 Literary Spotlight: Falklore: Wake Up Call for Senior Citizens The Write Mind: Split Ends: Banned Books |
Dear Lee
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, Blog, blog , blog, blog, blog, blog, blog. What the hell is wrong with these people who would rather spend every waking hour blogging with strangers in some make believe world than spending time with their family and friends in the real world? I’m asking because my best friend is about to lose his wife to the Vampire Bloggers. How can we save her? -When a Stake in the Heart Won’t Work |
| Dear Stake in the Heart, Get her some professional help. I’m not referring to a vampire slayer, but to a psychiatrist. Like gambling, blogging can be an addiction. When bloggers go bad, they hurt more than just themselves. Get yourself an S!BAN button today and wear it proudly. Stop! Blogging Addiction Now. |
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| Dear Lee, I have money saved to begin my new career path in publishing. I just finished the last set of rewrites and was about to start marketing my work to agents and publishers. I was always wiling to pay my way because I know it takes money to make money. Now I’m worried that with all the financial problems we’re experiencing in the United States, that maybe I should just forget my dreams and go quietly into retirement. You have any words of encouragement? -Torn Between Two Worlds |
| Dear Torn, It has been my experience that life offers to us what we want the most and what we fear the most. Everything else passes by unnoticed. You are at a crossroads: Two questions: What do you fear most? Going quietly or living your dream? Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Let me know what you decided to do. |
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| Dear Lee, I work for a large publishing company, and I find myself growing more and more unhappy with the industry. Granted, I’ve been around for a long time. I’d say I had more successes than failures. I’m pretty proud of both. There was a time that I was proud to be a part of the publishing and literary world. However, today there are far-reaching problems, that frankly, have me disgusted and worried about the future. In my day, the “new-guard” were honorable people, eager to make their mark. They were respectful of the “old-guard” and sought out their experience and wisdom. The old was always ready to pass the torch to the new. Today, there is a new breed of literary agents that prosper by attacking the established agents. Here’s an example: I was attending a writer’s retreat where I meet with a lot of agents who pitch their projects. I inquired why my old friend who is an agent was taken off the presenter’s list. I was told that several Internet sites and some agent reporting site listed my buddy as a scam. A scam! Furthermore, the organizers of the event were threatened that if they did not drop this agent from attending the retreat, that an Internet campaign would be launched to “expose” that event as a venue to help scammers scam new writers. Unbelievable. This event was sponsored by a very high profile and respected industry publication. How can they let themselves be bullied by these Internet thugs? -Disappointed in New York |
| Dear Disappointed, Many times a week I am asked the same question. The best I can figure is that the industry had a choice to put a quick end to the thuggery when it first began, but instead they allowed and even assisted the Internet thugs. Now the beast is out of control. If I had an answer for how to end this mess, I would make a fortune. Sadly, I once thought that the law would protect us people. Yes, people. Not websites. Websites are not to blame for this malignancy, people are. I suppose the only solution to stop the spread of this smelly waste is for people to stop visiting toxic websites. |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I'd really like to see my mystery novel published, but at the same time I want to be realistic and understand the process. My book is well written and marketable, but I know that there are many good books out there. What can I expect from a publisher that is willing to give me a chance? -Hopeful, but Realistic |
| Dear Hopeful, I am going to address the realistic side of your personality. In doing so, I have a question for you: What can a publisher expect from you? There are a lot of well-written, marketable manuscripts floating around out there. Many of them have big names attached to them. You have to wonder why a publisher would invest in yours. When you think about it, what do you bring to the table that hundreds of hopeful writers do not? If you have nothing to offer at this stage in your career, you’ll have to start building. If being a published author is something you really, really want, there are dues to pay. If it were as easy as some Internet sites would have you believe, everyone who wrote a book would be rich and famous. The “mantra” that some self-proclaimed experts are chanting that “writers should be paid, they shouldn’t pay” is about as ridiculous as they come. As a writer, you must invest your time and money. It’s a business, Hopeful, a business. Writing is only one step in the process. You must market yourself and your work. Grisham did. In fact, he, along with many famous authors, started out self-publishing their work. Ask Deepak Chopra, Tom Peters and James Redfield how they got started. Perhaps this is the mantra the “experts” should chant: As much as you are willing to give. |
