5 Ways to Practice Good Virtual Etiquette for Authors

As an aspiring author, you might be aware of how to professionally submit to an agent or editor. But did you know these agents and editors aren’t likely to evaluate your level of professionalism by your email presentation alone?

Agents/editors search for writers online. Not just to evaluate your platform and brand, but also to see how you portray yourself virtually. We want to discover if you are the kind of writer of which we would like to develop a professional relationship.  

So if you hope to remain professional and keep a clean online reputation, here are 5 admirable practices you may want to develop:

1. Refrain from over-sharing.

Sure, you may be tempted to vent about how your day was ruined because of a careless driver. But do you really want your emotions to be broadcasted on social media for the world to see? We don’t always think straight when we’re angry. Later, you may come back to that post and regret the words you used.

2. Be careful about how you handle the naysayers. 

In this virtual world, we can’t exactly escape the bullies, nor can we please everyone who views our posts. When someone pushes your buttons, choose your response carefully. Model Jesus by the way you are “slow to speak and slow to anger” (see James 1:19). The way you respond to these rude comments will say a lot about your character.

3. Avoid being a naysayer yourself!

There are some people who write posts for the sole purpose of striking virtual arguments with others. I’d hope you aren’t a naysayer yourself, because this would definitely serve as a red flag for agents and editors.

4. Don’t bash another book—especially if it’s the genre you write.

There’s a difference between politely sharing your opinion about a particular book and ranting about how that book should’ve never been published. Doing this will not exactly give you a reputation as one who respects authors and the book industry.

Besides, once you’re published, what if you want to seek an endorsement from that author? And you never know—you could end up having your own book evaluated by that author’s agent or editor. Wouldn’t it be terrible if they discovered this harsh post you wrote about their client’s project?

5. Support other authors.

Agents and editors love to see writers who are active in the online book and writing community. These are the writers who are not too prideful to brag about the genius work of another writer. When you give to the community in some way, you are planting seeds of generosity. That old saying is true … “What comes around goes around.” Don’t be surprised if these authors take note of your generosity and return the favor.

The bottom line is this: Think twice before hitting “post.” The words or photos you drop into cyberspace could possibly remain there forever, whether you like it or not.

So after you write each post, read over it and ask yourself, “Would I be ashamed for an agent or editor to see this? Would it taint my author reputation or brand in any way?” Use your manners in social media just like you would in a job interview.

And if you don’t want your reputation attached to a post, then, well—don’t post it in the first place.

Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show teens they’re not alone. Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as an Associate Agent at Hartline Literary Agency, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa’s first teen devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, will release with Bethany House in 2018. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating her insulin pump, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: tessaemilyhall.com.