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1) No agent is always better
than the wrong agent. This person will represent you to
the publishing world and handle your money -- do your homework
*and* listen to your gut.
2)
When it comes to writing methods, whatever way works for
*you* is the right way -- no matter how vehemently
others might tell you that *their* way is THE answer. However,
it's only good sense to keep yourself open to the possibility
of incorporating improvements to your method. And speaking
of other ideas ...
3)
Workshops, articles and seminars offer a smorgasbord, not
a sit-down dinner. You are under no obligation to take what's
put in front of you. Pick and choose what appeals to you.
On the other hand, no rule prevents you from passing on
something now, but going back to try it later. And if something
works great, you can treat yourself to seconds or thirds.
4)
Persistence is one thing you can't do without -- you don't
lose unless you give up.
5)
Write a book that pleases you. That way you're sure to please
at least one person. Writing a book with the hope of pleasing
a hypothetical editor is almost a sure way to fail.
6) On the other hand, it makes sense to pursue ideas that
please you but *also* have potential to be marketed, first
to editors and then to readers -- look for where your passion
overlaps with the market.
7) All the polish in the world can't save a bad story or
weak characters; a good story and strong characters deserve
the best polishing possible. (Some readers don't care about
polish if they feel "swept away" by the story's heart --
you won't lose those readers by having a technically well-written
book, but you *will* lose readers who demand that a book
have both heart and mind.)
8)
When you solve a problem in a book, that exact problem is
almost guaranteed to never arise again. Do not despair.
You might never use that solution again, but you have gained
confidence that you will (eventually) find a solution when
other problems hit.
9) The business of publishing is separate and different
from the writing. You have very little control over the
business and it is specifically designed to, in the most
efficient way possible, send writers to the mental ward
or the poorhouse, and often both.
10)
Because of No. 9, a writer who does not enjoy, crave or
require the *process* of writing would be much better off
finding another business -- there are a lot of easier and
more lucrative ways to drive yourself crazy. But if it's
the process that drives you, then there's only one way to
satisfy that craving: ** WRITE **
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