In this publishing climate (which feels more like the wild west than a bunch of artists), everyone needs to be looking forward. We can’t fall back on the status quo or rely on old methods. As an author, you can’t simply do the same thing you did last year. You need to be looking at publicity/marketing efforts that are working now and remain open to ideas that may work months from now. If you’re querying agents, editors, or publicists, you should be looking for the same qualities. There are plenty of people who have been in publishing for decades, but rely on the old methods of doing business. Experience isn’t the most important quality to look for, you need someone with drive and a fresh perspective. I believe to have a successful career as an author, you need a team of pros that are bringing fresh ideas and are looking into the future.
