Eagles or turkeys - What sets an author apart?

PJ Nunn

I have a friend who’s a motivational speaker who often teaches in corporate settings. He titles one of his most popular topics Eagles or Turkeys, and he talks about the basic things that either help or prevent employees from making their way up the corporate ladder. Every now and again someone will ask me if I can tell those who are destined to ”make it” in the book biz from those who won’t. I can’t swear I’d always get it right, but there are some of the same qualities that seem to have predictive powers.

Obviously, individuality is desirable and there are no hard and fast rules, really. But the following generally raise a flag to me, good or bad:

Positive impressions:

1. A photograph taken by a talented photographer in a professional appearing press kit. You’ve heard me say it before, and you know a picture’s worth a thousand words, right? HOWEVER if the photo was taken 20 years ago and you no longer look like that, get a new one.
2. A pleasant, confident attitude that lets people know you’re comfortable with who you are, and even like yourself. But beware the fine line that crosses over to arrogance. It’s a balancing act.
3. Someone who laughs easily without making self-deprecating remarks. Speaks highly of others and never has anything negative to say about anyone in a public setting. Asks questions more often than offering opinions. Listens well. Shows interest in the work of others and speaks knowledgably about the industry.
4. A person who presents a professional, attractive appearance, true to brand.
5. Someone who enjoys his/her work but obviously sees it as the business it is and doesn’t take things personally. Pays more attention to advice of industry professionals than to other writers/authors who are not yet well-established in the field. Popular opinion, especially in internet circles, isn’t always accurate.
6. Someone who is as charming at a signing event with one person in attendance as at a signing event with one hundred adoring fans.

Warning signs:

1. Unprofessional materials including fuzzy snapshots and incorrect spelling in letters or promo information. Press kits and business cards that look “home made.” There’s a fine line between quirky and irky. Creativity is a plus, but you want to present yourself as playing in the league in which you really want to play someday. If you can get professional appearing business cards from Vista Print for $20, why run them on your inkjet printer?
2. Likes to gossip; talks too freely about bad experiences with others.
3. Failure to communicate, particularly about scheduling issues. Changes mind frequently and vacillates back and forth about how to proceed.
4. Crosses the line from persistent to pushy. The old adage says the squeaky wheel gets the grease but in this business it’s very easy to burn bridges by pushing just a little too hard. Choose your battles carefully whether following up with an agent or a TV producer if they’re slow to give you the “yes” you’re seeking. Calling once too often can result in a “no” when waiting until they were ready might have brought a more favorable response.

So the moral of this story is, the eagles will soar above others, while the turkeys stand on the ground, drowning, looking up into the rain.

Till next time!