By Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

Learning the skill of writing comes with a lot of vague areas. For example, writing on a publishable level differs from writing a college paper. The grammar doesn’t change, but the styles are two different bears. Sometimes, the only way to learn the tricks of the trade is to attend a conference or purchase mentoring services from well-established authors.

I’ve often told conferees that you won’t know these things unless someone takes the time to tell you. Let’s look at some dos and don’ts in the writing world that will help you maneuver your way through.

DO READ THE GUIDELINES – DON’T IGNORE

Be it for a literary agent or a publisher, read and follow the guidelines. All too often, writers assume when they meet with an editor, agent, or publisher at a conference that this person represents what they are shown. This is not always the case, especially at conferences. You may meet with an agent and gain information and insight, but that does not mean that the agent represents what you write. Do your homework. Submit your work to the standard they request. If you submit to several individuals, these things may differ according to their agency or company preferences. Don’t blow an opportunity by failing to follow the guidelines. Even if it doesn’t make sense to you, there are reasons why each group asks for specific items. Read the guidelines.\

DO ASK PERMISSION – DON’T ASSUME

Please take the time to ask permission before you add someone to your email newsletter, Facebook pages, or other groups. Don’t assume that because you have spoken to individuals at a conference or in mentoring, you can add them to your mailing list. Editors and agents get hundreds of emails a day. Sorting through a deluge of unwanted emails makes an already taxing job harder. It’s not that they don’t want to read your newsletter. It’s that they do not have time. Please be courteous and ask before you add.

DO SHARE YOUR BOOK – DON’T PRESENT IT AS A GIFT TO CARRY HOME

Industry professionals are thrilled to take a look at your beautifully published book, and they are grateful you want them to have a copy, but the clincher is getting it home. The thought of your book as a gift is wonderful and touching, but expecting it to be taken home is sometimes beyond the receiver’s control. With airline restrictions growing ever tighter, luggage check-in costs rising, and overhead bins getting smaller, getting an arm full of books home is nearly impossible. Professionals often take your gift but donate the book to the conference free book table because they physically cannot get it home. Again, the best practice is to ask, “I’d love to share my book with you. May I mail you a copy?”

DO ACCEPT THE ANSWER – DON’T PLEAD FOR A CHANGE

Rejection is never fun. But when you receive a no from a publisher, agent, or acquisitions editor, be gracious. Extend your thanks and move ahead. Don’t send an email insisting they need your book or that there must be a way they can bend the expectations or guidelines. Don’t do that. Rejections come for several reasons, not always because someone doesn’t like your work. Rejections often happen because the work is not a fit for the imprint. The imprint may already have its intended count for your type of book filled. Accept the no and work toward the next submission.

DO LEARN TO ACCEPT CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM – DON’T ARGUE

Understandably, you are passionate about your work, but when you choose to have a paid critique or a paid mentoring, be prepared for the professional to work to help you improve. Their goal is to encourage and guide, not to tear you down. Still, constructive criticism is sometimes hard to swallow. My Mamaw used to say, “If you don’t want my answer, don’t ask.” Truer words couldn’t have been spoken. The purpose of a paid critique or mentoring is to critically look at your work and make suggestions to help you improve your work and your publication opportunity. It’s not a session to tear or rip you down. It’s wise counsel. If you carry your heart on your sleeve, these tools may not be for you, but in this industry, you will learn best from the guidance of those who have trod before you.

DO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS – DON’T BURN BRIDGES

Attitude goes a long way in the publishing industry, and learning to work with others is vital. Understanding that your editor is your friend, not your enemy, can be your most important achievement. In our world today, entitlement runs rampant. We have wonderful and advanced tools at our fingertips that allow us to publish our book regardless, but the importance of networking and building relationships with your peers does not end. Strive to be an author who is willing to work well with others. Learn the valuable skill of listening and trusting those with more experience. Don’t make life for your editor miserable because that will follow you for the rest of your writing career. There are times when you may disagree with your editor. A phone call or an email can usually clear up small issues. If there is something you cannot get past, then follow protocol. Contact your agent and let them negotiate or help clarify your concern. If you don’t have an agent, request a phone call with the supervising editor. Never fire an angry letter at the publisher. Remember, these things follow you. Ninety-nine percent of the issues are easily addressed by simply calling and talking ear-to-ear. It’s important to realize that inflection is missing in an email or text. Sometimes all that is needed is a real voice to understand what is trying to be conveyed. Build relationships, don’t burn bridges.

These things can help you easily move through the submission and publishing process. Pray over your work. Give it back to the one who inspired your heart. Trust in His timing, and you will see the fruit of your labor.

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and www.christiandevotions.us, as well as www.inspireafire.com. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning, best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com or www.wramsforwriters.com.