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| Dear Lee, I've worked with my agent for over a year, and she has already sold two of my manuscripts. She aggressively marketed my work to several publishers and has always been professional, responsive, and honest with me. Last month, I met someone at a writers' conference and mentioned how helpful my agent had been. When I mentioned the name of the agency, she told me that my agent was a scam artist and was only interested in making money off vulnerable writers who didn't know better. She said you should never pay an agent for anything. I don't agree, and think it is only right that my agent be paid for her time, just like I and everyone I know expect to be. The writer told me that agents should only make money on commissions after the manuscript has been sold. I'm not a rocket scientist, but it doesn't take much for me to realize that a writer trying to get his first big break will probably not make a lot of money in the beginning. An agent would have to have a lot of clients with substantial royalties to make a huge salary on the 15% she receives. I'm thrilled that my agent took an interest in me and has been successful with my work. I can't imagine expecting her to spend hours promoting my books without compensation from me. Am I right, or am I a fool that's totally missing the boat? |
| Dear Guy, Will wonders ever cease? A writer who actually understands that publishing is a business. The only boat you missed is the chance to get the name and address of the person who slandered your agent and take them to task. If the person who called your agent a scam was one of the presenters, then the sponsors of the conference need to be notified, so give your agent all the pertinent information. Let me guess: You’re agent is on some Internet sites with a Worst Agent List, right? Now let me say this: Consider the source. Consider their motives. Consider that they are being sued. If you are happy with your agent, that should be enough. I feel so bad for new writers today. You are a perfect example of the chaos a few have caused in the literary profession. You and your agent accomplished something really great and someone comes along and tries to steal your thunder and has you second-guessing yourself. The literary industry has taken a nosedive in the past few years. Not because of agents, but because of the vicious attacks on agents that have been allowed to go unchecked by literary and publishing professionals and the trade in general. Everyone is afraid they will be the next target by these Internet bullies. Keep you head held high and encourage your agent to do the same. What goes aound, comes around. |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I haven't quit my day job yet, but I am published and by the grace of God have a wonderful agent, finally. Just wondering if I am the only fiction writer who finds every other fiction writer to be much better than herself. Within the past year, the books I read seem to be so much better than mine that I can't imagine my work published by a known publisher---ever. This hasn't been the case within the ten years I have been at the craft---only fairly recently. Do you suppose I am getting down because I haven't cashed in, or am I simply seeing the light? -Alone in my mind. |
| Dear Alone, Just like actors, there are not a lot of writers who can afford to quit their day jobs. However there are a lot of writers who earn a nice living in the field they love. In addition to your writing, you can teach continuing education courses on novel writing at your local community college; offer private writing consultations, co-author, ghostwrite and conduct workshops and seminars. It seems that you have held a steady course in making your dream of becoming a published author a reality. Good for you. Right now, you’re walking through the storm of self-doubt. It’s something most of us do and it’s actually a healthy sign because it means that you want to improve your work. Hemmingway once said that he was a continual journeyman and always learning something new about his craft. That kind attitude sure beats the hell out of, let’s say, a science fiction writer who novelizes a television series and thinks that they hold the key to the publishing kingdom. Keep steady, Alone. Think about this: James Patterson started publishing around 1978. He kept steady and just look where he is now. It’s important to remember that being an author isn’t just about writing books; it’s also about self-promotion and advertising. Fill the trunk of your car with your books and pass those babies out every opportunity you get. No matter who your publisher is, hold your head up high, be proud of your accomplishments, ignore your detractors and don’t let anyone get between you and the vision you have. Hey, I have a song I want you to listen to: “When You Walk through a Storm.” I think after you listen to the words a couple of times, your spirits will pick up. In a week or two let me know how you’re doing. I’ll bet you have some great advice to share with other readers of WNW. |
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| Dear Lee, The moment I decided to become a writer, I froze and couldn’t write a word. What’s that all about? -Ice Man Cometh |
