Why I Never Give Anyone My Editors' Names

I don't have to deal with this kind of thing often. I think people take one look at me and realize I'm not capable of helping anyone with anything.

I have had requests for the name of my agent or editor, though. I don't have an agent, and if I gave my editor's name out I wouldn't have one of those, either.

I once had an acquaintance call me to explain that she had a friend who was interested in writing and that she'd told him I'd be happy to talk to him. And my computer guy was once approached by a guy who developed commercial property who wanted him to have me read a manuscript. Computer Guy took care of that situation for me. I shudder to think how.

I want to be generous and help others. But very new writers can be fragile, and it's hard to give honest--and helpful--feedback without discouraging them or seeming harsh. So a number of years back, I wrote up a couple of page guide explaining how I went about contacting publishers back when I was struggling more than I am now. It might have included some websites or directories to use.

I haven't had to offer it to anyone in years. I don't even know where it is, anymore. But I do think something like that could help people who are approached for advice and actually be of assistance for the people who are doing the approaching.

The people in the article I sent you to (by way of A Fuse #8 Production) could carry it with them to give out at funerals and hospitals! Or they could create a website with this information and just give out business cards with the url. Yes, a business card would be much easier to distribute in your doctor's office than 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper.