By Tosca Lee
I call it the platinum rule: do to others as they would want done. It’s crucial in relationships. It’s smart practice in business.
In writing it looks like this:
Approach agents the way they ask you to approach them. There’s no excuse not to; their guidelines are posted right on their sites. This includes sending respectful letters that get to the point of what you write (having made sure it’s a match with what they represent) and who you are without being kitschy, coy or—worse—arrogant. Before they discover how gifted you are, agents want to know they can work with and trust your professionalism.
The same is true for approaching writers—for endorsements, advice, or critique.
Now, let me say that the difference between published and non-published authors may only be only a matter of luck, opportunity, timing. Most published authors I know pinch themselves regularly, amazed they get to do this. I know I do.
The thing you need to know, though, is that since publishing that first novel, they have launched the business of marketing books on top of writing the next one(s)—often on top of a job and family. They’re fielding more mail than ever—and travel and speaking and other requests—under deadlines with livelihoods attached to them. So be kind and do not send manuscripts or other chunks of writing until you’ve obtained permission. Saying “no” never feels good (especially because they’ve been the one asking other writers for advice/endorsement/referrals before). But it’s also annoying being treated as a personal critique group or editor. Many writers also work as teachers or editors, in which case you may even be asking them to provide a paid service for free.
So ask! The outcome may turn out better than you hoped. But ask first—and respond to “no” gracefully. Others will appreciate it—and remember.
Tosca Lee is the author of the critically acclaimed Demon: A Memoir