| Dear Ice Man, It could be one of two things: Fear of Failure or Fear of Success. Then again, it could simply be a case of wanting to be a writer as opposed to being one. Here’s an offer: Contact Lisa at editor@writersnewsweekly.com and offer to do a column or series of short stories. She’ll put you on a deadline, and then we’ll see if you have the stuff real writers are made of. |
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| Dear Lee, I’m totaling pissed about the column that appeared in WritersNewsWeekly titles “Male Fantasy: Why Do Fictional Woman Always Have Big Boobs?” As a male writer, I’m begging you to please spread the word that “WE WILL NOT GIVE UP OUR FANTASIES.” We men have drawn the line: We are keeping our large-breasted, long-legged, over-sexed female characters. -Anonymous (Have to be or my wife will kill me) |
| Dear Anonymous, As long as you are keeping it between, excuse me, the pages, I don’t see any harm. |
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| Dear Lee, I was publishing by a POD publisher. This publisher is getting slammed on popular Internet and blog site for writers. I noticed that the same people who are dissing my publisher are being sued for libel. I just want to say that I made an informed decision to go with this publisher. I’m a new writer and by being a new writer there are not many doors that are open to me. At least this publisher gave me a chance to see my book in print. I literally have sold my book door-to-door and store-to-store. I am paying my dues. I’m working hard to make a name for myself. In doing so, I have run across bookstore owners and writers groups who will not allow me to participate because of my publisher. I’ve gotten excellent reviews, great endorsements and my book is selling. I’ve even made money. When I asked why they have such a poor opinion of my publisher they referred me to those above sources. Don’t those people understand that they are not helping writers and in fact that they are hurting them? I noticed that when an author tries to defend their publisher or attempt to correct misinformation that has spread, these people who operate the sites get really hostile. They went as far as to post personal information about an author that, I am sure, was quite embarrassing to him. I felt so bad for him I bought several copies of his book and recommend his work every chance I get. In closing, I hope they are found guilty of libel and all the other charges. Maybe that will allow us new authors to get on with our careers without their Internet inference. -Leave My Publisher Alone |
| Dear Leave, First, you’re assuming that they really do what to “help” new writers. Maybe their true agenda is to “hurt” new writers. Don’t let these people derail your efforts. Treat them the way they desire to be treated: Don’t visit their sites. Don’t take their advice. Ignore them. Right now, there are not many laws in place that protect us from Internet inference, but, to quote Bob Dylan: “Come writers and critics Who prophesize with your pen And keep your eyes wide The chance won’t come again And don’t speak too soon For the wheels still in spin And there’s no tellin who That it’s namin. For the loser now Will be later to win For the times they are a-changin.” |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I recently visited a website that claims to be a reference source for writers regarding literary agents and publishers. I heard about this site from a friend who is researching the researchers. There is an agent on the site who is on the “not recommended” list of “bad” agents. Why you ask? Because this agent charges fees. Forget the fact that the agent has been dead for years, which would have been a better reason for not recommending them. My friend tells me that this site and similar ones have caused a lot of damage to good people and good companies. I personally can’t believe that anyone takes them serious. The way I see it, if a new writer believes this nonsense, they have just taken the meaning of the word “idiot” to new heights. Agree or disagree? -Researching the Researcher |
| Dear Researching, Every Tom, Dick or Harry who has access to the Internet can create a “World According to Me” site. In their virtual world, they make their own rules, which they enforce by any means necessary. In the real world, they would not fair so well. There are many reasons why these people do what they do and why people believe them. The unfortunate thing is that good people and good businesses have been irreparably damaged. As for taking “idiot” to new heights, well, I just returned from a debate with lawmakers regarding freedom of speech and libel on the Internet. Now there’s a group that have successfully redefined the meaning of idiot. |
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| Dear Lee, I have a writing problem. I recently spoke with an agent regarding my manuscript. He wants me to change my entire story. Something about not enough conflict and staying in a point of view, among other things. I have a ton of conflict and my point of view is in the third person. I don’t think they know what they are talking about. Why should I have to listen to them, anyway? -My Way |
| Dear Your Way, Tons of conflicts? Great. I’ll bet none of the “conflict” is developed. As far as your point of view being the “third” person, the question becomes, who is the third person whose POV you are in? First and third are forms of narration. POV is best explained by asking the question, “From whose eyes are we seeing this story?” Most of the time, the POV belongs to your main character (protagonist.) You know what? Read a few good books on the craft of fiction writing. While you’re at it, read a few good novels, too. Listen to your agent. If he offers any writing services, you may want to take them, My Way. |
