Some publishing secrets

1) Don't dish out attitude to your editor, publicist, receptionist, production manager, interns, webmaster, janitor, or publisher. You are not the Lord's gift to the world of letters. No you're not. And for heaven's sake, don't argue with the copyeditor about points of grammar and puctuation--she's already cut you slack for "style." Everybody else's job is to make you look good. Your job seems to be what, making yourself look like an ass?

2) On acknowledgments: it is better to thank more people than require it than to leave out someone who really deserves it. When in doubt, ask your editor for the names of everybody who has worked or will be working on your book. Do you people think we do this for money?

3) Even a small press has big ears. If you badmouth your press, editor, publisher, production manager, book designer, janitor, intern, or publicist, it will get back to her. She will still work on your book. But she won't enjoy it. And the people she's trying to convince to buy it? They'll be able to tell.

4) Do be honest when you are asked for your opinion by your editor, publisher, publicist, production manager, book designer, etc. It's your book, article, poem, chapbook, headshot, widget. But before expressing it, please first refresh yourself with secret #1.