Grumpy Professionals at the Conference
If there's one thing that hammered home some reality for me at the conference, it was hearing horror stories about agents or editors. And what reality smacked me upside the head, you ask?
They're human.
Yep. Fallible, exhausted, excitable, annoyed, happy humans.
At a conference it can be easy to get caught up in the rush of meeting someone who can make one of our dreams come true that sometimes editors and agents tend to take on celebrity status.
I was shocked when I heard the first story of rudeness, but then I took notice of my surroundings and slowly, slowly drifted back to Earth.
Pitch appointments were all day long for these professionals. About five sit in a big room at different tables and in fifteen minute increments they listen to us pitch, they read our work and they (hopefully) give their opinion. One agent whose class I attended could barely speak in the evening, her voice was so hoarse.
Lesson learned? They're at the conference for work, not play (well, not too much play, LOL) I decided I wanted to look everyone in the eye as a person (a fellow dog lover, a fellow bookaholic, a friend), and not as a stepping stone to success.
Have you ever met a celebrity? How did you react? Is it easy for you to see beyond someone's profession?
They're human.
Yep. Fallible, exhausted, excitable, annoyed, happy humans.
At a conference it can be easy to get caught up in the rush of meeting someone who can make one of our dreams come true that sometimes editors and agents tend to take on celebrity status.
I was shocked when I heard the first story of rudeness, but then I took notice of my surroundings and slowly, slowly drifted back to Earth.
Pitch appointments were all day long for these professionals. About five sit in a big room at different tables and in fifteen minute increments they listen to us pitch, they read our work and they (hopefully) give their opinion. One agent whose class I attended could barely speak in the evening, her voice was so hoarse.
Lesson learned? They're at the conference for work, not play (well, not too much play, LOL) I decided I wanted to look everyone in the eye as a person (a fellow dog lover, a fellow bookaholic, a friend), and not as a stepping stone to success.
Have you ever met a celebrity? How did you react? Is it easy for you to see beyond someone's profession?
Comments
I have met a few semi famous people. Mostly local football stars. But I once met Bryce Courtney, author of the Power of One and I was so nervous I barely spoke :) He is a bit of a hero of mine :)
LOL! How are you meeting football stars? That's kind of neat. And yes, if I met one of my favorite authors (Francine Rivers) I'm pretty sure my tongue would be cleaving to the roof of my mouth too! LOL
Such a good point. Because it's all professional first, before anything else, I think writers need to have the self-respect to keep it that way. We're not a fan club (as much as we might feel like it, *snort*).
But we're all human and just as editors and agents get rude, sometime we might be a little enamored. LOL!
You should do a post on professional boundaries. That would be a good one.
Celebrities - we have a few here in Bermuda. There's a particular actress that we run into from time to time. She's lovely, but I have to admit, it's hard to get past the whole Oscar-winning actress thing. I think that would come in time, if you got to know the person beyond their celebrity status. I'm not sure I would ever want that kind of life though, it must be very difficult to have people see you not for who you really are but for what you do.
I agree. I'd rather have my life now. LOL! I didn't realize there were celebrities in Bermuda, but I guess I'm not surprised.
Honestly, I've never heard about rudeness at a Christian conference, only at secular, so I was pretty surprised too. It happens though, like you said. :-) Maybe the economy had something to do with it? I do know one person was possibly in physical pain, and we know that can make us super grumpy.
Thanks for the reminder!
It's way too early for me. :-)
You're so right. There's one who holds our future in His hands. Absolutely.
You struck me as very down to earth. :-) Wow, so how many CBA shows have you gone to?
I've met only one agent I considered a bit rude--closed would be a more accurate description. I think she was tired, overwhelmed, and human. Like you said.
I also met an editor that I sensed was genuinely shy. Some people may have taken her reservedness as rude, but I spotted timidness in our encounter. I've since had a few encounters with her, and found her full of compassion and kindness.
But you're right. It's so easy for us to be "star-struck" by writers or editors or agents and forget they're just like us. :)
My husband is better with this than I. If he sees stars in my eyes, he's very good to point out, "They're just people." And he's right.
Sometimes *I* am so human it hurts.
~ Wendy
A lesson learned for me, thank you. I am looking forward to a conference in my near future.
Blessings to you...
I think the most famous person I ever met was Julie Garwood because she's in my writing group. But it's easy to be normal around her. She's so very nice and down-to-earth.
As far as celebrities, I've met a couple professional athletes. Although I've never met Tony Dungy, I did see him at a local restaurant one time. He was on a date with his wife and walked right by my table. I had to force myself not to stare, since he probably wanted to enjoy a night on the town just like the rest of us. :-)
I have met celebrities before and as soon as I've reminded myself they are "just people" they are far less daunting to speak with. There is always an intimidation factor when you think of how people can affect your life, career, etc, but it is always good to remind yourself that these are "just people" living their lives and trying to get their bills paid.
