Authors Behaving Badly Online

Talking to an agent friend the other day, I heard about a situation where an author posted something inflammatory about a publishing professional on a social networking site. The comment wasn’t targeted at a specific individual, but at a group of people who work at the publishing house that is putting out said author’s book.

When confronted about the possibly damaging content of the message, the author didn’t see the agent’s point of view. Instead, this author got indignant and refused to take it down. This drew the ire of several bloggers and, much to the woe of the agent, got more attention than intended.

I’m all about freedom of speech. However, I think what this author did is not very smart. The thing they posted was most likely hyperbolic, potentially intending to be funny, and probably typed in the heat of the moment. That’s all fine and good but, now that it’s out on the Internet, it’s out there forever. Attached to this author’s name.

Here’s a tip for online decorum: if you think it might be taken the wrong way or if you’re having a crabby day as you type it, you probably shouldn’t post it. Especially if it could sour relations between you and your agent or the house publishing your book. More importantly, if the agent or anyone at the publishing house confronts you about the rant, maybe think about taking it down. Don’t become an even bigger Royal Pain In The Butt by insisting upon your rights and personal freedoms to leave it up.

The only right you end up retaining by behaving badly and then stubbornly defending yourself is the right for other people to consider you an ass.

The children’s publishing world is small. There are only so many editors and agents out there. Once you get a reputation as a “difficult author,” it can be hard to buck. So what’s more important? Hot-headed rant or the relationships that will keep you getting published for years to come? Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

I didn’t think this needed repeating but apparently I’m wrong: people read what you write online. You know that, right? Otherwise you wouldn’t write it. Well, consider all the ramifications before you lose your temper at someone in your chosen industry.