Business Etiquette, Part IV

I didn't realize when I started this that it would take a month to complete. But, as I typed these one right after the other, I realized I didn't have to worry about blogging ideas for four weeks. Thus the benefit of multiple part blogs. I could have been mean and written one long blog, but I'd lose readers. Plus, I draw out the fun when you have to come back for more.

Anyway, last week I tweaked the publishers by implying they don't return rejection notices to the gazillion writers who submit manuscripts.

Some do and some don't. Remember the old days when the rule was that a writer sent a submission, then waited X amount of time to hear back and then sent another submission to someone else? Writers can't do that anymore because of the amount of submissions out there. As I mentioned, publishers receive truckloads of submissions. Therefore, in this instance, in this particular industry, one shouldn't get quite so annoyed when the publisher doesn't respond. Accept that after a month, three months, six months you aren't getting a contract. The reasons used to be that you didn't send out multiple submissions because you might annoy a publisher if he/she heard you had submitted to another. Or that you might end up with two or more acceptance offers.

Can I answer these in reverse order? As to receiving multiple offers, excuse me, but that is a fantasy ranked right up there with having Elizabeth Harnois knocking on my front door wanting to take me out to dinner. (And right now, Elizabeth comes out a little higher)

And as for annoying the publisher? Maybe. I've seen guidelines which state they would like to be informed you'er submitting to others. Taekwondo Times wanted single submissions. I felt fortunate, lucky, and extremely grateful they took me first time out of the gate. Surely, though, today's publishers should understand the industry has changed, grown, and that multiple submissions are common. What with large, medium and small presses, self-publishers, semi-self-publishers, and the questionable POD companies, nobody is going to want to submit one time and wait for months and maybe receive a rejection notice.

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“So, you've tossed out the problems, what about solutions?”

That's where I turn to you fans and followers. What are your ideas, tricks, gimmicks, and schemes to get past, around, over, or below these issues? Do you feel cheated, dehumanized, or inferior with these practices?

One thought is to let your voices be heard. If enough people complain to the politicians, maybe something will change. If enough customers vocalize their complaints to the right people, maybe those in charge will become more efficient. Maybe it takes boycotting a business. Sometimes that works, other times it backfires, especially if the complaint is deemed pointless (i.e. the Chick Fil-a boycott. And don't write emails to me wanting to debate. I don't want to get into this social issue. Save it for another time. I'm just pointing out this one incident as an example of boycotting not working.)

Another solution might be to remember these problems in case you are or get to be in a position to make changes. So often, once a person climbs out of the trenches into middle or upper management, he/she forgets those still getting down and dirty who deal with the public and the problems they encounter.

As to the last issue, call backs, I made a promise to myself and to the public, that if anybody ever sent me reviews or letters saying they enjoyed my books, or fan letters (and if you haven't sent me one, get to writing), I would respond. The note might be short (I mean, I'm so darn busy these days. Lol), but I appreciate every reader and I will let you know so.

Thank you.