Wasn’t it fun to read Steve’s observations about ICRS? There is so much going on this time of year in our industry, and so many opportunities to spend time with other writers, with editors, and with agents. I love networking with these wonderful folks. But even more than that, I love seeing writers have meaningful and positive interactions with editors and agents.
With that in mind, here’s the second set of BPs for Happy Editor and Agents:
#2: Be Passionate!
- About your message: Let your passion for your message show—and let it make you the go-to person for your audience. When folks out there think of your topic, your face should come to mind. Learn what you need to learn, and use social media to share that knowledge with others. Become known for expertise in whatever area you’re writing about. Build your tribe, but do it by meeting people’s needs.
- About your craft: Be open to learning and growing as an author. Remember, writing the manuscript is only the beginning of being a published author. Your editors are there to serve you, and they do that by helping you craft the absolute best writing you can craft. Your agents are there to speak truth and push you where you need to be pushed. They’re your team! Share ideas and techniques, keeping in mind that some will work for you and others won’t. Some just don’t fit your voice. Don’t try to make yourself sound like someone else, even a best-selling author. Learn how to share your voice as a writer in as powerful a way as possible. Your agents and editors—and your readers—will love you for it!
- About your platform: Fiction or nonfiction, speaking and media connections play an increasing role in the publishing decision and in the ultimate success of your book. Get trained. Do what you have to do, invest time and energy and money, to develop the skills you need to reach people with your message. Remember, you’re not just investing in your career. You’re investing in people, and in sharing the message God has given you.
- About your career: Too often authors lose the joy of writing because of deadlines and pressures. Or they make decisions about what to write based on what someone tells them will sell instead of what they’re burning to write. Yes, we want your books to sell, but we need you energized and excited about what you’re writing. Your readers need you to be that as well. Don’t let the business side of what you’re doing take over to the extent that it’s no longer a joy. If you feel that happening, tell us! Let us talk it over and brainstorm with you to find ways to restore that sense of joy. Because that’s what brings us joy!
Next week, more BPs! Until then, Be at Peace! (and that’s my favorite BP of all!)
Be at peace is my favorite also, Karen! It seems that all of your points are connected. If we’re passionate about our careers, writing what we’re burning to write and not letting the business side take over, then we’ll be passionate about our message. The more passionate we are about our message, the more passionate we’ll be about writing it as best we can. In turn, that will translate into a passion to share the message. Great points!
This was so encouraging to read today! 🙂 One thing I just love about ACFW is the network of authors who are willing to teach and help others who are just starting out in their writing career. It’s such a wonderful family to be a part of.
These are all helpful points. I’m so encouraged to hear that agents/editors are the writer’s TEAM and that they can work together to find common ground. Thanks so much for sharing with us! 🙂
Oh good!! I love these posts, Karen! It’s so confirming to what’s going on in my head. Sometimes I wonder if as authors, we are too “freaked” by the persona we’ve created in our heads of agents/editors and become cold and stiff ourselves when we approach you(them). I want to be professional, yet at the same time, I want to be REAL. I love what I write, I love to write, and I love coffee. To know I can smile when I say that and let that passion show is encouraging. (minus flailing arms, confetti throwing,and random dancing–which I’m sure is the overwhelming side of our passion you could do without 😉
I love the idea of TEAM. Agents and editors are a first line of defense. I’d much rather be corrected, instructed,etc by my agent/editor than have the message sit unread on the shelf because of misplaced pride.
As authors presenting Christ’s message, why would we NOT want to know how to improve???
Excellent reminder that we are investing in people.
Well spoken, Karen. Passion has been a word I’ve been pondering for a couple years now. It does seem as though much happens after passion grows within a heart. Loved your thoughts today!
Hi Karen! Thanks for another BP lesson. Always fun to learn new things.
My least favorite part of being an author is creating a proposal. Do you have any tips for feeling passionate about something that isn’t particularly the fun part of what you’re passionate about?
Thanks!
Andrea
This post is a wonderful encouragement and challenge. I particularly love #3 and the importance of being passionate about your platform. It is an easy temptation to believe that merely posting on social media or updating your blog is enough to create a legitimate platform. However, if I am truly passionate about publishing and writing, I will be passionate about increasing my platform in innovative and oftentimes difficult ways.
Thanks for the insightful post, Karen.
“Investing in people”–I love that Karen. I’m a people person, and I can get my brain and heart around that! Thanks for the insights.