tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post8267909772956504152..comments2024-03-18T16:17:37.995-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Is Schmoozing the New Way Into Traditional Publication?Jody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-31918457902391241432014-05-28T13:46:21.905-04:002014-05-28T13:46:21.905-04:00Wonderful article, Jody! You're right, having ...Wonderful article, Jody! You're right, having a good web presence can do a lot for a writer these days. I'm glad you gave a little mention about conferences because they're a great way to expand your contacts. If you have the finances, do it and always go prepared, these are very professional events. You should have a sample of your book, business cards, and something you can give away.Anita Diggshttp://bit.ly/adeditornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-72884398328861902602011-08-17T21:43:19.666-04:002011-08-17T21:43:19.666-04:00Hi Laura!
I like your comparison to writing being...Hi Laura!<br /><br />I like your comparison to writing being like rowing a boat in an ocean! Very good analogy. Progress in social media is very hard to quantify, partially because there's such a snowball effect to it. But I've learned that the longer I'm rowing, I can begin to see how far I've come! Wishing you all the best!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-19094181953239292482011-08-17T14:49:32.772-04:002011-08-17T14:49:32.772-04:00Thanks, Jody- I'm new to the whole social netw...Thanks, Jody- I'm new to the whole social networking thing and am a bit intimidated by the art of 'schmoozing'. For me it just doesn't seem natural or right. I think a writer's work should stand for itself but on the other hand, it helps to be recognized. <br /> It's a narrow road we walk, but I also compare writing to 'rowing a boat in the ocean.' You never know if you're actually making progress. Thanks again.Laura Kemphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14731219076361166447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-28326108971945159372011-01-28T07:00:41.935-05:002011-01-28T07:00:41.935-05:00Hi Wendy,
I like your analogies! For me, twitter ...Hi Wendy,<br /><br />I like your analogies! For me, twitter is definitely like hanging out at the water cooler, and it IS a great place to interact with a variety of people, including industry professionals. <br /><br />I agree that our connections can evolve out of the natural relationships we build. It takes time and often stepping out of our comfort zones. We have to be willing to join in at the water cooler in a genuinely friendly way. <br /><br />Thank you for your additional insights and for swinging by!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50036340280073540402011-01-27T21:26:15.071-05:002011-01-27T21:26:15.071-05:00Great discussion, Jody.
I don't think of it ...Great discussion, Jody. <br /><br />I don't think of it as schmoozing as much as being part of the community of writers and joining the conversation. When writers join us at the virtual water cooler we get to interact with them and see how they think while there's nothing at stake. It's so organic.<br /><br />Think of a dating situation. Which is more likely to result in success, a pre-set blind date or meeting and observing someone in a natural setting with lots of other fun people?<br /><br />We can all spot insincere schmoozing and agenda driven interaction. I'm not talking about flattery, I'm talking about coming to admire a person for the way they think and the content they add to the conversation.<br /><br />Great blog! (Did that sound like schmooze?)Wendy Lawtonhttp://www.booksandsuch.biz/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-11196058163670003822011-01-26T03:58:36.883-05:002011-01-26T03:58:36.883-05:00I don't recommend schmoozing just for the sake...I don't recommend schmoozing just for the sake of schmoozing - if it is a fakey, suck-up effort that is going to show and put people off. Simple, genuine interaction however is a good thing and can never hurt when done sincerely.<br /><br />I remember way back in the days before internet when I sent a query to HQ. I was asked for the manuscript and went back and forth with some revisions before being ultimately rejected. I sent in another query a few months later and got an almost immediate and personal reply - the time after that as well. Why? I can only imagine because they recognized my name.Jenyfer Matthewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10769550148821002722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13937624544970872412011-01-25T22:02:00.474-05:002011-01-25T22:02:00.474-05:00Great topic and very true. I have met some wonderf...Great topic and very true. I have met some wonderful agents and editors at conferences who requested my books. And I learned a lot from workshops on synopsis and query writing. In the end, my book is what landed me a contract. I'm still working on making internet connects. But I'm very grateful for them. That's how I found you!Kathi Oram Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11959149321213743448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-47992141403978177542011-01-25T21:37:35.356-05:002011-01-25T21:37:35.356-05:00Hi Jody -
Wow, what a hot topic!
