What does you attire say about you as a writer?

On Romance University.org, I talked about brand. Today’s post is sort of an epilogue to that one.  In every article I see on brand (including my own), we get so detailed on the basics of branding that we can often forget to discuss one very, very important element.  YOU.  The author.

Let’s say that Jane Author has written a fabulous book, gotten the uber-agent and the publisher of her dreams, and she’s on her way.  She’s building her brand — her website clearly shows that she writes mystery fantasy thrillers with a paranormal twist and sassy humor.   Her bookmarks reflect it.  Her ads reflect it.  All of her blog posts and guest blog posts and emails in loops reflect it.   She’s a master on brand…she’s ready for the readers.

Then she shows up.

Ms. Author arrives at a book-signing (hers or someone else’s), the national writer’s conference, a writer’s meeting or some other event where she will be engaging with those people who have the big, fat target on their back that says “potential reader.”  But rather than honor her branding nirvana, instead of treating herself like the professional she is, she shows up with her hair in an unkempt ponytail, a t-shirt and jeans that have seen better days.  (We won’t even discuss her shoes.)

She’s just committed one of the worst branding mistakes I’ve ever seen. (And I see it all too often.)

We’re also going to look at Ms. Jane Yet-To-Be-Published.  Ms. YTBP is serious about her career.  She has worked hard to learn her craft, she’s written books, she’s studied, and she’s rewritten books.  She participates in her critique group and interacts with the online writing world, always respectful, mindful of her words and with a  professional demeanor. She’s had a tasteful, basic website designed for her, and she started a blog that has begun gaining attention.   She’s doing everything right.  She is building a name for herself.

Then she shows up.

Ms. YTBP arrives at her RWA chapter meeting, a conference session, or that writing workshop given by a leading agent.  In sweats.

As writers, we’re well acquainted with the glamorous attire we wear while working.  Jeans on an ambitious day; sweats on every other day.  But letting that person do your networking is as bad a faux paux as wearing jeans to a job interview.  You wouldn’t do that, because you want to project the best impression of yourself.

Anything that involves networking and connecting with others in your chosen professional –in this case, the writing world, which includes other writers, authors, agents, editors and everything in between– is an opportunity for your career.  If you want to be serious about a writing career, you need to present yourself as a professional.

There’s an old saying, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”  This holds true for writers and authors working their way up their career.   Your image plays a big part in how people see you.  Your clothing choices, the time and attention you pay to yourself are very strong non-verbal communication cues.  Jeans indicate casual intent.  Sweats say you don’t care.  Nice slacks, a pretty skirt, a well-put together outfit say that it matters to you, that what you’re doing matters to you enough to put forth effort.  Out of the three choices above, which impression of you would you want that dream agent to have?  In a blog post, Jessica Faust of Bookends agency said, “Dressing the part makes people believe that you’re an author they would regret missing out on. Who would you be more impressed by, the author in jeans and a T-shirt or the author wearing a striking suit?”

This goes for authors or writers yet to be published — who would be more impressive, more intriguing to talk to?   Just as important, your attire affects how you see yourself.  Putting on a little black dress makes us feel sexy, sassy and powerful,  dressing like a professional makes us feel…well, like a professional.  And I don’t know about you, but putting my sweats certainly doesn’t make me feel ready to take on the world.  However, the slacks, that pretty, feminine shirt I loved, and high heels definitely does.

If we’re going to dress for the job we want, presumably, that job is “NY Times best-selling author.”  So, consider the best-selling authors you’ve come in contact with personally — either at a book-signing, a chapter meeting or a conference.  I can’t recall any of them wearing jeans to an event or meeting.  When it comes to branding  you offer the best opportunity to show people you are a professional.  By dressing like one.