I'm dying to hear every single detail about that conference. What agents did you get to pitch to?
I have met a couple of celebrities, but I didn't know it at at the time. So I just treated them like everyone else. And I think that's a good way to treat agents and editors too.
Thanks
jeannie
Where Romance Meets Therapy
I believe in giving each the benefit of the doubt, and at a conference as busy as ACFW's, we need to give that a very wide berth I think!
I've heard a few stories about rude agents or editors. Knowing the crazy schedules they keep and some dealing with jet lag, I try really hard to cut them some slack.
On the whole, I hear more stories about rude conferees - you know, the ones who slip proposals under the bathroom stall. I think it all evens out. Hopefully, we go to a conference all prayed up and ready to encourage each other.
And - I don't know any celebrities.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I remember hearing Kay Arthur speak once and listening her talk about every-day life - cooking, disagreeing with her husband, and the like. And I had a hard time picturing her in the kitchen, since I am only used to seeing her as a Bible teacher and speaker at women's events.
But, alas, we're all human, created by God and in need of His grace.
As for meeting celebreties? My saving grace is the knowledge that they meet so many people, they aren't likely to remember any of the stupid ramblings which proceeded from my mouth. *grin*
Hi Karen, we HOPE they don't remember anything stupid we've said! LOL That's so interesting about Kay Arthur. I know it's really easy to idealize people who are spiritual teachers. It's so hard to think of my pastor as a real person who loses his temper or something.
Hi Susan,
Oh yes, I have heard way more stories about rude writers, that's why this was a little surprising. LOL Not sure if it evens out because I think writers can be a whole lot more unprofessional than editors or agents.
You couldn't pay me enough money to have to travel like they do, giving up so much of their lives to us fans happy and coming back for more. I hear about their horror stories of what it is like to wake up in the morning and not know what town your in, if you ate or where you're headed today after traveling many more miles. I respect them and what they do with such dedication and would never think of imposing myself upon them even for an autograph.
As far as editors and agents go--I try not to think of them as stepping stone, instead remembering that I must work hard, and God will open doors. That really helps put things in perspective.
Have a great evening!
Did the agents respond to you looking at them as people and trying to get to know them a little?!
hmmm, I don't know if they responded too much. I tried not to take up a lot of their time. I did have some nice conversations with editors, but not about my book or anything. I remember your post about that guy! Very cool, and what a sweet boyfriend!
Yep, one of the "rude" editors was actually someone who I realized was just super shy. And probably exhausted too.
LOL Wendy,
I can't imagine having a pastor as a father in law. That would be weird!
Linda K,
Oh my gosh!!! Julie G is in your group! *fainting away* LOL I cut my teeth on her work at much too young an age, but despite the fact that I shouldn't have been reading her books, I still remember how much she made me laugh. Excellent storyteller there. Lucky you. :-)
It's weird how we want to stare, right? LOL Thank you for stopping by!
Hi Windy A, you're so right. They have bills too. Thanks for commenting!
T. Anne,
When I read your comment I laughed. :-)
Wow Gwen! Talk about pressure. LOL
Angie, that's pretty funny! But you know, I think authors are a little different. I think for the most part (unless they're insanely popular like Meyers) they enjoy someone saying they like their work. We put so much into writing and I'm sure she's no different. But good for you for not acting like a crazy stalker! LOL And thanks for commenting.
Jeannie, this sounded like me? That's kind of cool to think about. LOL
But many of the editors I met were my age. It was pretty refreshing.
Yes, as I get older it is much easier for me to see these people as the multi-dimensional humans they indeed are.
Some agents do seem intimidating but I've found that all fades away when I speak to them like humans, who too might also be a fellow gardener, Church go-er, Animal lover/owner.
Stephanie
Hi Mom,
LOL! I'm not sure what you would do.... I do think you'd be respectful for sure.
I don't see a reason for rudeness. I know this is a silly mantra, but I learned it in a Harlequin Historical so it has to be right! Kindness Costs So Little.
And isn't that the truth. It takes far more effort to be rude.
A few years ago I attended a conference and an agent snubbed me, really snubbed me. I had no intention of bothering him, didn't even want to talk to him, but I was being introduced so I held out my hand and said 'nice to meet you.' (mr too big for your britches)
Not only did he not extend his hand, he actually turned his back on me to have a conversation with someone else.
Editors and agents really are just people. They are busy. Sometimes they are tired. Some are kinder than others. Some have better manners. :)