Sometimes I think I'm a snob.
I don't act like a snob, and I'm not condescending to people around me, but I am just so hard to please, and I'm not overly gushy about things that are frequently "in" or "popular," so I recognize that can be as off-putting as using exceedingly long sentences, but I can't help my general lack of enthusiasm for trendy things: fast food, television, most forms of pop culture, and certain breeds of small dogs; and for these shortcomings, let me say I apologize and I am sincerely disappointed in myself. (That sentence has 90 words, one one-thousandth of a novel!)
And, speaking of novels -- and I'll be honest here -- I actually do enjoy talking to people I meet who are trying -- working -- at becoming writers, people who put a lot of time and energy into their projects, trying to seek representation, and eventually be published.
I mean, that's the dream, right?
But I always preface anything I say to them with the caveat that what works for one person is often times the opposite of what works for another, and that to truly get to "where you want to be" as a writer, you have to find your own way, and do it for yourself.
Quite a while back, one such aspiring writer asked me to look at a sample of work and a query letter that had been written to an agent. Generally, my opinion was that the work wasn't horrible, but it wasn't something I personally would read. I gave some pointers about what could be "tightened up" in the query letter -- but NOT the work in general, since, like I said, it wasn't something I'd read to begin with, so my aversion to that particular genre ruled me out as a reliable editorial eye.
So, last week, I learned that this writer was going to be published. So, naturally, I was pleased and congratulatory about the development. The writer was so excited -- thrilled, even -- and gushed about waiting for editorial comments on the manuscript. Then, I asked the inevitable question: "Who's your publisher?"
Awkward.
The writer told me the name of the publisher -- a for-profit self-publisher whom I have heard endless rip-off horror stories about.
That's it.
Sorry. I am going to be a snob now. Paying someone to "publish" your work is NOT BEING PUBLISHED. I didn't go there in my conversation with the writer. I just smiled and offered my encouragement. Honestly, though, I feel sorry for the person.
I also felt like I cheated myself out of the opportunity to explain how this method for getting a novel printed between bound covers is much different than the way being "published" really works. Mostly, I was disappointed because I didn't want this delusional writer (not "author") to think that's how everyone does it.
It is not.
I guess I'm a snob.
And I hate myself. Not for being a snob. For not saying anything.
12 comments:
I have a very interesting book for you that was "published" in that very same format and even though there may be some very good writers that choose to go that route I can assure you there are many very bad writers too. So since I've been "given" two books from people who think they can write and published their books the for-profit way I'll just say you are not being a not snob about it. Maybe this person will find a real publisher someday.
Since I have the hard bound apple iphoto books with my own written captions - can I count that as being published?
Sorry, I'm a bit snarky today.
I feel as though I've become less snobish over the years. I like what I like and am unforgiving about it and as well as being unforgiving about what I think sucks. But I'm fine with other liking it as I know many people think the things I like suck.
I'm with you on the self-publishing angle in general. But it has worked for some people. With the publishing industry being less likely to take a risk, self-publishing something that is unique is sometimes the only way.
However, a lot of self-publishing is simply not very good writing.
As to the above comment, I think you missed the point of the post. And as a writer who has taken plenty of criticism in my day, by gods at least have the courage to post it under your name.
Wow. Some people were getting a bit sensitive there. Language, boys... language.
I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed that you deleted the naughty comments before I could read them. Anyhow, I can see self-publishing as at attempt to get your book out there to entice an actual publishing company to do the real deal--IF you have the money to throw away. But I don't think I'd feel any sense of accomplishment paying for it. It's like winning a girl over versus hiring a prostitute.
In the end, part of the excitement of getting published (I imagine) would be having your work validated. I could take a crap and bind it myself.
Now I have to check my own mouth. Sorry...
Here's what I said, sans the epithet.
I don't mind naughty, but mean, misinformed, anonymous personal attacks are totally uncool. And I know who the anonymous guy is, too, because he's put some other ridiculous claims on comments earlier this week, no doubt thinking they're funny and he'll gain an audience. Unfortunately, I'm having to go with comment moderation from now on.
No email address/identity, you can stay home and play by yourself.
I resent your referring to my earlier comments as "ridiculous claims." I can totally increase the size of your penis, Andrew.
That said, the truth is that crushing people's dreams is not in my job description, so I'd have done the same, "That's nice," thing and moved on.
I kind of hate talking to aspiring writers. I have absolutely no idea how to guide them or help them. My own way into the business is so bass-ackwards and weird that the very weirdness is now part of school presentation.
I'm pretty sure that "drop out of school, f--k off for a decade or so until your wife tells you to start writing" is really not a guaranteed path to book sales.
Ha ha ha!!!! I live for the wisdom of Michael Grant. No... some anonymous poster got exceedingly bent out of shape yesterday, assuming that I was putting down people who self-pub (I still can't see where that shows in my post) and putting down vanity presses in general. I was not. I did express a kind of remorse at KNOWING the name of the rip-off company that was extracting 5,000 hard-earned dollars from this writer, but I never made a disparaging remark about any writers or self-pubbing in general. That's why I felt bad... if this writer was truly a "friend" of mine, I'd have let loose the tirade about getting your money back as quickly as possible.
But I will stick to my guns that self-pubbing is NOT publishing, in the same way that posting a video of your kid's birthday on YouTube is not filmmaking.
Best comment thread EVER!
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