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| Dear Lee, This story goes out to your new writers. I was offered a contract by a very small publisher. It was a three book deal with very small advance on the first book and a little better advance on the next two books. The deal also had a bonus structure. I had to agree to buy some promotional copies of my first book but none of the second and third. I sought advice on the Internet, and was contacted by a published author who advised me against signing the contract. This author told me that the publisher was being “investigated” for fraud. I believed this person. I turned down the contract and at this author’s urging self-published the first book “To keep control of my rights,” as she said. I went with a self-publishing company that they recommended. After I self-published, I realized I needed a distributor, had to advertise, etc. I never wanted to be a publisher; I just wanted to be an author. The first book flopped, and I have a ton of unsold copies I doubt I can get rid of. Recently, I received a letter from the small publisher informing me that their budget for next year has been approved and they can offer me the same three book deal with a slightly higher advance on each book, and I don’t have to buy any promotional copies on the first book. I also learned that they received a few awards for some of their titles, and that they have had success in selling foreign translation and movie rights. To top it off, a few house-hold name authors have been endorsing their new authors’ works. I immediately called the publisher to tell them to move ahead and send me the contract. I explained that I made a mistake and self-published the first book in the series. The publisher was very deeply sorry (I could hear it in her voice,) and explained that she was unable to offer the contract to me. She went on to say that the publishing house doesn’t publish previously published fiction unless it had a proven market. Furthermore, I learned that the same author that told me not to accept the contract contacted the publisher with a three book project of her own! She is being published by them, and I am not. The moral of the story: The Internet sucks, and I’m a jerk without a publisher. -I Should Have Signed |
| Dear Should Have, There’s absolutely nothing wrong with self-publishing if you want to be an author or publisher. Many good and well-known authors started out that way. I don’t think this is about self-publishing, but rather about taking advice from some voice echoing in the wildness. Anyway, thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like both you and that small publisher lost. |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I recently went on a writer’s blog and much to my surprise, a colleague of mine was being slammed. I learned that not one of these wannabe-writer’s ever had any contact with the publisher. Furthermore, there was a competitor who stated that this particular publisher was a scam and then proceeded to make an offer to the other bloggers that she would answer their questions about publishing and writing for $35.00 a question. I made a statement on the blog questioning the integrity of my colleague and I was verbally attacked by this group. One person on the site asked if we could “privatize” our debate and exchange information in an effort to get to the truth. Like a fool, I agreed. We corresponded via email a few times and guess what? This person accused me of cyberstalking, then somehow (I wonder how,) my email address was posted on this blogsite and tagged as a “scam lover.” I started to receive threats and “friendly” advice, saying that I should forget about coming to the aid of my colleague. I have a feeling if I proceed against them in anyway, I’ll be their next target. What do you think? -Amazed, Dazed and Confused |
| Dear ADC, Unfortunately, your situation is not uncommon. My advice is to move on. What else can you do? Sue them? You don’t even know who “them” is. Report them to the Internet Provider? Right, like they care. Engage them further? That would be downright silly. Make a police report? Depends upon the nature of the threat. Stay out of chatrooms? Now there’s a thought. |
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| Dear Lee, I have a personal situation. It doesn’t involve writing, publishing, the Internet or literary agents. It’s about the size of my penis. It’s huge. I scare women. What can I do? -Too Big to Love |
| Dear Mr. Big, It sounds to me that this is about writing…fiction that is. |
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| Dear Lee, I belong to a writer’s group. I pay my dues. I volunteer. I donate to their legal fund. Recently, I have been very uncomfortable about the direction this group is taking. I looked up the founder’s mission statement, and I think the group has lost sight of what they are supposed to be doing. In one year they have been sued twice. The group is consistently receiving threats of legal action for libel and interference of trade, among other charges. My concern is that I’m afraid that if I voice my opinion, I will be blackballed. By being an active member of this group, I get a lot of perks. Their “exclusive” agent represents me. And because this agent is closely tied in with a publisher, I get my work published. I don’t make a lot on the books I write, but I do make a lot doing seminars, lectures and consulting with new writers. Believe it or not, I’m making somewhere in the six figures. Money or morals? That is the question. -Stuck |
