Hi,
I've just joined the forum. After writing my first novel at the end of last year, I've got a meeting with an agent on Monday morning after she read my manuscript last week. I'm terribly excited but also nervous. What sort of dress code is normally standard for such meetings?
Linda2B

Whatever you feel most comfortable and look nice in, Linda - and good luck!

)

A
xxx

Linda, congratulations! That's very exciting.

I really don't think there are very strict rules, but if it was me, I wouldn't wear a suit (too bank-y) or jeans except as part of a smartish get-up, if you know what I mean (nice top, favourite jacket, nice earrings). On the whole publishers are scruffy types; they aspire to look 'creative', but can't afford it the way advertisers and PR people can. You certainly don't need to look as if you're trying terribly hard. As HollyB says, whatever feels most comfortable.

Very, very good luck with it.

Emma

Hi all,

I've also just joined Writewords as a full member (although I posted as a temporary member about a year(?) ago).

It's a bit late on Sunday so I'm not sure whether you're going to get this reply in time but if you're still worrying about what to wear, why don't you look at book jackets and publicity shots to see how authors have presented themselves previously? It might help you make a decision about accessories or something. My guess is that there'll be a lot of black clothes, smart but casual - kind of de rigeur for that 'creative but serious' look. I've seen a picture of JKR with a long black coat on, for example.

Whatever you wear, dress to avoid as much worry about your clothes as possible - there'll be enough other things to worry about. (It's probably a Bridget Jones big pants type moment!)

Hope it all goes as well as possible!

S

The big pants scenario is definitely a worry! I'm thinking of a skirt that I love: it's floaty but I'm comfortable in it, with a new wrap around cardigan and a smart coat and hat to arrive in.
The other option is a pair of very smart jeans with a delicate twin set type thing. But the jade of the twin set doesn't obviously match my coat, which the skirt does.

Thanks for all the good luck wishes. I'll post tomorrow to let you know how I get on.

Linda

Linda, as I say, I really don't think it matters that much, but if you're in a dilemma, you might want to think about what kind of author you want to look like; business-like craftswoman who writes a mean chick-lit thriller while meeting all deadlines with time to spare and a perfectly clean manuscript, or slightly mad, poetic artist who follows their own road and will inspire a cult following... and meets all deadlines with time to spare and a clean manuscript?

If in doubt, wear the clothes that make friends say not, 'that's a great jacket' but 'you're looking great today - and is that a new jacket?' (And nothing that you tend to fidget with, whether it's a skirt that rides up or too-long cuffs you keep pushing out of the way.)

VGL again

Emma

Linda, I’d say wear whatever you feel like putting on tomorrow morning. Sarah is right. The last thing you need to be worrying about during the meeting is your outfit. Be comfortable with what you're wearing, and you can concentrate on the main topic – which is your writing.

Good luck,

Dee

Linda, congratulations!

As long as you look good to impress them, I'm sure they won't mind what you wear. Dress to impress. It always works for me - from a male perspective, of course

S.M.

Ooh Linda, it sounds so exciting. All the best. S