How (not) to Alienate Success

This article was written to present as part of the Australian Society of Authors presentation at the Supanova Convention in Perth, Western Australia in June 2008.

I’m going to cut straight to the chase; there are a few tips in terms of marketing yourself as well as your book to publishers that perhaps should be more obvious than they are.

Everything I’ll mention here is designed to help keep relationships open and bridges unburnt, even in the face of rejection slips and/or unwelcome criticism.

1. If at any stage you want to be a comics professional, then behave like one.
   Keep all communications professional and respectful, even when receiving unwanted editorial comments, suggestions, criticism or rejection. Publishers understand that receiving rejection slips can be heartbreaking for creators, but that doesn’t alter the reality of their business decisions.
   
   
2. Research, and stack the odds in your favour.
   Don’t submit blind proposals to every publisher you can find contact information for. You’re much better off to study their lists and consider your project carefully -- would it honestly compare favourably with their other titles or areas of interest?
   
   
3. Publishers don’t exist to service your dream.
   Nor is their raison d’être to insult your self worth. If a publisher rejects your work, it is fair to presume that it is not intended as a personal affront -- try not to take it as such. Employ emotional intelligence. It’s great if you are passionate about your work and believe in it whole-heartedly, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to it being:
   
   a) publishable, or
   b) commercially viable.
   
   Keep in mind also that the 'slush pile' of unsolicited submissions can take MONTHS to work through - and is generally the most thankless job in publishing. It is a given within the industry that at least 90% of submissions will be unsuitable for publication -- so, unless asked to nudge a submissions editor for comments or updates, you’re best to leave well enough alone.
   
   
4. You Can Expect Rejection And/Or Criticism To Hurt.
   But, if you are fortunate enough to receive editorial feedback with your rejection slip, consider the criticism from a constructive point of view. Does it resonate with your project? Take some time to mull it over. If it’s totally out of place with what you’re trying to do, then just move on. Arguing the point and getting defensive is unlikely to do you any favours.
   
   
5. Accept that Publishers know their business.
   Suggesting that what they really need to do is publish your book in order to be successful is probably not going to help you. If, for example, you feel that the publisher is making a huge mistake in rejecting your work, sending emails that likens them to the guy who turned down The Beatles is, again, likely to do more harm than good.

Ultimately what it really boils down is a reiteration of that first point; if you want to be a professional, then act like one - treat all dealings with publishers and editors alike with courtesy and respect, and attempt to build on any potential relationship to help make the process smoother for your future projects and endeavours.