Monday, May 19, 2008

Yikes!

Words: annoying
Caffeine: morning cup
Evil Calories: my sister has been in town. Need I say more? There always seems to be an excuse for ice cream or pan au chocolat
Reality TV: Work-Out marathon on Bravo

So, I've been slacking off on reading my daily agent blogs, and this morning I realized that I missed a really good post last week. The agent invited all of her writer-type readers to vent about what got their panties into a twist about agents and the publishing industry. Perhaps it's best I missed it. Currently I have frustrated writer rage and may have just written something completely immature, like "you all suck and I hate you and your stupid ass face". But I went back and read all the comments (most posted anonymously, mind you) and the most common gripe was not getting a response to queries. I agree wholeheartedly. After following submission guidelines to a T, not getting a response makes me want to tear my own arm off and beat myself to death with it. However, another common gripe made my toes curl. Many writers get treated even worse after signing with an agent. There were people complaining about their agents never getting in touch with them, letting their submissions sit with editors for months on end with no follow-ups, basically letting their books "die". And many of these writers claimed to have very reputable agents. This totally makes me want to hurl. As a struggling writer, you're constantly looking at this first huge hurdle. Getting an agent. But, once that happens, everything is supposed to turn to puppy dogs and butterflies! I can't imagine finally being signed, and then having your agent totally flake out!

I seriously think they need to invent a Prozac drip for struggling writers. I beginning to think being successful in this industry doesn't take talent or persistence. It takes pure, blind luck.

3 comments:

Eileen said...

Publishing is by far one of the strangest businesses out there. Someone told me "writing is a craft, but publishing is a casino."

Anonymous said...

Ugh.

Yeeeeaaah.

Elizabeth said...

thanks for bursting my bubble.
sigh.
I'm heading back to bed.