It is usually said by someone who is not progressing as quickly as they would like in their career. It applies to writing for publication as much—or more so—as in other endeavors. You’ve heard it often: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
It may sound cynical. It may be discouraging. You may not want to believe it. But it’s true.
To some, of course, that means everyone else gets the breaks. Chelsea Clinton’s books (yes, she has published more than one) may be works of genius, but everyone knows she wouldn’t have stood a chance if her name were Chelsea Gunderschmutz. The same goes for Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, the daughters and granddaughters of former presidents who wrote a book about, well, being sisters.
So those of us who aspire to and work at being writers and authors but don’t know anyone powerful or famous should just give up, right?
Wrong.
The cynic can feel perfectly justified in saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
But so can the optimist. Because the same general sentiment can be expressed like this: “Christian publishing, like the rest of life, is all about relationships.”
That is one of the many reasons I attend as many writers’ conferences as I can, and why I encourage writers, both aspiring and accomplished, to do so. There, an aspiring writer will meet other aspiring writers, as well as authors, agents, and editors—and many of those will become friends. Some will become close friends, and lifelong friends. And some of those people may someday teach, inspire, and even open doors that you never would have imagined opening to you.
Back when the dinosaurs were still dying out, I was assigned a roommate at a writers’ conference. Dennis and I hit it off immediately, and stayed up talking words, books, and movies (well, him mostly) until 3 a.m. We’ve been fast friends ever since, and he still does most of the talking. But over the years he has also introduced me to many other friends and invited me repeatedly to teach courses in his professional writing program.
Many years ago, I met an editor named Steve at a writers’ conference. We became friends (I was willing to overlook his flaws). He later became an agent, and still later became my agent. And still later, I became an agent in his literary agency.
A few years ago, I was renewing fellowship with my friends Michelle and Edie at a writer’s conference when one or both of them told me of an online job opening for a blogger. They recommended me to the editor (I think), and I got the job. A paying job. For actual money.
So go ahead. Tut-tut and say, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” if you like. But writers, agents, editors, and publishers happen to like working with people they know, trust, and like—which is why “Christian publishing, like the rest of life, is all about relationships.”
Creative or Effective? You Decide
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Bob, your words are so true! I have had rejections of my Suddenly Single manuscripts that said, “We love Sheri’s writing and her stories are great. But nobody knows who she is.” I am still working on that!
I agree it’s not what but who you know. I started out in radio and have enjoyed a career also involving television and writing in newspapers, magazines and online.
Many of these came about from knowing someone who introduced me to someone else but a lot of it has also come from the old cold call or email.
My first radio job came about from a cold call!
That said my attitude is that I might not know you but after we speak on the phone or email, now I do know you! Not necessarily well, but I do know you and you do know me!
I thought, as an unknown, if I worked hard on the front-end to produce and self-publish several works, my way would then be paved. After all, what Agent/Publisher wouldn’t snap up a writer who first proved themselves via Amazon, Kindle and B & N On-Line?
Emory Rhea Raxter
Novelist:
* By the Light of The Foxfire
* By the Light of The Bird House
* Five Years of Indigo
CHILDREN’S BOOK by AUNT PRESENT
* The Vampire’s Wife
Thank You for the forum.
Emory Rhea Raxter
http://www.emoryraxter.com
It’s not what you know;
It’s not who you know;
It’s what you know about who you know–ha, ha, ha!
Len, that’s it!! You nailed it! 😀
Len, are you sure it’s not: who knows what you know about who you know?
I attended a retreat last year that was like the compass that set my writing journey straight. I met a few nice people who have connected with me and have given me great feedback on my writing (I do the same for them!).
Our success is not based on ourselves at all. Knowing this causes us to be selfless in our approach to success. We must look to God to bring the right people into our lives, and we must trust in those around us to help us meet our goals. What a humbling thought!
Very inspiring to this aspiring writer. Thank you.
I only have two, but that’s a three thumbs up post!
Where’s the like button?
First, I’m impressed that you could listen to Doc for a whole night. He talks faster than I can hear. 😉
Second, I’ve attended six writers conferences, and they are the only reason I kept writing and am published today. However, they are fast becoming unaffordable. Since attending my first in 2009, the price has almost doubled while incomes have pretty much flat-lined in many parts of the country. I think we need to do more to make conferences affordable.
I’m a day late, but not a dollar short, thankfully.
Finally, in 2017, it began to dawn on me that a writing career isn’t any different from my old career, in which opportunities opened when people got to know me and my work. (Not that I was all that, but I tried to build a credible professional reputation over the years.)
So, here a little, there a little, as everyone here has indicated, and eventually, we might find our way to some pretty lofty heights. As Rebekah reminded us, “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” That verse and this one, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men,” were dear to me in my former professional life, and they’re becoming dear to me in this new profession.
As always, thanks, Bob & company.
This post does put things into perspective, also in regard to marketing and the joys of writing Christian fiction. One of the most exhilarating things about my writing process is the camaraderie and unselfish eagerness to help one another. Knowing that we’re sisters and brothers in Christ makes all the difference, a beautiful and strong foundation on which to form friendships and associations.
The ability to understand (even a little) about others’ schedules and responsibilities reminds me that I am one of many, but part of the plan.
Blessings to you.
This is our tribe. It’s better than good to know as many others as possible. I met my writing soul sister last year at Blue Ridge. I’d not change the true “knowing”” for a lifetime of nebulous “friends” on social media.