we deserve each other, you and I...

[lagilman]

For my sins (and because I really do buy into the "pay forward" theory) I've volunteered* to work with the incoming non-member queries about how to [fill in the blank] with regard to publishing/writing.

Many of the queries run along the lines of "how do I become a successful writer?" Verbatim.

*is flummoxed*

ETA: oh, I know what to tell them. I just don't understand how anyone can come in cold, asking for An Answer presumably waiting to be handed over, and if it's arrogance ("it can't be THAT hard") or stupidity ("it can't be that hard?").


I can tell someone where to go for information on agents, and manuscript formatting, and how to tell a scam from a real deal, and what questions they should ask when offered representation/a contract. I know how to, delicately, tell someone that no, we aren't a publisher and can't help them spread the word about their 2000 page epic boy-and-squirrel romantic fantasy. I'm even -- because I was an Evil Editor and have no soul to speak of -- able to dash their hopes about joining SFWA before they've made their required professional sales, no matter how bestselling their book will be some day.

But the total hopeful haplessness of some of the questions....

Do other "arts" professions get this sort of thing? Do people walk up to actors and say "how do I get a movie deal?" Do they ask painter "How do I sell my painting for a million dollars?"









* in SFWA, "volunteered" means Mary Robinette Kowal says "will you...?" in a voice that means "you WILL."

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

Certainly, in my other life as a university academic historian, I was asked that question regularly. Usually by undergraduates, but not always -- a lot of people out there just know they could teach and research mediaeval history. (The standard reply was: get fundign for and complete a successful PhD. Publish in quality journals and ideally have a book deal. Apply for everything you can. Work, work, work. The things that couldn't be said? Watch out for academic politics. Be better than good. Be aware that if you start late in life -- which means older than 25, these days -- your chances are slim to none. Be aware that there is a pecking order for universities and if you're not from the right few, you're disadvantaged. Be in a hot subject if at all possible. Be in the right place at the right time. Be aware that contacts aren't a guarantee. Work even harder...) A lot of this translates to writing, I guess. But people will hear what they want to.
Kari

[lagilman]

Be in the right place at the right time

That's the one that's hard even for the jaded professionals among us to remember.