The Reckless Writer
Do You Have to Be Beautiful to Get a Publishing Contract?
How the dreaded author photo can make or break your chances of a lucrative career
The short answer is… Yes! I mean, obviously! Go have a look at my profile picture to get an idea of the level of beauty we’re talking about here.
I know, I know, in theory, the way you look should have no impact on your potential for success as a writer. After all, readers aren’t looking at you, they’re looking at your text!
It’s all about the writing!
It’s all about the talent!
Now, you’ll have to excuse me as I engage in twenty minutes of frustrated, hysterical, maniacal laughter.
The simple reality is that how you look has a major impact on your success in any field. Back in the old days, images of writers didn’t even exist! What joy! Writing was judged on the merits of the writing alone!
But today, we’re all overexposed to the point that the impact of superficial appearance is nearly impossible escape.
The sad reality is that if you’re are a stunning human being who has written a terrible book, you’re likely to be paid more than an unattractive human being who has produced a work of genius… at least in the short term.
The slight silver lining is that once the beauty fades from memory, so do those terrible books. The only writing that endures is the good writing, unfortunately good writers are usually only recognized a hundred years or so after they are dead. Woo-hoo!
I have a really hard time with the concept of the author photo
I remember the first time a publisher requested that I submit an author photo for a book cover.
“Ungh!” I thought.
The book was past its publication deadline and my publisher was hounding me.
“We need that photo!”
The prodding set me in motion. I decided I needed a haircut to ensure I would look my best. So, I took my hair clippers (I’ve been cutting my own hair for decades) and set to work. I figured I better do a…
