Blog

The uncomfortable truth revealed in Binet’s book is that readers should always have this guard up, and rarely do. Even though we know we are reading an historical novel, and authors ram that messag...  >

Elsewhere
Ultimate Guide to Writing Better Than You Normally Do >

Other

< Back to Blog
2 Comments

Dear Guru: Publishing and Ethical Woes

July 13

It’s kind of like Emily Post, only with a lot more moxy and a little bit of snark – editors, agents and their assistants answering the modern day literary dilemmas of the aspiring clueless. Think Good Weekend’s Modern Guru, only specifically related to publishing.

I came across these blogs last week. The first, Editorial Anonymous, is by a children’s book editor, and the second, The Rejecter, is the brainchild of a literary assistant from New York. Both blog regularly about their work and personal lives, but also intersperse this with queries from readers. And, like Modern Guru, there’s lots of good stuff here: How much does an intern’s opinion count for? Can you deliver your m/s in person to an agency if done politely? What’s the best way to indicate a change in point of view in a novel: ***** or white space? A few sample questions are below. Best enjoyed with a cup of tea on a lazy Sunday morning.

Editorial Anonymous

Q: If an author submits a ms to Editor A at "Big Deal" publishing house and it is rejected, is it reasonable for the author to resubmit the same ms to Editor B at the same publishing house thinking that Editor B, being a different person, might have a different opinion of the ms?

A: If you're talking about the same imprint, a no from one person is meant to be a no from all of them.

Q: I am a 26-year-old woman and work as a Feature Writer / Reporter for the Daily Star in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I have always been passionate about writing, but lately I feel as if I am going through this block which is simply lasting for too long. Not many writing workshops take place here. What can I do to improve my writing skills (reading skills as well)?

A: No doubt my readers can suggest writing exercises and even some online workshops. And I'm sure there are online comparative literature courses.

But what will improve your reading skills? Reading. Read the types of things you want to be writing.

What will improve your writing skills? Writing. As Jane Yolen says, "Butt. In. Chair." If you're experiencing writer's block, it may be that you can't write what you want to write yet, but it's perfect malarkey to think that you can't write. Sit down and start writing, whatever it is that comes out.

The Rejecter

Dear Rejector,

My memoir involves my experiences in music. The agent who wants to represent my work is passionate about my book, understands the concept and what I am trying to do, and all of his books are extremely successful. My only concern is that most of the books he represents are mainstream Christian. Although my book doesn’t fit anywhere in that category, this agent seems perfect for me in so many ways. His Christian books are all best sellers, so clearly this agent knows what he is doing in that area. Will he have the same pull with publishers in a book that is off his topic area?

A: If he's a good agent, he wouldn't offer to take you on without some idea of whom he was going to sell your material to. Ask him where he would try to sell it and what editors he knows. If he has a comprehensive response, he'll be a good agent for you. If he doesn't have a real plan and you have other options, go elsewhere.


Dear Rejector,

do you think that blogging can pay as well as writing novels can?

A: Yes, if you're the chick who thought up "i can haz cheezburger." Otherwise, probably not. The money to be made in blogs is pretty illusory. I think the ads in my blog have made me about $70 total.


Dear Rejecter,

Several agents have requested my full ms, and one of them recently sent me a very kind no. She clearly gave the book a thoughtful, thorough read and her letter to me included encouraging and constructive feedback. I'd like to send her a thank-you note, acknowledging her time and encouragement. Is this appropriate? Or would an agent just think it was weird to receive a thank-you for what was, after all, a no?

A: If the agent went through all that trouble, you can do it, but it is a pointless exercise for the most part. We do occasionally get thank you's, oddly enough for queries, and they're pointless and we just throw them out. But for what she did, it wouldn't hurt, certainly, if you send something else to that agent sometime in the near future.

In all other situations I would not recommend the waste of paper and postage.




JA

Eped-header-banner-current-books


 

Our Friends

Comments

by top criminal lawyers wv
05 Oct 11 at 14:31

I couldnt agree with you more

...
by hotel charme provence
14 Oct 11 at 7:25

First class piece of writing

...

 

Only the comment field is required. Omitting the ID fields increases your risk of being mistaken for spam.