Two Way Street

We all hear as writers that we are 'seen' on the web by all. Most importantly, agents, publishers and other writers. I think the rules are all self-explanatory. Honesty is good, but poor taste is bad. Public bashing in an offensive and non-productive way can ruin your career before it starts.

I look for the same in agents or publishers that I research. I want to see what an agent is all about. I like to see their web presence. Do you think about that? I have a confession: I used to think agents/publishers were these gods of the business. This...left unchecked...could have led to disastrous results.

Don't get me wrong. I respect the hell out of agents/publishers/interns/copyeditors(everyone)in this business. I am not the person that feels they are evil or smashing hopes and dreams. I can certainly understand why some feel this way. It's a tough business. It isn't seventh grade creative writing. There is a bar of standards plus a whimsy of luck when it comes to publishing.

However, I don't look past scathing remarks (do not get confused with sarcasm-I enjoy a bit of that here and there) or bad publicity on an agent's part. Ok-not that I can specifically name anyone that is experiencing bad publicity-but it's a good idea to note any such behavior when I decide to query. I pay attention to their blogs, websites, tweets and any other articles of interest.

Why would I do this? Because it will help me (a little) from making rushed decisions when (yes, when, not if) I get The Call. It's another good way to keep from being scammed. It's my first defense against poor judgement due to starry rose colored goggles. Yes, goggles-not glasses. (And wouldn't rosy colored stars be cool? I digress)

Remember The Wizard of Oz? "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain," says the scary green wizard to Dorothy and her friends. The agent or publisher is no big scary wizard. They are people you will have to work with, and depend upon. Not solely-but quite a bit.

What about you? Do you hold the 'big wigs' in publishing to the same standards as you hold yourself? Is it important for your agent or publisher to have a positive web presence?

*note* Mad Libs aka FIB(fill in the blank)Friday is back tomorrow!