I like to read different people's ideas for stories, like on Authorlink and other places. I mostly check fantasy and sci/fi, which there usually isn't much of. Also, I had forgotten about that site when my computer had problems and when I got it running again, I lost the favorites list and thus forgot about Authorlink. I remembered it the other day and checked it out and here's what I'm wondering--Don't some of these people have a clue?First off, I have had some really dumb and very simplistic ideas for stories. Sometimes I started writing them but later quit when I realized that the only benefit I'd get from writing it would be for typing practice or perhaps to help my writing skills somehow. I admit to that. But some of the samples I've read are so, well, bad. Just awful. Some are good, don't get me wrong. But the bad ones are really, really bad. I feel sorry for the person who finishes a 125,000 word story and is working on their sequel when the first one has absolutely NO chance of doing anything. I cringe when I read some of those stories.
Recently, someone posted the link to that slush pile article. I read it and just can't believe that I hear so many of those stories about people who apparently never do any research on how to get an agent correctly. Perfumed envelopes, colored paper, 'gifts' included, and so on. And yet, I keep hearing new stories about that. Is it the same people, still trying to land an agent? Jerry Seinfeld playing practical jokes for a new book? It just boggles my mind that some people do not have a clue.
Is there any true statistics on queries that agents get? Say, 50% fail due to errors and poor spelling, 25% fail because the story idea is not enticing, 10% fail because the writer is not sending it to the appropiate agent(sci/fi to an agent specializing in romance, for example), 10% fail because it's unoriginal and 5% actually get the agent interested because it's what they actually want to see? Because the writer did his homework and wrote a query letter exactly how he/she should have?
I've read a lot about different parts of the process, from books on writing to websites on submitting manuscripts and query letters. I just find it utterly amazing that so many people kill their chances by not studying what they are trying to do, or submit work without a true edit. Hell, when I ran the spellcheck for my novel, I noticed that confusement is not a word. I knew that. Now why on earth did I not know that when I wrote it? I don't know about you, but when my mind is tired and I'm writing, strange combinations of letters sure seem to make sense. But there's the need for a good edit. I'd stand no chance if my novel was filled with errors like that.
I read one sample where the writer named everything double, like Piniminipini walked down Golorolo street on his way to Jijigigi's house. I kid you not, it was very close to that. I did not read much further.
Fortunately, on this site, I've read a lot of good ideas from you guys and enjoy the different feedback people post. I've learned a lot too, which is why I check the site often although I don't post much. So please don't think I'm ranting about anyone on here, because I'm not. I was mostly in a certain mood and felt the need to vent or rant, I suppose.
Then again, it could be because I'm editing my story and it drives me nuts at times . . . It's frustrating when you edit your story, then do it again and find another batch of errors or weak spots, but I suppose it only makes the story better in the long run.
Sorry for the long post )
Z