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Karen, it’s hard not to laugh (or cry) at the scenario you describe. 
I often encounter a certain author who shall be nameless, but his initials are JAK.  Outrageous is his stock in trade, his middle name, so to say,  so he does and says outrageous things all the time. Very unprofessional, but then you read his books and you discover a very fine, professional writer.
Then there’s this guy who’s forever showing up in a wrinkled costume of black and white stripes. He doesn’t even make a professional convict!
But again, his award-winning crime fiction is outstanding and very professional.  To be serious, I can’t imagine why a submitter would abuse you like that.  Alas, I can’t recall a truly outrageous act that was not meant to attract attention in a positive way.

That’s is pretty rude considering this person is hunting to place his/her work with a publisher. I referred a newbie to Echelon a few months ago, suggested to check us out. Instead I was told (not giving names) that his/her agent would have a look at it.

Yes a publisher, just like any other business, should be free to set their own rules and guidelines. I’m a business owner myself and I have my own rules. Okay if my business would lose sales than I might wonder and seek out why that is and if my rules and guidelines were subject I’d work on that.

Being a business owner since 1994 I must say, the customers I came across who were unhappy with my services can be accounted for using 10 fingers and I remember every incident. That’s a great track record considering we deal with 50+ customer per day, 5 days a week.

So I’m going to try to look at this from an authors point of view. My very own, first novel to me is a like the holy grail itself. Okay I’m might be a little snobby compared to other authors, but yes I’d be the one to ask questions, however I believe it’s important to share a good relationship with your publisher, or in my case with both my customers and my publisher.

On the other hand, I agree with Carl, just because an author dresses inappropriately and behaves unacceptable, does not mean he/she is unprofessional with his/her writing. Most famous artists, entertainers, actors and writers of all times had/have somehow issues in other levels of their lives. It’s like it is with everything, you take the good with the bad. The world is not perfect, and not every great writer is perfect. No customer is perfect, I have many who I treat differently to level myself to their expectations.

Back to writing/publishers. I must admit I would like to assure the publisher offers the very best base for my book. While new authors—searching to get published don’t strike the publishers mind any different than previously published authors. They in their own way may seek a comforting, relationship thinking they wrote the best book ever. I certainly count myself in that category and if I wasn’t, I don’t think my first debut novel would stand a change on the ocean of books published.

I believe it is as very important not to suppress new-achievers and make them think every success fell short and they could do better. I believe a pat on the shoulder goes long ways, further then criticism.
If I was constantly being told that I could do better, I may start to believe that I’m not cut out for the new achievement, every newbie would become counter productive.

Personally it’s very hard to slow me down and I’m thankful to have endless reservoirs of energy and self esteem, and most importantly, the up most believe in my own product. Nobody should take that away from any first time novelist. Positive feedback is as important as that pat on the shoulder. Nobody functions on negative feedback, over and over again.

—Martin

>>just because an author dresses inappropriately and behaves unacceptable, does not mean he/she is unprofessional with his/her writing.<<

But this is a total package business. I will not send someone out to represent MY company who is not dressed appropriately. This is where the MY company comes into play.

>>I believe a pat on the shoulder goes long ways, further then criticism.<<

Absolutely true, but this is business and if there is room for improvement it needs to be brought to attention. I am confident in saying that no one in my company is abused with criticism, but if something isn’t correct it will be pointed out until it is fixed. If a person is unwilling to conform to a company;s guidelines they do not belong in that company.

As a person in the car industry, if a mechanic constantly says a car is finished when it only has three tires. You will correct him. If it happens again, you will again correct him. Again, chances are you will send him on his way because you need to send cars away with four tires. No matter how good the car runs, it is useless if it only has three tires.

Kudos are earned not to be expected.

KLS

I totally agree with you on the technical—correct outcome of the work to be submitted and I wasn’t referring to any formatting issues. You are correct and I will have to re-do it until it’s just right. You, re the publisher are the professional when it comes to technicality, of the work submitted.

As far as dressing goes, good point because I do tell my techs to shave, keep up with hair cuts and not come to work—in our line of business, with a white shirt, that will be soiled and stained by the end of the work day.

But, If I had Michael Jackson (R.I.P) representing my book, I wouldn’t dare to suggest a different nose, or outfit for him. That would be like telling Stephan King to dress appropriately, representing his publisher, while he is the star.

Kudo’s hmm, okay, I can’t expect from a new technician to be perfect on every level. It is my responsibility to guide him, that includes Kudo’s and pats on the shoulder when he is on his way to perfection, but is not so perfect yet.

I’m guilty of not giving enough Kudo’s raising my son and I’m so sorry for that today. It’s too late however, and he’s got to deal with that today. I think patients is the key word here, some people take longer than others. It is important to let them know they are going the right direction, versus letting them know they fall short of your expectations every time they do. 

The glass is half full, not half empty.

—Martin

ya i m so crazy when somebody says that we have something strange for u and i feel so exited about the suspence. but i feel engry when their are nothing.