Go to Blog-Page
- Add a comment
- Go to 85% Of Americans Think They Have A Book In Them
I believe that 85% of people think they have a book in them, but how many people outside of writing circles does anyone know who has actually written a book? I've met a handful in all the people I know. Of that handful, no one has been published by a real publisher, and two have gone to the vanity presses. Those who pay to have their work published still think of themselves as real authors even though they either haven't tried sending their work out to publishers or have been rejected so many times they've given up. As for me, I've written three novels and a handful of children's books, none of which have been published yet, but, with the one novel I have been sending out I've recieved personal handwritten notes from editors telling me they really liked my work but blah, blah, blah... I have no intention to self publish. For one, I can't afford it. And two, I want to make money doing this. As for hiring an editor to tell you if your work is good or bad, can you really count on one person? What one editor hates another loves. JK Rowling was rejected many many times. And really who's to say who's good or bad. Personally I couldn't stand Angela's Ashes. I hated the writing and couldn't get past the first chapter. It doesn't mean it was bad, it means that I didn't like it. And yes editors have to wade through a lot of bad to get to the good, but they also aske writers to send to only one editor at a time and wait four months for a response. Following those rules it can take years to find a publisher.
posted by
AnnaMJ
on
November 29, 2004
at
11:35 PM
| |
reply
Wiley
EVERYTHING I write except for blogs is improved by others. The process requires more than one person. Good editors want to bring out the best in a writer
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 29, 2004
at
11:56 AM
| |
reply
Beachy
Yes I did, but I always felt the editor did the hard work re-writing and of getting it into production.
Maybe that`s why I feel like a fraud about this writing craft.
It isn`t like a chalice where only I am involved and can take credit for it`s production alone, whether it turns out good or bad.
posted by
WileyJohn
on
November 29, 2004
at
8:05 AM
| |
reply
Ginnieb
Nice of you to say so. I guess that's what ghostwriters do too although I think collaborations can be great.
Trouble is that most creative types have their own big ideas
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:13 PM
| |
reply
Some of the 85% should give their ideas to people like you who could write 'em well!
posted by
ginnieb
on
November 28, 2004
at
8:08 PM
| |
reply
wordy
You know I think the ability to write and publish a book doesn't make someone a better person or anything like that. It is not even the end of the world so long as if we want to do somthing badly enough we don't let ourselves down. Do what is right for you
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
7:29 PM
| |
reply
Wiley
But you already wrote and published .........
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
7:27 PM
| |
reply
Beachy
You do have a way of getting down to the nitty gritty.
You are quite right of course. Saturday i drove all the way into Ottawa to see a woodcraft show, and when I saw the real art being turned out on lathes there, I felt embarrassed for myself.
Writing books must be the same thing, except that I can make something acceptable to GIVE AWAY on a lathe, but I don't think I can write something to GIVE AWAY, even a blog.
posted by
WileyJohn
on
November 28, 2004
at
7:10 PM
| |
reply
I tell myself that I don't have the
patience or stick-to-it-iveness to write a whole book. If I did try, humility or more to the point, lack of confidence would leap around asking me who the heck would be interested in my story anyway.
You gotta give these writers an A for belief in themselves, if nothing else.
posted by
word.smith
on
November 28, 2004
at
5:39 PM
| |
reply
UntoldOne
I believe the incentives or motives are at the heart of the problem. Why do people think they must tick it off their list
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
5:24 PM
| |
reply
beachbelle . . .
Sad but true.
Nothing wrong with wanting to write a book, but the chasm between desire and completion is nearly fathomless. BIG problem with Americans . . . people simply don't want to work--they want to be famous.
Desire is not an occupation.
posted by
UntoldOne
on
November 28, 2004
at
4:41 PM
| |
reply
beachebelle, I might have a book in me..........
But by no means because of my creativity! My book would be a minimally fictionalized reality of my life, because no one would believe that it is Truth without embellishment.
Creativity is not my strong point, so I hope that telling True stories is!
Luv,
Wham 
posted by
WHAMENATOR
on
November 28, 2004
at
4:26 PM
| |
reply
ltlmac70
I don't know if the stat is true but that's stats for you. But these publishers were saying they believed that instead of reading that more and more people were trying to turn their hands to writing. They couldn't understand why people presumed they could write when they didn't presume to do the work of other people - architects, mechanics etc. I think that you, like me, must suck it and see.
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
2:52 PM
| |
reply
OMG, This post is so true it made me laugh...
