I was over at Monica Jackson‘s blog a few days ago and read this…
I actually spent my personal time three years ago replying to an e-mail to somebody who asked me to read their work and recommend my agent–somebody I didn’t know from Eve. I encouraged her to write queries and wished her good luck. I JUST got an e-mail back saying what a bad and unhappy person I am because I wouldn’t do what she wanted.
Hmmmm. Monica’s a smart lady. I would have responded the same why.
Okay, so… yeah, writers do get asked those questions. Generally from people who are fairly new or who are frustrated and trying to get an ‘in’. Have I been asked that question? Yes.
What’s my answer?
No.
Why?
Point blank… unless I know the person really, really, really well…it’s not smart. If I recommend Author Sally Sue to my agent, and author Sally Sue turns out to Godzilla in Pink Leather and becomes the Biggest Pain in The Ass my agent has ever met, just how well do you think that’s going to reflect on me? Not well.
I get how you feel. It’s just like recommending someone for a job they’re trying to get. It sully’s your reputation aswell as theirs if they screw up.
It’s worse to give a recommendation for someone really close to you and they screw up. Cause you can lose your faith in them….
A no-brainer.
I’ve seen some things along this line lately– in blog comments, and then on some email lists for writers/readers. I’m always completely shocked, no matter how much I see it. I’m actually really really bad at self-promotion and that type of thing. I cringe every time I see someone demanding something for themselves just because…and they always have reasons for being rude or expecting something for nothing. Ugh.