor is just unprofessional as well as counterproductive.” Erika Tsang, Senior Editor, Avon Books
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Yes, I will review an author’s presence on the web–how they present themselves visually and the content of their website or blog. In today’s marketplace, having a professional look to your website is as important appearing and behaving professionally in public. More and more people are learning to use the internet and having their visit to your “world” easy to navigate and pleasant in appearance is very crucial–not everyone has the same equipment or could be visually challenged. Samhain’s marketing guru has set up an advertising group and has regular classes on topics such as this.

How can an author be taken seriously as an author when they use a free hosting services like geocities? eBook authors have a harder row to hoe, this is one area they should pay serious attention to. I liken a sloppy website to wearing ratty clothes to a public appearance, it doesn’t show you take who you are seriously.” Christina M. Brashear, Publisher, Samhain Publishing LTD.
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“I do check out the websites of authors I’m considering, and I am absolutely influenced by the tone of the dialog (or, more accurately I suppose, the monolog).

All the maxims you hear in life hold true in webworld: ‘no one likes a complainer, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all, don’t air your dirty laundry, it’s better to be silent and thought a fool than to open the mouth and prove it to be true’; and let’s not forget that what you complain about often reveals your own flaws more clearly than what you’re complaining about. I could go on, but you get the idea. In two words: sour grapes!

Now, I’m the first person to realize that publishing is a frustrating and sometimes seemingly incompetent business, but the minute someone blames another for their lack of success the usual impression it leaves is:
a)an unwillingness to take responsibility for their own mistakes,
b) a personality that I don’t necessarily want to deal with (if they complain about x. will they complain about me? will they ever be satisfied?),
c) (most often) a person with only a partial grasp of how publishing works, and
d) a lack of judgment and/or common sense (who knows who’s looking at your site?! Not everyone is trustworthy or rooting for your success– come on, people, get a clue!)

If the writing is absolutely fabulous, would that stop me? Let’s just say, the more obstacles there are, the more amazing the work has to be. Who needs that kind of handicap?” Nancy Yost, Literary Agent, Lowenstein-Yost Associates Inc.

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“When I get a manuscript in that I do really like, I usually check the author’s website to get a sense of their previous books and how they market themselves. It’s rare that I read blogs in situations like these, just because of time constraints. But nothing sends a red flag up faster than an author badmouthing people in the business. Publishing is a small world–you’ve got to be careful not to burn any bridges because you never know what might happen or who might end up where. And a quick google search means anyone can find it…and forward the link along to everyone they know.” Michele Bidelspach, Assistant Editor, Warner Books

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“I am probably the last person to ask about blogs as I never visit them or read them. Occasionally I hear about the gossip and am surprised. Authors should consider themselves to be writing professionals; I can’t imagine other professionals in our business (editors, agents, sales people, etc.) dissing one another in a public forum. We may talk privately, but it’s important to know where and when and to whom to say what.

Yes, I usually do check an author’s website if I’m interested in buying, but mainly it’s to fill in missing information (usually about publishing history) from the agent’s or author’s pitch letter. A good website is certainly a plus!” Audrey LaFehr, Editorial Director, Kensington Publishing Corp.
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“Research on a potential new author for my list if vital. When I get a query, I generally check out the author’s website and blog (if listed). If they have previously sold, I use bookscan and check out their sales figures and review previous books on Amazon. I think a professional website is a key selling tool for connecting with readers and should be professional. It should not only deliver a sense of the author’s personality, but also give a sense of mood their book (or books) are trying to portray. A couple of things each website should have is a history of previously published and upcoming books, an author bio, and a guest log. The guest log is super important because it allows you to contact readers when you have news to share (like an upcoming book). Many authors also have a blog on their website. Again, this should be professional in nature. Since not only readers but also editors and agents check out websites and blogs, authors should tread carefully about airing their grievances in public. You want to promote a positive image and this is your platform to do just that.” Paige Wheeler, Literary Agent, Folio Literary Management.
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“When I receive a manuscript I really love, I often go to the author’s website (if she has one) to see if there are any reviews, interesting notes in her bio, etc., because I’m already thinking of how we can market the story. I might take a look at a blog entry to or two, but, to be honest, I don’t spend much time on that because there are always loads of other things to do. What the website tells me more than anything is what accomplishments the author has and how savvy she is about knowing what other people will want to know. Of course, this is all just for reference and is hardly make-or-break when it comes to buying the book. I’ve been fortunate in that I haven’t come across any public complaints about agents or editors, which would definitely raise a red flag.” Leah Hultenschmidt, Editor, Dorchester Publishing
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“When I receive a project from a literary agent that really piques my interest, one of the first things I do is check out the author’s website, if it’s given. I think well maintained websites are a must in todays publishing world — it gives me an excellent idea of an author’s self-promotion abilities and an instant understanding of their level of professionalism.” Signe L. Pike, Assistant Editor, The Random House Publishing Group

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Some food for thought for all of the authors regarding maintaining an up-to-date professional-looking website–and truly not only agents and editors agree, but it’s just common sense to avoid public dissing.
Not long ago, at a conference, I heard an HQ editor talk about dissing–an author was griping on a blog about how long the editor was taking, etc. etc., and the editor said the work was good, but she will *never* buy anything from that author because of her public griping about said publisher and editor. If you’re going to gripe, do it in private with a friend who won’t forward your email to someone else.

I’d like to thank all of the agents and editors who took the time to respond to my questions. I appreciate you all!

Chey

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