in·teg·ri·ty
/inˈteɡrədē/
noun
1. the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
2. the state of being whole and undivided.
Having integrity as an author service provider means you work with a contract, don't ignore your clients when they try to contact you, and that you're 100% honest when something is going on and you feel you either can't or won't finish a job you said you'd do. It means working with transparency, being open about what's going on in your life that may impact your performance, and not letting folks find things out via third parties.
Having integrity as an author means you show up when you say you will with no one needing to be on your butt about where that "somewhere" is, or what time you said you'd appear, making sure you're aware. Don't cancel on people at the last moment unless it TRULY can't be helped. If you're unsure of a time or place, double check with the event coordinator. People plan around you; don't make them regret it.
Having integrity as an event coordinator means you don't cancel things at the last minute and/or run off with people's money. This is such bad form. Not only will it ruin your career, it'll ruin your life. Having to hide on social media outlets (or, for some here lately, in their hometowns) isn't any way to be. Open honesty is the only way you get through any of these things.
Because of recent things happening in the author world, we're losing trust in people in our community. This needs to stop. Your name is your everything. Hold it to the highest possible standard.
If someone has a bad experience with you, they're gonna tell everyone they meet. Do everything you can to be sure that doesn't happen. You only want the rumor mill filled with positive things.
It's out of control. Let's work together to get it back on track.
Was there ever a time when you had an issue from any of these things? How do you handle your author integrity? Please, no calling anyone out. Be civil. Have integrity here.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Unfortunately, I have come to expect some degree of "flakiness" in the author services community. But, surprising to me afterreading your post with all different segments represented, I have started becoming somewhat unreliable myself. This will definitely have to be addressed, as I am only responsible for myself. Thanks for the insights!
ReplyDeleteThat saddens me. :( It's our business that suffers. There's a once bitten, twice shy mindset I totally get, and it's causing a ripple effect for even the businesses that hold themselves to a higher standard. However, the light shining in the window is that you've owned yours and plan to do something about it. Love this comment. Thanks for taking the time. :)
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