Has "Paper and Pen" Gone Out of Style?

I'm as addicted to modern technology as the next person. I spend a great deal of time on the internet (hence the blogging), I love my ipod, and I consider USB keys to be fashion accessories. I do, however, stubbornly cling to the practice of writing on paper. It may be because I like the bohemian feel of a worn out notebook, or because I have a hard time being creative while staring into a screen. Regardless, I know I'm not alone in wondering if it's still okay to be somewhat low-tech when it comes to writing. On a regular basis, I get asked whether being a professional writer includes owning a computer, or learning to send emails. For anyone who feels at all technophobic, but still intends to take a stab at the writing business, here's what you need to know.

• Anything you submit to an agent, publisher, editor will have to be typed. In many cases, it will also have to be available in electronic format, either as a CD, or as an email attachment. If you're not comfortable using a word processing program, then you need to get some lessons, or find someone who will type it for you.
  
• Although few publishing professionals don't allow you to submit actual manuscripts through email, many of them do use this as a primary means of communication with potential authors. If you don't have an email account, get one. If you don't already check your email regularly (once a day is usually fine), you should get into the habit of doing so.
  
• Like it or not, electronic formatting is becoming more popular in publishing. People do read books online, and with portable devices. Moreover, many publishers use blogs, social networking sites and podcasts as part of their marketing campaigns. If you want to present you and your work as a good investment, you should at least familiarize yourself with what's out there.