on writing copy

[lagilman]

Sometimes, the publisher sends you something that's fun to read, a real pleasure to write about. And sometimes... not so much.

This week's project is a not so much.

I wish I could snark about it, but that would be tacky. Let's just say that all the hallmarks of a Mary-Sue/Marty-Stu are there, and then some, while the author gleefully follows in the formulaic ruts of established bestsellerdom.

*goes back into the mines, subreference salt*


ETA: well, draft of copy's done. I still have to pick a front sales excerpt, which means (ulp) having to look at the manuscript again. Wait, let me pour myself that drink, first...

Comments

[deannahoak.livejournal.com]

*sends out "been there, done that" sympathies*

[debg.livejournal.com]

(nodding head)

Yup. Everytime someone wants to send me a book for a blurb, I brace myself.

[lagilman]

I've only been asked to blurb things a few times -- when I didn't like the book I was able to give a polite non-blurb, or otherwise recuse myself, no harm, no foul.

But when you're writing copy, you either produce, or you don't get paid. Getting paid's preferable.

[debg.livejournal.com]

See, my problem is that blurbs or comments or whatnot are generally asked as favours. Hell, I did just that to Tad, when I needed a cover quote for Weaver.

So I'm always afraid I'm not going to like it and then, well, hosed.