How to Avoid Being Blacklisted

As a writer and editor I’ve been in the position to hear many stories about how a writer’s behaviour has managed to get them blacklisted.

So in today’s blog I’m going to talk about professional conduct as a writer.

You may be surprised to learn that when agents, publishers and readers judge a writer that it’s not only on their writing.

They also make judgement on your interactions with them.

Possible interactions may include:

• Emails
• Letters
• Phone calls
• In-person meetings
• Social media interaction (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.)

If you get a reputation as being difficult, mean, pushy, or have unrealistic expectations, people may hesitate before choosing to work with you. If your fans and readers feel unappreciated or attacked they may hesitate before buying your next book.

A writer’s behaviour has a direct impact on their dream of being a published author. And this applies to all writers, not only those who wish to be traditionally published. Writers who self-publish also need to be aware of their conduct. Book cover designers, editors, illustrators and typesetters may choose not to work with them if they’re unpleasant to deal with.

So what kind of behaviour gets you blacklisted?

Some of these may sound like common sense but in the heat of the moment people do things without thinking about the consequences.

• Stalking
  It’s natural for a writer to want to discuss their writing with an agent/publisher/editor. In fact these people often welcome a chat with said writer, but they don’t appreciated being followed around by a writer with a full manuscript in hand who is hounding them to read it.

• Nagging
  Usually time frames are given as to when an agent, publisher, or service provider will get back to you. It is acceptable to contact them after this point and ask what is happening with the manuscript, but contacting them every day is seen as nagging and may get you blacklisted.

• Complaining
  If you have an issue with a service or person you have the right to bring it to the attention of that person or the service provider, but do so in a reasonable manner. If you’re unreasonable they may not want to deal with you again.

• Rudeness
  Is never acceptable and will get you blacklisted faster than you can say ‘Rumplestiltskin’. If you swear, make unfair demands and don’t bother with politeness, it’s likely that the person you’re dealing with will put the word out to others in the industry.

There are other things that will get you blacklisted but these four are usually the main offenders and there is often no need for behaviour like this.

If you want to be a professional writer you need to remember to behave professionally.

On social media this is especially important as you are dealing directly with potential readers. Even if they’re not commenting on your post they may still be reading every comment you make. If you say something derogatory they may decide that you’re someone they don’t wish to support.

How to avoid being blacklisted

You need to think of your writing as a business.

If you owned a store would you be rude to your customers? No? Would you demand they buy something? No?

It’s quite simple really; it boils down to treating people as you wish to be treated.

If you’re angry or annoyed, take some time to calm down before you make that phone call or send that email.

Never post to social media in the heat of the moment as the momentary satisfaction may have long-lasting consequences. Think carefully about what you’re posting to social media, will this post help or hinder your success as a writer?

If you’re angry consider writing your rant down on paper first to get it out of your system, then you’ll be calmer when bringing the issue to the attention of someone who can deal with it.