| Dear Stuck, I once had a friend that told me to stop living in the world of this-or-that, either-or. She said people have This, That and Both. She also said a person is never stuck for long. It is against nature. Eventually you’ll move. Somewhere in your mind, you have already chosen your direction, so consult yourself. Then act according to your true self. |
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| Dear Lee, This is another one of those stories about, “He who rules the rooster, rules the nest.” A well-known writer’s association held a contest for the best novel published in 2007. I entered my novel and paid the entry fee. I was chosen as a finalist. I paid for the airfare, hotel and tickets to the awards banquet. Guess who won? The founder’s daughter! Now, is that fair? -Nothing Romantic About Being a Loser |
| Dear Romantic, Rule Number 106: Life isn’t fair. Rule Number 958: Joiners are followers. Rule Number: 194875872358775435867903: You have the right to start your own writing awards program. |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I made a serious, serious mistake. In a moment of complete insanity on my part, I went online and posted remarks about an agent that I had no business posting. They weren’t very nice remarks, and I truly regret what I have done. I contacted the site and asked them to remove my comments. They refused. Now I am seriously worried. The site that I posted on has forwarded my negative comments, and now nearly every writer’s website has linked to them. I wrote a retraction, but they keep taking it down. I am scared to death the agent is going to sue me. If that happens, I’m going to get fired from my job because I posted my comments from my work computer. I guess it’s best to mention that I work for a publishing company. What am I going to do? -In Hot Water |
| Dear In Hot Water, This is beyond my area of expertise. My best advice is for you to meet with an attorney to discuss your situation. If you are sued, maybe you can plead insanity |
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| Dear Lee, I was offered a publishing contract and went online to ask writers their opinion about the contract. A person I never met who claimed to be from a writing organization that helps writers requested that I forward the contract to them for review, which I did. In stead of reviewing the contract, they told me that my publisher was a scam and that they are going to keep my contract for their files. They said they are going to “expose” the publisher as a scam. I want no part of this. I thought I was going to get comments on what is negotiable and what is standard in a publishing contract. I’m a new writer. I finally got a publisher interested in my work and now this. I emailed this person and the group they are a part of and told them not to include my contract in their files. They have not responded. I also had an attorney send them a notice, which they haven’t responded to either. My attorney reviewed the contract and made a couple of changes, which the publisher agreed to. I signed with the publisher but haven’t told them about the situation. What should I do? -Under Contract but Feeling Bad |
| Dear Under Contract, You should feel bad. The best thing would have been to go to the attorney to review the contract in the first place. Before signing, you should have been honest with your publisher and told them what was going on. The thing to do now is have a heart-to-heart with your publisher. You need to come clean and clear the air. |
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| Dear Lee, I hate my co-author. I really do. The guy is whacked in the head. I think he has some serious mental problems. Here’s the story: I can’t write that well. I’m not an author, just a person who has an interesting story. I was at a party, met a publisher, told him my story and they hooked me up with this guy. I thought because they referred him to me that he would be okay, so I signed a co-authoring contract with him. But as it turns out, he’s a nut-job. I don’t want to work with him anymore. So I’m going to pay him to go away, which he has already agreed to accept. After he accepted the offer, he told me that he was going to call the publisher and tell them that I was the crazy one and that I would never get published in this town. Should I call the publisher and explain? -Co-authored Out |
| Dear Out, I am assuming that you are not under contract. It seems that the publisher is just interested in the work. If that’s the case, make a friendly call to the publisher. Mention that you switched co-authors, and that you are still interested in pursuing a contract with the company. Acknowledge that sometimes people don’t “click,” and that you did not click with the co-author they suggested. Quick word of caution: I would not use words like nut-job or mental case when describing your relationship. |
