Show some damn appreciation
I just read a blog by a horror author who links to an essay regarding contributing work to "charity anthologies." This type of anthology is basically done as a freebie by the writer--he or she contributes a story free of charge, the editor and staff contribute their time and energies, and the profits from the book go toward a worthwhile (one hopes) charity.
Now, this essay that I read essentially describes why that particular author refuses to contribute his work to that type of anthology, especially one in particular that he had been invited to join. One of his reasons was that there were no "name" authors involved--just a bunch of barely published newbies who presumably knew no better than to get involved. Another reason? There were too many newbies, which meant that his illustrious name would be lost in the crowd. (A complaint that reminds me of that old joke about a bad restaurant: the food is terrible, and the portions are so small).
There are a bunch of "name brand" authors who are applauding his essay in the comments section, but something about the whole deal has left a very bad taste in my mouth. Obviously, I'm still a nobody in the horror field...I do not dispute that. In every anthology I've been in, I always fall into the "And Others" category. My name would not help sell an anthology.
But here's the thing. For a lot of writers, regardless of genre, being published is a big deal, whether it's for money or just for the thrill of seeing your work in some form other than a piece of typing paper or a computer screen. My first published story was in an anthology called "Moon Over Madness" and I didn't get paid a dime for it. But I did get the incredible excitement of seeing MY story, with MY name, in a real, published book. And I was encouraged to keep submitting stories, to keep writing, because of that extraordinary feeling of true accomplishment.
I think these big shot writers have forgotten that thrill. The author of that essay stated that he turns down offers if the publisher doesn't meet his cents-per-word demand. I think I shouted a very loud "The fuck...?" when I read that particular bit of arrogance. I can't (and won't) speak for any writers beside myself, but I can't imagine not being grateful for ANY request for my work, regardless of the pay. I have a day job, like many writers, and there's no way in hell I could support myself on what I make writing, but to be able to turn down publishing opportunities? Wow...that's just some hubris right there.
The author of the essay makes the point that some operations are fly-by-night, and that not all editors and anthologies are trustworthy. I'll give him that. But that's how you learn about the business--you make mistakes, you get burned, you learn to make better choices next time.
If I were in a position to mentor writers, I would encourage them to rack up all the publication credits that they can, even if they're not paid for them, when they're starting out. You never know who's going to pick up that anthology and like your story and ask you to contribute to THEIR anthoogy--and pay you for it. And--sad but true--it carries more weight in your query letters when you can say you've had stories published in actual books rather than some website somewhere.
I guess the thing that pissed me off most about that whole hubbub is that the writer who won't get out of bed for less than $.25 a word is not really a well-known writer. He's not Stephen King-level famous...hell, he's not even Jack Ketchum-level notorious. I've read a couple of his novels, and I'm not impressed. And the guys who were patting his back in the comments section and wholeheartedly agreeing with him? They don't thrill me, either.
When do you cross that line and go from being appreciative of ANYBODY reading your stuff to taking it for granted? Is it when you start getting more acceptances than rejections? Is it when your editors start letting you have more leeway in your work? Is it when you believe your own hype a little too much?
Whatever it is, I hope and pray that if I'm lucky enough to have a career in writing, I'm also lucky enough to never cross that line.
Now, this essay that I read essentially describes why that particular author refuses to contribute his work to that type of anthology, especially one in particular that he had been invited to join. One of his reasons was that there were no "name" authors involved--just a bunch of barely published newbies who presumably knew no better than to get involved. Another reason? There were too many newbies, which meant that his illustrious name would be lost in the crowd. (A complaint that reminds me of that old joke about a bad restaurant: the food is terrible, and the portions are so small).
There are a bunch of "name brand" authors who are applauding his essay in the comments section, but something about the whole deal has left a very bad taste in my mouth. Obviously, I'm still a nobody in the horror field...I do not dispute that. In every anthology I've been in, I always fall into the "And Others" category. My name would not help sell an anthology.
But here's the thing. For a lot of writers, regardless of genre, being published is a big deal, whether it's for money or just for the thrill of seeing your work in some form other than a piece of typing paper or a computer screen. My first published story was in an anthology called "Moon Over Madness" and I didn't get paid a dime for it. But I did get the incredible excitement of seeing MY story, with MY name, in a real, published book. And I was encouraged to keep submitting stories, to keep writing, because of that extraordinary feeling of true accomplishment.
I think these big shot writers have forgotten that thrill. The author of that essay stated that he turns down offers if the publisher doesn't meet his cents-per-word demand. I think I shouted a very loud "The fuck...?" when I read that particular bit of arrogance. I can't (and won't) speak for any writers beside myself, but I can't imagine not being grateful for ANY request for my work, regardless of the pay. I have a day job, like many writers, and there's no way in hell I could support myself on what I make writing, but to be able to turn down publishing opportunities? Wow...that's just some hubris right there.
The author of the essay makes the point that some operations are fly-by-night, and that not all editors and anthologies are trustworthy. I'll give him that. But that's how you learn about the business--you make mistakes, you get burned, you learn to make better choices next time.
If I were in a position to mentor writers, I would encourage them to rack up all the publication credits that they can, even if they're not paid for them, when they're starting out. You never know who's going to pick up that anthology and like your story and ask you to contribute to THEIR anthoogy--and pay you for it. And--sad but true--it carries more weight in your query letters when you can say you've had stories published in actual books rather than some website somewhere.
I guess the thing that pissed me off most about that whole hubbub is that the writer who won't get out of bed for less than $.25 a word is not really a well-known writer. He's not Stephen King-level famous...hell, he's not even Jack Ketchum-level notorious. I've read a couple of his novels, and I'm not impressed. And the guys who were patting his back in the comments section and wholeheartedly agreeing with him? They don't thrill me, either.
When do you cross that line and go from being appreciative of ANYBODY reading your stuff to taking it for granted? Is it when you start getting more acceptances than rejections? Is it when your editors start letting you have more leeway in your work? Is it when you believe your own hype a little too much?
Whatever it is, I hope and pray that if I'm lucky enough to have a career in writing, I'm also lucky enough to never cross that line.