How not to #11

Continuing with our 'How not to' guest blogs, bestselling author and former literary agent Orna Ross explains what NOT to say to an Agent or Editor:

“I’m so angry / disheartened / fed up with the publishing industry.”

Publishing is a tough business for everyone involved, not just writers. It’s tough going at times but there’s nothing for it but to keep a professional attitude and keep your spirits up so you can keep on writing.

Know what you are getting into. Do whatever it takes to develop the resilience you’ll need to thrive in this always competitive environment. Don’t speak or act inappropriately. Keep your emotional reactions for family and friends.

But most of all, keep writing. It will take you where you need to go.

Writing is not publishing; and being published is not what makes you a writer. But if being published is what you want, then there’s nothing for it but to work on. Despite how it appears, agents and editors are desperate for good ideas and stories, elegantly expressed.

Keep on improving and sooner or later, you will find somebody who wants to put you into print.