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| Dear Lee, I run a very small literary agency and do my best to manage two children, three pets and a house. Most of my clients are wonderful and respect the fact that like them, I too have a personal life. The problem is that I have two clients that are ready to push me over the edge. Both are well-educated, professional people who are retired. They think that the small fee they pay me every month entitles them to around the clock attention. I’m their agent. I am not their babysitter or employee. I don’t want to lose them as clients, but they are taking up my time with their constant phone calls, emails and letters. How do I put my foot down without stomping their heads? -Agent of Stress |
| Dear Stress, Here’s your answer, plain and simple: House Rules. Put together your policies and procedures handbook, and give it to your present and future clients. |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, I am being badly criticized and made fun of for accepting a highly coveted and prestigious award for my novel from an organization I’ll call the BBBG. It is true that I am an active member of the BBBG. It is also true that I was a former board member, and that I presently serve on a high profile committee for that organization. I am also “involved” with the former BBBG chairperson who is on the awards committee. Nevertheless, I deserve the award. I earned it the old fashion way; hard work and a “git ‘er done” attitude. So, how do I handle the snickers, the loud whispers and dirty looks from my colleagues? -Not the Kind of Writer who Sleeps Her Way to the Top |
| Dear Sleeping, The publishing industry has been accused of being incestual. Your situation seems to give credence to that argument. Here’s the thing about incest: It disturbs domestic peace. And when excessive inbreeding happens, nasty, undesirable, recessive genes express themselves and guess what you get? Defects and disease. The issue isn’t whether or not you deserved the award or took the “hard-way” to the top. The real concern should be for the future health of the BBBG. Oh, by the way, if this was a case of “sexual” incest, it would be criminal offense. If you’re not guilty, stop acting like you are. |
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| Dear Lee, I have a serious problem; well, at least I think I do. I hear voices. More specifically, the voices of my characters. Before the voices I used to be an okay writer. Every once in a while, I’ll get an article, short story or essay published. But once the voices start… POW! I’m fantastic. I’ve sold a screenplay and two novels this year alone. What do you think about the writer’s voice? -Hello |
| Dear Hello, What’s that you say? I can’t hear you; someone is talking inside my head. Wait a minute. “Will you please shuddup? I’m trying to write.” |
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| Dear Lee, I’m a new, but serious writer. I’ve received my Masters in Writing; I’ve read nearly every book on the craft, and I’m looking for a job in the industry. But I have a problem that I’m trying to come to terms with. Have you read the shit that’s on the Internet about agents and publishers? For God sakes, what’s wrong with you people? It seems to me that the publishing industry needs a good kick in the ass. Who in the hell makes the rules anyway? Agents should do this; publishers can’t do that. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I know there are real professionals who are good at what they do and care about their craft. But where are they? Hiding? I don’t blame them if they are. I feel like ducking for cover and staying there until the Internet crashes, sending these self-serving, negative asshole “experts” back to the hell they came from. Has the publishing industry always been this screwed up? -Feels Like Staying on the Farm |
| Dear Farming Writer, There is a lot of crap on the Internet. Unfortunately, it seems that a lot of people enjoy and even thrive on a steady diet of feces. And as long as there as shit-eaters, there will be bloated assholes. As far as a good kick in the behind, the first group that should feel the pain are the established trade sources that have either endorsed this nonsense or who are afraid to upset the apple cart. You’ve seen what happens when someone tries to set the record straight; they’re made out to look like “scammers” or Internet stalkers. No, the publishing industry hasn’t always been this dysfunctional. It only started when the gates to the basement were opened. |
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| Dear Lee, I read your advice to “Editorial,” and you are right on. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of having an affair with my literary agent and it almost cost me my marriage. In retrospect, I was caught up in the idea of being a writer and having this high-powered agent charmed by me and my talent. Yeah, right. I hope Editorial heeds your advice and edits the editor out of her life story. -An Author Without an Agent |
| Dear Author, You’re lucky to have learned from your mistake. Editorial would be really lucky if they could learn from your mistake, too. Let us know what you’ve decided, Editorial. |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee
| Dear Lee, Help! I am in love with my editor. I'm a new, unpublished science fiction/fantasy writer that, like most new writers, needed help with my manuscript. I had problems with character, plot, point-of-view and a few million other things. But with the help of my wonderful editor, I now have a seriously kick-ass novel, and my long time dream of being a published author is in sight. However, I fell in love in somewhere between the numerous rewrites. Here's the problem: I never met my editor face-to-face. We've only communicated via email and through written comments on the pages of my manuscript. Lately, he has returned my "flirty" comments with some of his own. Can you fall in love with someone you never met? One more problem: I'm married. -Editorial Assistance Needed |
