TBT: Being Professional Means Being Thankful

I was recently reminded how professionalism in the writing community means being thankful. I received a nice rejection that wasn't a form rejection - it was a helpful, personalized rejection. Rejection always stings, but a helpful rejection is so valuable. Sure, I was bummed that the agent didn't want to make an offer, but I was so thrilled that they gave me advice. They didn't need to do that.

So, for today's TBT I'm sharing an old post about how Being Professional Means Being Thankful.

Enjoy!

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I know it's not yet November (the typical month of 'giving thanks') but with all the contests going on this time of year (Nightmare on Query Street, Baker's Dozen, Pitch Wars, etc) I think this needs to be said:

We writers should be gracious, thankful, and kind to the generous authors/bloggers/agents/editors who offer up their time to run/administer/participate in contests.

Contests are fun and fast and have become a staple of the pre-agented writer community. But every so often someone will post a pissed/angry/bitter rant about a contest.

Don’t. Just don’t be that person.

It’s no fun getting rejected but it does you more harm than good to bitch about it on the web.

Go lick your wounds in a dark corner of your home or neighborhood with a fluffy kitty and an ice cream cone. I'll bring the wine.

Just don’t do it online.

This is a business and professionalism is important. That's not to say you can't be yourself and let your personality fly. Just think before you post. Use common sense.

You wouldn’t go online and post negative reviews about a company that didn’t hire you (or maybe you would. The point is, you probably shouldn’t).

And Please, PLEASE be kind to all those wonderful people who sacrifice their time and energy to host, organize, and participate in contests.