Over the past year, I have used this page to voice my concerns with the
publishing industry and literary agents. The author is not our nemesis
or a poor creature that we bless by allowing publication. Authors are
the lifeblood of the entire industry, not a necessary evil.
But recently I have felt a need to address a group that has been the cause
of some of the above-mentioned attitudes: the prima donna new author.
Over the last fourteen months, I have had the pleasure of working indirectly
with some outstanding new writers, as well as some best-selling established
authors. The lack of ego from these established authors has been an inspiration
to me. Not once did any of them balk at the suggestion that a revision
may help the story. Their professionalism showed me their success was
earned.
However, I have been in the situation a few times in the past few months
where I have had emails forwarded to me from our editorial department
regarding new writers who refuse to even consider doing a revision. One
comment stands out from a writer who stated that once they write a scene,
it could not be altered. This writer told us that the only way a change
could be made would be if they wrote a new story.
I have three words for these kinds of writers: Get over yourself.
Writing is a skill that requires external critiquing to improve. When
you receive a suggestion, take it to heart.
You took the time to write the story, now take the time to improve it. |