| Dear Editorial, It could be love, but I doubt it. It sounds more like a school-girl crush. It’s almost a cliché for a writer to fall in love with his or her editor. Let’s think about this for a minute: You never met your editor, you have no idea how he feels about you and most importantly you’re married. Express your “love” for your editor where it should be expressed: On the acknowledgment page of your book, not between the sheet. Focus your energies on writing a new novel; more importantly, create a little fantasy with your husband between chapter breaks. |
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| Dear Lee, I have been rejected by almost every agent and publisher in the universe. I know my novel isn’t that bad. I’ve read Grisham, Patterson and Brown and I know I write just like them. So what’s the problem? Why can’t I get a break? -Confused in Texas |
| Dear Confused, You might want to start reading a few books on the craft of novel writing, and it wouldn’t hurt to read a few of the classics as well. Keep in mind that the publishing industry is a business. What do you bring to the table? Since you have received the “universal rejection” notice, I’d say not much. |
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| Dear Lee, I’ve always loved reading, I’m a really good sales person and I’ve been in the publishing industry as an editor for five years. I’m thinking about opening my own literary agency. I’ve done enough research to know that I can’t financially survive on commissions alone and have decided to offer other literary services, such as editing, consulting, critiques and workshops. I don’t want to read manuscripts for free because when something is free it risks having no value and my time and expertise is of value. I have seen what happens to agents that offer other services and charge evaluation fees; they either get slammed on some blog site or wind up on a blogger’s worst agent list. I’ve even know of three or four bloggers who contact the company I work for and attempt to strongly encourage our editorial staff not to accept submissions from certain “scam” agents. It’s brutal out there. You think I should take the leap or stay put? -On the Fence in New York |
| Dear On the Fence, It has been my experience that a person always has a choice of what direction or action they will take. It has also been my experience that a person is responsible for their own choices; not the guy next door or some blogger on the Internet. To give up your choices or not claim responsibility for your actions is surrendering your power, your life blood and your hope. Do you want to give your life to the bloggers? If you do, you are creating nothing but a lot of suffering for yourself. Eventually, you’ll just freeze up and be unable to move. It’s your move. Are you going to move forward or backward? You can’t stay in the middle. |
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| Dear Lee, I want to meet James Patterson. Have any contacts? -A Patterson Junkie |
| Dear Junkie, Yes. |
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| Dear Lee, I absolutely am addicted to writing poetry but nobody wants to publish it. What can I do? -Poet at Heart Who Can’t Get a Start |
| Dear Poet at Heart, There are worse things to be addicted to. If you can’t find a publisher, how about YOU becoming a publisher of poetry? |
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Submit Your Questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
Dear Lee: The Question Is...
Question: We are a group of industry professionals that have come together with the goal of offering an online weekly newspaper for those in the writing, publishing and literary service. So far we are exceeding our expectations, and our circulation is climbing higher and higher with each new issue. Every week, we provide new features, headline news, interviews, book reviews, even comics and horoscopes. We have found that our success has resulted in questions, questions and more questions. Questions like, “I am a writer and can’t seem to make it to first base with my editor. What should I do?” Or, “I have been an agent for twenty years. What can I do about the Internet blogs that are destroying my business?”
Now only one question remains, and it happens to be ours: “What do we do with all the questions?” Signed, WritersNewsWeekly
Answer: Dear Lee
WritersNewWeekly is taking its own advice and starting an advice column called “Dear Lee.” The column has been described as the “Dear Abby” for publishing trade. It is witty, honest and sometimes just plain silly. When asked why Lee agreed to do the column, the answer came quickly: “If you are lucky, you get to live a lot in the time you are given. If you are really lucky, you get to live a lot and live long. If you are super lucky, some where between living a lot and living long you actually learn something worth sharing. I know how to share. It’s what I do best. I’m so good at sharing that people often have suggested that I write an advice column. Several people even offered to pay me to give advice to their worst enemies. Go figure.”
That being said, WritersNewsWeekly invites our readers to submit their questions to: dearlee@writersnewsweekly.com.