I'm not in...Hi Jody -<br /><br />Wow, what a hot topic! <br /><br />I'm not into schmoozing anyone whether it's a fellow writer, an agent, or an editor. As with blogging, it's all about relationships and caring about others. <br /><br />Schmoozing is using. I can't imagine that would be pleasing to the Lord.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-31883707436137401542011-01-25T21:01:59.243-05:002011-01-25T21:01:59.243-05:00Awesome post, Jody! Definitely agree that you can ...Awesome post, Jody! Definitely agree that you can get your name out there in front of agents and publishers in a positive way that's NOT schmoozing.I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know other writers (published and unpublished) and gleaning from their experiences as well. Can't say enough about getting counsel! Have a wonderful week! God bless!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-90200273347309773662011-01-25T20:50:57.267-05:002011-01-25T20:50:57.267-05:00I think we'd all like to think that the best w...I think we'd all like to think that the best writing wins over the best schmoozing. I guess it's not always like that. You've got a good point about not too much web presence as was the talk on the WriteOnCon live chat last night.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-65999301752431862162011-01-25T11:16:16.378-05:002011-01-25T11:16:16.378-05:00I agree with all of your points, especially point ...I agree with all of your points, especially point 3. I went to the Writer's Digest Conference this past weekend. I just wrote a post on my blog about how I was one of the few people not participating in the pitch slam. I didn't pitch because my book isn't ready. I'm blogging and tweeting to get myself out there, but I'm not trying to get an agent's attention until I have a great book to show them.Ghenet Myrthilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12621168379560585094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-57609946088419372652011-01-25T09:58:13.704-05:002011-01-25T09:58:13.704-05:00I think you lead by example in how to do this righ...I think you lead by example in how to do this right! Wait a minute, that sounded like schmoozing!! :) But it's true, nonetheless.Susan Kaye Quinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07348197999397141067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13572418410328548252011-01-25T09:45:23.932-05:002011-01-25T09:45:23.932-05:00As a veteran of the non-publishing business world,...As a veteran of the non-publishing business world, I can say that schmoozing doesn't work there. Stands to reason that it doesn't work in the publishing world, either. People are people. Desperation (for a job, for an agent, for a publishing deal) can be smelled a long way off by anybody in a position of "power." Your advice to be confident in who you are applies in ALL worlds. Great post.PM Kavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18158084685117474279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-63213792827014668302011-01-25T07:04:07.994-05:002011-01-25T07:04:07.994-05:00Hi NicCher,
You raise a great question! I think th...Hi NicCher,<br />You raise a great question! I think that there are a lot of different ways to build a web presence on Twitter, or to become a strong Tweeter. For example, some writers tweet links to very helpful writing posts or industry news.Others offer writing tips. If you have a particularly helpful post yourself, then tweet the link. Ask questions of other writers. Participate in some of the writing hashtag forums (#litchat, #amwriting, etc.). I think there are a lot of ways to grow your presence on Twitter, but it requires some savvy and networking. And yes, I do think we should share some of our every day lives with people, because we want to relate in real ways to people too!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7043002273503705922011-01-24T22:03:52.527-05:002011-01-24T22:03:52.527-05:00Thank you Jodi - I am constantly thinking of this....Thank you Jodi - I am constantly thinking of this. My question is this - what are interesting Tweets that can get you noticed? I follow lots of writers and agents who tell me about what they had for lunch or what their cat is doing. If I have to smooze, is that superficial stuff necessary? I wish we could go back!<br /><br />@NicCherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-71500801437884057352011-01-24T21:19:52.724-05:002011-01-24T21:19:52.724-05:00What an intriguing topic, Jody. (And, no, I'm ...What an intriguing topic, Jody. (And, no, I'm not schmoozing you. ;) )<br /><br />If I'm honest, I'd have to agree with you that I'm just not capable of schmoozing. So maybe my opinion is self-serving, but I want an agent who is selective and able to distinguish between schmooze and genuine interest. Most agents whose blogs or tweets I read seem like savvy people and I wouldn't expect them to fall for schmoozers. Gotta love that word though!Mary Curryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04173540875518117671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-6554541634425781972011-01-24T19:57:00.553-05:002011-01-24T19:57:00.553-05:00It's amazing how quickly the industry seems to...It's amazing how quickly the industry seems to be changing. Thanks for sharing!Hannyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05936315047570120258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-16116379396785670002011-01-24T16:37:51.339-05:002011-01-24T16:37:51.339-05:00Great topic, Jody. I detest the whole concept of s...Great topic, Jody. I detest the whole concept of schmoozing. Even the 'it's who you know' thing makes me uncomfortable. <br /><br />The poster above my computer says, <b>"Be yourself. An original is always worth more than a copy."