Something about Appearances

Not long ago, a friend and I were discussing what it takes to “make it” in the publishing industry. This friend argued that getting accepted isn’t always just about the quality of writing, but sometimes about “a pretty face.”

I responded by asking him why, if that were the case, do I know so many beautiful people who are seriously good writers without agents or publishers?

And we went back and forth a bit over that. Him insisting that appearances can make a difference, and me insisting that it’s all about the writing. The conversation stayed with me for several days, as I contemplated his words, until I found the middle ground that my friend and I had somehow missed.

I still don’t think authors are accepted because of how they look. But I do think that those who take care to look professional, and for that matter, act professionally, probably have a better shot at landing that agent or publisher (or both). It’s kind of like when you interview for a job. If two people who are equally qualified show up, the guy wearing jeans and a T-shirt will find himself at a disadvantage to the one wearing a suit and tie. The same kind of thinking goes for social networking and blog posts. And especially for jacket cover photos.

So maybe my friend and I were both a little right. It is about the writing. It’s absolutely crucial to have good writing with all the necessary story elements. But being an author is also about appearances. Especially when it comes to self promotional efforts. (And just to clarify, by appearances I mean showing up clean, groomed, with combed hair and well-fitting appropriate attire.)

What have you done to make yourself appear more professional?

Own It

There was a time, back when I was not as wise as I am now, when I actually worried about stupid things like appearances. What other people thought of me, why they thought such things, and how those thoughts might come to be.

And it was a crazy, stupid way for me to think because, as we all know, the thought processes of others are completely out of our control. Also, worrying about that was unhealthy and cumbersome to my self confidence and well being.

Since then, I have learned a better way.

Own it.

When you end up taking your kid lunch money still wearing your sweaty gym clothes and no makeup, own it.

When the neighbor comes to your door at 2:00 in the afternoon and you’re still in your pajamas with a fist full of tissues and bed-head—own it.

When you’re on your way to a formal benefit and need to stop by a book launch to support a friend (even though you’re vastly overdressed in a gown) own it.

You are who you are, even when the public perception might be somewhat…less flattering than you’d prefer. I’m not saying you should let yourself go and never try to look and be your best. On the contrary. Looking our best for certain occasions is very important (hence the formal dress in a casual setting).What I’m saying is we’re all human, and occasionally all humans are seen in a light different from what they would normally prefer to be seen. If, by some odd chance, that different light makes people stare a little bit, just smile and wave. It’s all good.

Be glad they didn’t walk in on you naked. Or did they?

Smile and wave, peeps. Just smile and wave.

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