MAJOR PUBLISHERS

By the way, Brenda, my daughter-in-law got her masters degree in accounting at 22, went to work fresh out of college, and became the controller of the company just a bit over a year later. Good luck to your family member.

And so much for that example.

Yes, I do wish to be a rich and famous novelist and I'm still striving for that goal. If it takes me a little longer than I would've wished, then that's the way it is. My editing and my articles support me while I'm writing my wip, and that makes me proud.

But I'm so glad my goal was in place before listening to some of you. Sounds like some of you have quit, and that's fine - for you. Not for me.

We are cutting down your competition--Thank us.

Actually, I'm glad for her. I love hearing about someone's success.

Yes, Alice, we are all chasing dreams. Dreams that most, maybe all, of us will never see come true.

I just chime in now and then when I see someone, especially someone as talented and smart as Brenda, take another pot shot at those of us who do not share her idea of what it takes to become a successful author.

She should know better.

We haven't quit, Brenda. We just don't make a song and dance about our goals. What's that saying? You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk?

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I don't think Mr. Harpe meant me, if that was the ann he was referring to. I just posted a link to someone who works in publishing. I don't have enough experience to give advice.

Brenda, just address one basic question.

What will you do in two more years if you have not met your goal of signing a major deal?

Five years?

Ten?

Twenty?

Domenic, most of us, probably including yourself, Brenda and me, regardless of how hard we work, how much we believe, and how many times we close our eyes and pray to some God somwhere, are all going to end up dead ducks.

Sorry, Ann, I probably got you mixed up with someone else.

I do not understand one thing here.

I began this thread as a thread for what to expect out of a major publisher.

We are back to whether Brenda can get a major publisher. Let's quit discussing it,

Brenda, Just do it!

I believe I already answered that, Don.

Didn't I read on another thread that you feel your wip has a chance to make it with the majors? If so, and I do hope you do have that chance, why support so many who spout doom and gloom?

I think you meant Ann Crispin and her advice about acquiring an agent. You're right Don, she cannot guarantee that if you follow her advice you will succeed. You're also right about that extra ingredient. Timing is everything.

Also talent honed with craft.

Alice wrote:

I do not understand one thing here.

I began this thread as a thread for what to expect out of a major publisher.

We are back to whether Brenda can get a major publisher. Let's quit discussing it,

Brenda, Just do it!

When you are right, you are right, Alice. What an attention seeker!

How funny, but I guess it's true. If you disagree with the mob mentality, I guess you get attention.

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Brenda

I didn't see anyone spout doom and gloom.

What E. Don said was reality.

Life is life.

Some people work and study very hard and they succeed and die.

Ohers get a lucky break--succeed and die.

Still others don't try at all--fail and die.

We all die.

Alice ...that was pretty gloomy and doomy.

There's another way; perhaps write something that has a better chance of getting published -any nonfiction is an easier sell than a novel- and then once you have that credit or connection, perhaps pitch the novel?

Domenic,

Don isn't trying to persuade anyone to do anything. He's just telling it like it is. I responded to something Brenda posted on the WIP board (something I rarely do) and really offended Brenda (unintentionally).

My comments were nothing compared to the hatchet job Lane did on one of your works in progress. You took it on the chin but later fell out with Lane. Then you patched up your quarrel and you have the greatest respect for Lane.

Brenda has learned to tolerate me and has nowhere near the same amount of respect. Now, maybe I don't have the gravitas of a professional editor but I have read a great deal and I'm pretty astute (enough to be a member of MENSA) but my advice falls on deaf ears where Brenda is concerned.

If you are willing to listen, learn and accept advice, then there is hope for you. Brenda is a different story.

LC wrote:

Alice ...that was pretty gloomy and doomy.

There's another way; perhaps write something that has a better chance of getting published -any nonfiction is an easier sell than a novel- and then once you have that credit or connection, perhaps pitch the novel?

That's great advice.

Many roads to Rome, or something like that.

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LC wrote:

Alice ...that was pretty gloomy and doomy.

There's another way; perhaps write something that has a better chance of getting published -any nonfiction is an easier sell than a novel- and then once you have that credit or connection, perhaps pitch the novel?

LC,

Reality is reality. I do not generally read or write fiction,. My book is 1000% true and the one I was writing and Lane was editing was true also.

I have no desire to waste my time writing books. I am not a writer.

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