Monthly Archives: May 2010

These days many people conduct their business by email. It’s usually reliable ( except online accounts which can log you out unexpectedly), and it’s a quick way to get your message across. But I think that many people rely too heavily on this type of communication. Texting and emailing have taken over and people are forgetting that there is a great deal of power in a voice vs the written word.

For those of you who know me, you know that I hate cell phones. I mean I REALLY hate cell phones. Up until a few months ago I didn’t own one. I had to be convinced that I might need it. And I have to admit that it has helped me out on ONE occasion. Generally, I don’t use it and rarely have it turned on. I don’t give my number out to anyone unless it’s absolutely necessary because I don’t want to be bothered by it.

But I love using a phone to connect to people. It’s a quick way to get an answer to a question or make that personal connection that can’t be done on facebook or in an email. Picking up the phone can make a world of difference to your business and I’m always amazed at what can be accomplished by talking on the phone.

When I pitch a book, I usually send the first proposal by email. But then I always follow up with a phone call. But that’s where I tend to run into problems.Very few publishers answer their phones. In fact often I’ve called and left messages and they will reply in an email rather than talk to me. I don’t know why they do that, I can be very charming. Or maybe that’s what they are frightened of. They might be scared that I will actually sell them a book and make them money.

It might be a good thing if they picked up the phone once in awhile. Maybe the state of publishing wouldn’t be in such disarray if more people answered the phone in a timely manner. It’s not like I’m calling to ask them what they ate for lunch that day. Or if they are going to watch the hockey game. Or if they wanted a glass of scotch. Well I guess it depends which publisher I’m calling for that question!! Not that they drink. No. I drink, but then again, I am an agent, and I wish they would PICK up the phone once in awhile!!