22 Fran Friel on the Industry and Professionalism

Often, in the industry today, radio silence from a submission often means rejection, what role does professionalism play in the industry today?

Radio silence can indeed mean rejection, and some publishers make that clear that it is their policy.  But most publishers are more fair about the value of your time and your work.  For fiction magazine submissions, you should hear something within six months--their guidelines should state this.  Wait the allotted time before inquiring about your manuscript, or you run the risk of incurring the wrath of a busy editor.  Make your inquiry via email (unless otherwise stated in the guidelines), and make it polite and to the point.  Include the title and the date it was sent, and tactfully ask about the status.  Many publishers are understaffed and their slush piles are overflowing, so making their job easier will be appreciated.  And remember, the delay could be good news.  Your story might be being held for final consideration.  Do not tick off the editor with a snarky note complaining about the long wait--it's a sure kiss of death, and editors talk to each other.  You would be surprised how many authors do this.  Don't be one of them.  A bad reputation will follow you for a long time.

What are some of Fran Friel's tips on professionalism?

First, is presentation of your work.  Assuming you've written something wonderful and engaging, it should also be carefully edited for typos, as well as structured in proper manuscript format (see Shunn).  This will be the first sign to an editor that you're serious about your work.  With a good manuscript, you've crossed the first hurdle to success.  A poorly formatted and/or edited manuscript will often be discarded out of hand.  You could be the next Hemingway, but it won't matter if the editor never reads your work because you didn't show the respect your work deserved by presenting it in a professional manner.

Second, your online presence is quite often all the world sees of you before they read your work.  So again, professionalism is vital in all of your online dealings.  This includes ALL blog comments, facebook interactions, and message board postings.  I've seen new writers crash and burn more times than I can count, by being rude, condescending or overly opinionated in a public forum.  The publishing world is a much smaller place than it appears and word (and reputation travels fast).  This includes established writers, as well.  I've seen fairly well-known writers mistreat "underlings" and it has comes back to haunt them.  You never know who may make it big in this business, so be kind and professional to everyone.  Burning bridges is a very bad idea in the publishing world.  You never know when you'll need to cross that bridge again someday.
Third, is the convention circuit.  Once more, be professional, which includes, looking the part.  Even if you're not yet published, you never know who you'll get to meet at a convention--other authors, publishers, editors, agents--and first impressions do count.  Trust me, you'll be taken more seriously if you look well put together, and by this I mean, at the very least, dressed in business casual.  There may be the odd circumstance of horror conventions where black t-shirt and jeans is the uniform of choice, but even then, a more professional look isn't likely not to be a problem.  Also, it's a good idea to have simple business cards available to exchange.  Again, you never know when you'll have an opportunity to talk with someone important to your career.  And you know what they say about luck--it's preparation meeting opportunity.

Also, for conventions, don't make yourself a nuisance following authors and editors around.  Meet them at the appropriate time (panels, signings, pitch sessions), or if you see them at the bar, offer to buy them a drink.  And if you're lucky enough to be invited to lunch, offer to pay.  It's an investment in your future!

How do you balance writing and marketing?
This is a tough balance to find for most of us.  Of course, the most important thing is your product--your writing.  Learn your craft!  The second most important thing is your name (or your Brand).  In this endeavor, it's helpful to establish some presence in the industry before you seek publication.  Join a professional writing organization.  Many have non-professional (pre-published) status for those working toward their first publication.  They may have mentoring programs, industry news, and opportunities to "be seen" by your peers.  Visit message boards that are frequented by people in your field--listen and learn.  Start a facebook page. Open a blog, and learn the ropes--or join a group blog.  This will go a long way to creating a format for publicizing your work when the time comes.  Offer to read slush, or edit for an online magazine.  You'll learn a lot about the industry; you'll learn how NOT to submit (LOTS of bad submission will come your way), and you'll learn how editors work and think.  Take classes with reputable people familiar with your chosen genre.  Be polite, on-time, prepared and humble.  Support your fellow students.  Use every opportunity to promote the work of friends and colleagues (without taking too much time from your own work)--most people will remember your kindness.  Doing these things will help to lay a foundation for your life as a published author, one in which self-promotion is vital these days.

But again, take your time and learn your craft.  All the promotion in the world won't make you a great writer, only time in the seat, fingers one the keyboard and a persevering spirit will put you on that lifelong path to storytelling success.