I recently did a post on researching literary agents. A few days ago, I was reading a snarky comment on QueryTracker. An agent gently reminded the commenter that agents can read the posts about each agent. I think this is a great lesson for all of us.
Some agents have snarky blogs and they enjoy that sense of humor, but you better make sure you are sure your snarky comment will be well received. I noticed one today, on a non-snarky agent blog...The agent gave a very dry response to the comment. The commenter in question did a quick reply to try and make the initial comment sound not so snarky, but for me...it was too late. I wondered if the agent clicked on the commenter's name and looked at her profile...
Maybe, it's because I don't have a snarky personality. I try to represent myself to you the way I am for all people. I'm not perfect, but I'm not snarky. If I comment on your blog, your wonderful words lead me to leave a comment. My comments are genuine, but I always think as I write, "Would I want agent xxx or my future readers to read what I just wrote?" If the answer is yes, then I hit the submit button otherwise I delete and try again...
YOU NEVER KNOW WHO MIGHT BE READING YOUR POSTS AND/OR COMMENTS....
This is an excellent lesson we would all do well to remember, Sharon. You're right, and it is an easy thing to forget. I've never seen a post about this topic, but it is a key issue if we're hoping to be published or land that ideal agent one day. Great post!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI wonder if some people realize this. I try to tell my kids about how writing something on the internet can come back to bite you, but am amazed at how many adults post things beyond crazy. Things they would never say face-to-face with someone, but feel perfectly comfortable posting it along with their name and picture.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm scared, okay, no, I think I've been behaving myself. Great post though, people tend to get carried away with the anonymity of the web, forgetting that someone will always see what they wrote and that someone is bound to be the exact opposite of who they wanted.
ReplyDeleteHow very true. A worthwhile reminder! And keep in mind it isn't just the followers of your blog but many others can see your posts as well (RSS feeds, general surfing, Google Alerts, bookmarked favourites, etc).
ReplyDeletePublishing is a small industry... think twice. The agent with this company today may be an acquisitions editor at that other company tomorrow.
Cheers, Jill
"Blood and Groom" is now in stores!
www.jilledmondson.com
I think I am behaving myself too. But every now and then my friends tell me (to my utter shock and dismay) that I've crossed a line! I certainly don't ever mean to!
ReplyDeleteGood thing to point out. And obviously I am one of those people who need reminders! :)
very wise advice. Well said.
ReplyDeleteI am snarky, but I try to rein it in online because it can be misconstrued so easily. And if what you're referring to is the same example I noticed recently, I did think it was just plain old rude.
ReplyDeleteShannon--Thanks...It is important for us all to remember.
ReplyDeleteJudith--I've had this discussion with my daughter about cell phone pictures. It is too easy to say something from the privacy of your home, and then it comes back and haunt you.
Jonathon--Yep...in the blog world, your words are what we see you as. I'm sure you have been good. :)
Jill--You are so right. I asked an editor friend if they really google potential writers and she said they do...
Corey--This post is a reminder for me too. Always think before you hit send or submit...
Terry--"Well said"...Thank you so much!
Jackee--I'm not sure if we're talking about the same person, but you are right...what might seem funny to one is not to another.
Thanks for dropping in and commenting everyone! :)
Excellent advice Sharon and IMO that it applies to the workplace and life in general. Google has become a standard tool of many H.R departments.
ReplyDeleteSharon ~ Just to expand on your thought a bit, what you write also stays out here in cyber-world FOREVER (unless you delete it - if you can).
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder! I do put sarcastic comments on some blogs that the blogger is sarcastic, but I wouldn't ever on an agents!
ReplyDeleteI do have silly posts, but I wouldn't do one that is negative.
Good advice, Sharon! Yes, it's always good to think twice before hitting the send/post comment button. Thanks for this reminder! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm snarky too. But I do try to limit my snarkiness to my friends and family, where they understand it.
ReplyDeleteSo true!
ReplyDeleteI am always very very careful to contain any snark i might the need to express (which, to be fair, is very little for me) on the interwebs. Big Brother could be watching...
Sean--You're right, you don't want anyone in HR googling your name and finding out you've said something awful.
ReplyDeleteDL--You are right! I wrote some articles a few years ago on Helium. If you google my name (yes, I've googled myself) those articles are still there....
ReplyDeleteKelly--There's nothing wrong with being silly. I think you have to be at times. You bring up another good point...don't be negative!
ReplyDeleteCrystal--Yep, write, read, revise if needed, then hit send. (I wish there was a spell check in the comments section of blogs...)
ReplyDeleteAmy--You are young and cute...You can get away with it. :)
ReplyDeleteFalen--FABA (Fabulous Awesome Brilliant Agent) could find your blog or read your comments on someone else's blog too.
Great conversation everyone! Thanks for joining in!
Very smart. It is important to remember that tone doesn't carry online - in emails or comments - unless both writer and reader know each other well. And even then there can be misunderstandings. It can be easy to get into a mindset of "well, that's how I write, I don't mean anything by it."
ReplyDeleteImportant safety tip.