</b> As a preacher's wife I've done my share of struggling with how to be myself in an acceptable way. Faking interest in others or saying things that I wouldn't ordinarily say, for any reason, isn't being authentic. If I thought that was what it was going to take to get published I'd probably give up on my dream. And if I thought any of my occasional comments on an agent's blog could be construed as schmoozing, I'd die of embarrassment. I have enough trouble speaking to publishing professionals at conference appointments, so cyberstalking is way beyond me!<br /><br />I love interacting with the writing friends I've made online and I hope those relationships are never tainted by the ugliness of ulterior motives.Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-49618415734262843022011-01-24T15:34:36.457-05:002011-01-24T15:34:36.457-05:00I'll be sure, when the time approaches, that I...I'll be sure, when the time approaches, that I'll start leaving comments on all the agent/editor blogs I visit.<br /><br />I'm not a schmoozer either.Lillian Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13488638666900705015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-31792778450952492472011-01-24T15:00:14.484-05:002011-01-24T15:00:14.484-05:00Angela C asked: How do get consistent, objective f...Angela C asked: How do get consistent, objective feedback? <br /><br />My Answer: Angela, I think this is going to vary from writer to writer, depending upon our situations. But I'm referring to our non-blogging writing--our books or stories. Getting feedback on that writing is really important. Here are a few places writers can look for objective and qualified feedback: contests, freelance editors, or critique partners/group.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-15330043760586862122011-01-24T14:21:17.397-05:002011-01-24T14:21:17.397-05:00I'm not a fan of schmoozing or stalking. The o...I'm not a fan of schmoozing or stalking. The one and only conference I went to my roommate literally stalked an editor. She was under the impression that this is what had to be done. I remember thinking I'll never get published if that is what it takes.<br />Thanks for the post.Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03925811510913201292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-38905336921823225972011-01-24T14:19:04.016-05:002011-01-24T14:19:04.016-05:00I'm so glad you brought this up. Yes, I do fee...I'm so glad you brought this up. Yes, I do feel pressure to schmooze - and I hope I'm avoiding it. However, I feel it's difficult to even be friendly toward agents and editors (like I would be toward anyone) without causing schmoozing suspicions. ;)<br /><br />About conferences - I've found them very helpful, even though I'm not ready to pitch/workshop. The classes/presentations are tremendously informative. Cost can be an issue - but one or two a year is managable, and even the less expensive conferences are good for an encouraging push in the right direction.<br /><br />Thanks, as always for the excellent post.<br /><br />Have a lovely week. :)MTeacresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00381461599028233499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50553118848553664062011-01-24T13:34:50.486-05:002011-01-24T13:34:50.486-05:00To be honest, you summed up my feelings about this...To be honest, you summed up my feelings about this issue perfectly. I don't think I would make the best schmoozer, but I'm happy to throw my comments into the ring when I really have something to say. :-)Shannon O'Donnellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17299313309059235876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4836655488894197392011-01-24T13:34:49.938-05:002011-01-24T13:34:49.938-05:00It's more important to build relationships, be...It's more important to build relationships, be real, attend conferences. I attended one Mt. Hermon conference that made a huge difference for me. That was James Scott Bell's mentoring group that I was a part of in 2006 or maybe 2007. <br />I'd also been to many other conferences and studied the craft for years. And even though it is expensive to attend conferences, try to find one close to you. It may not be this year, but maybe next year.<br />If you can get into a conference where they offerning mentoring groups you can learn a lot fast. But it doesn't guarantee publication. Opportunites will present themselves. Will you be ready?Jillian Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12565274151603868808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-80229901371277689842011-01-24T13:22:03.172-05:002011-01-24T13:22:03.172-05:00I'm so glad you covered this topic because eve...I'm so glad you covered this topic because every time I read something that says I need to schmooze--be it for publishing or agent searching, or else my day job--my heart sinks. I HATE it. <br /><br />I really, really believe in standing tall and proud. This has been my philosophy in blogging too. Other bloggers have way more followers and comments a day than I do, but I want to make sure I'm authentic. That means not trying to be someone I'm not.Sierra Godfreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00552916038080341870noreply@blogger.com