Law #26: Keep Your Hands Clean — A Writer's Guide

The twenty-sixth law in The 48 Laws of Power, "Keep your hands clean," is about maintaining an impeccable reputation and avoiding entanglement in controversies or unethical actions. For writers, this principle extends to handling professional relationships, navigating industry politics, and interacting with readers. A clean reputation can protect your career, build trust, and ensure long-term success.

Here’s how to apply this law to your writing journey and professional image.

Maintaining Integrity in Your Writing

Your work is a reflection of your values and professionalism. Keeping your hands clean starts with maintaining integrity in your craft.

1. Avoid Plagiarism at All Costs:

• Plagiarism is a career-ending mistake that destroys trust and credibility.

• Example: Authors caught plagiarizing often face public backlash and blacklisting.

• Application: Always cite sources, credit collaborators, and ensure your work is original.

2. Respect Cultural Sensitivities:

• Misrepresentation or insensitivity can alienate readers and damage your reputation.

• Example: Stories that rely on harmful stereotypes often face criticism for lacking nuance and research.

• Application: Research thoroughly and consult sensitivity readers when tackling topics outside your personal experience.

3. Be Transparent with Your Audience:

• Honesty about your process and intentions builds trust.

• Example: Sharing the inspiration behind your stories or the challenges you’ve faced can humanize you to readers.

• Application: Communicate openly in author notes, interviews, or social media posts while maintaining professionalism.

Navigating Industry Relationships

Professionalism and diplomacy are key to building lasting relationships in the writing world.

1. Handle Rejection Gracefully:

• How you respond to rejection reflects your character and maturity.

• Example: Writers who lash out at agents or editors after rejection risk being blacklisted.

• Application: Thank agents or editors for their time, even if they decline your work, and use rejection as an opportunity to improve.

2. Avoid Public Criticism of Peers or Professionals:

• Publicly disparaging others can make you seem petty or unprofessional.

• Example: Social media feuds often escalate quickly and can alienate readers and industry contacts.

• Application: If you have issues with someone, address them privately or not at all.

3. Be a Reliable Collaborator:

• Failing to meet deadlines or communicate effectively can harm your reputation.

• Example: Authors who consistently deliver on their commitments are more likely to secure future opportunities.

• Application: Set realistic expectations and honor your agreements with agents, editors, and collaborators.

Avoiding Controversy

Controversy can derail your career, even if unintended. Proactively managing your public image helps prevent unnecessary drama.

1. Think Before You Post:

• Social media posts can have lasting consequences.

• Example: Many public figures have faced backlash for old tweets that resurface years later.

• Application: Before posting, consider how your words might be interpreted and whether they align with your brand.

2. Steer Clear of Polarizing Topics:

• While it’s important to stand by your values, engaging in divisive debates can alienate part of your audience.

• Example: Authors who become known more for their online arguments than their work risk overshadowing their writing.

• Application: Focus your public presence on your craft, and if you address sensitive topics, do so thoughtfully and constructively.

3. Avoid Exploiting Readers or Fans:

• Taking advantage of your audience’s trust for personal gain can backfire.

• Example: Scandals involving misleading crowdfunding campaigns or unfulfilled promises can tarnish an author’s reputation.

• Application: Be transparent and honest about your financial or promotional campaigns.

Building Trust with Readers

Your readers are your foundation. Maintaining their trust is critical for long-term success.

1. Deliver on Promises:

• Consistently meeting deadlines and delivering quality work fosters loyalty.

• Example: Authors like Brandon Sanderson, who regularly update fans on their progress, build trust through transparency.

• Application: Communicate clearly about release schedules and avoid overpromising.

2. Respect Reader Boundaries:

• Engaging with readers is important, but respect their privacy and preferences.

• Example: Overstepping boundaries by prying into readers’ personal lives or oversharing can be off-putting.

• Application: Interact professionally and focus on shared interests, like books and storytelling.

3. Respond to Criticism with Grace:

• Not everyone will love your work, and that’s okay.

• Example: Authors who attack reviewers or fans for negative feedback often face backlash.

• Application: Accept criticism as part of the creative process and focus on the readers who appreciate your work.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Perfectionism

While striving for a clean reputation is important, obsessing over perfection can be paralyzing.

• Don’t Fear Mistakes:

  • Everyone makes errors. How you handle them matters more than avoiding them entirely.

  • Solution: Own up to mistakes promptly and take steps to address them.

• Avoid Inauthenticity:

  • Over-curating your image can make you seem disingenuous.

  • Solution: Be genuine in your interactions and let your personality shine through.

• Balance Professionalism with Approachability:

  • Being too formal or distant can alienate your audience.

  • Solution: Strike a balance by maintaining professionalism while being relatable and engaging.

Conclusion: The Strength of a Clean Reputation

Law #26, "Keep your hands clean," reminds writers of the importance of integrity and professionalism. By maintaining ethical practices, fostering trust, and avoiding unnecessary controversies, you can build a career that’s not only successful but also respected. Mistakes are inevitable, but handling them gracefully and accountable strengthens your reputation.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll explore Law #27, "Play on people’s need to believe to create a cult-like following," and how to cultivate a loyal readership. Stay tuned for more insights into The 48 Laws of Power for writers.