Being an author is a business. A lonely, frustrating business most of the time, but it is what it is. It’s a job. Not in the traditional 9-to-5 sense, but there’s effort put in that’s paid with a salary (royalties). Regardless, it’s still a business. One that should be treated as such. IMHO.

An author should keep appointments.

An author should conduct themselves professionally in publishing related emails.

An author should be courteous and polite, even if they’re screaming with frustration inside.

An author should conduct themselves in a professional, but still fun, manner during conventions.

Do these things mean an author needs to be stuffy, unapproachable and robotic? No, of course not. Laugh, joke around, have fun with this business, but remember that publishing is a very small world. Ten to one, someone else knows someone else through whatever means and an author may not know this.

Does this mean that I’m perfect and that I don’t have my moments where I don’t do what I just listed above? Nope, I do – everyone does. I’m not perfect and I’ve never claimed to be. Never will either. But I do try my damndest to make sure I conduct any email, function, appointment, tour, signing, etc related to my career as if I was sitting in an office working for the man.

Bottom line is, don’t be a dick. (totally stolen from the always wonderful Wil Wheaton).