If 85% of the people I knew wrote a book...most wouldn't be readable. Sometimes I doubt my own abilities to write well, especially when some of my friends gush over something I've written. I can't help but wonder...anything with correct spelling probably seems like a work of literary art to them, how much merit does their opinion really have??? Also, that makes sense, your point about too many crappy manuscripts can obscure some of the better ones. Great post, I hope I'm not one of the masses, but rather, one of the rare...
ltlmac70
posted by
superflymom119
on
November 28, 2004
at
2:48 PM
| |
reply
Cas88
Indeed there is a market for badly-written books which is affecting the publishing industry and reducing the quality of what is available to readers. The argument was that the tsunami of badly-written stuff was meaning that the best stuff was not being picked up by publishers and that is a big shame because it means appreciative readers and talented writers miss out.
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
2:41 PM
| |
reply
Matos
Thank you your considerate comment. I am not about to give up because I actually need to find out for myself - I have three ideas for novels. On the other hand I am prepared for the possibility that I serve writing better by supporting good writing. I have had no shortage of support here and many have faith in me to do it which is wonderful. But eventually each of us needs to discover this for ourselves. But I do believe that there is a tendency for everyone to believe they can do it and not to realize what goes into it.
I'll see you at your posts
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
2:35 PM
| |
reply
Tapsel-T. I so enjoy your posts
I think too much emphasis is placed on giving birth to a book. Other venues for writing have validity and credibility
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
2:29 PM
| |
reply
I think there is a market for everything, include badly written books. If someone can pay a small fortune for a toasted sandwich....well, enough said. I think as ebooks and self-publishing become more widespread, potential writers will head to those avenues and be satisfied they can say they have written!
posted by
Ca88andra
on
November 28, 2004
at
2:28 PM
| |
reply
It just seems like such a big undertaking.
posted by
TAPS.
on
November 28, 2004
at
2:28 PM
| |
reply
Wow. I really think that you should at least give it a shot. If your maneuscript isn't good then at least you can say that you tried and failed, instead of "I just gave up". Go with what people you trust say. If you ask them to be honest and let them critique your work, they'll give you a good idea of what is good or bad with what you're writing. But they have to be honest. I decided to write here to see what complete strangers thought of what occassionally popped in my head. So far the reviews have been good even though my subject matter is disturbing. I'll read some of what you wrote and I'll let you know what I honestly think. That's what the spirit of this place is supposed to be about, isn't it?
posted by
Matos
on
November 28, 2004
at
2:26 PM
| |
reply
I am afraid that I am one of those 85%, but I'm sure it will never all come
out. Maybe little bits of it will in the form of posts. lol
posted by
TAPS.
on
November 28, 2004
at
2:23 PM
| |
reply
People are closed books
for us to read and discover.
Ann
posted by
A-and-B
on
November 28, 2004
at
1:55 PM
| |
reply
Same thing with movies.
I'd like to see comparable stats, but my guess is that lots of folks think they've got a movie (script or topic for a documentary) in them too.
Glad to see you are still writing thoughtful, provocative, posts.
posted by
Cynthia
on
November 28, 2004
at
12:52 PM
| |
reply
Sassyass, I think many forget there are other valid writing experiences
Evrything does not need to be in a book. A column, a blog, a letter to the editor - whatever - all are valid ways of getting something across I applaud you for examining this honestly.
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:57 AM
| |
reply
sorry tick off
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:53 AM
| |
reply
Abelincoln, take a look at my other comments here. I think.................
that having a book under one's belt is something many people want to tick of lifes list. It is a newish kind of accessory
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:52 AM
| |
reply
wildwoman
I flutter in the wind also on this. You are realistic. It is good to seek opinions because eventually any writer must face up to the readers/critics
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:50 AM
| |
reply
RachelAnna
Anyone who actually reads will have a head start. It seems that many have forgotten that reading and interacting over books is a valid pursuit. Maybe it is because readers see poor stuff that they imagine they can do it better. Self belief is very important
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:47 AM
| |
reply
Justsouno
You know I am not trying to deter anyone. It just seems that book writing is assumed to be a "must-have" accessory by many
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:43 AM
| |
reply
Ariala, if someone wants to say something I don't wish to discourage them
but in these days where you can buy anything, go anywhere, this seems to me like one more thing on the list that people want to tick off.
At least in a way what your company does isenable people to share something with their friends and family. It just becomes more challenging when their expectations exceed all good sense
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:41 AM
| |
reply
I had my reality check, thankyou
I wouldn't even consider writing a book. First, I have no interest in that type of writing, and second, I don't have the skills to master it yet. I much prefer freelance work. The thought of writing a novel bore's me to tears. It is true though that many people think they can just sit down and write a book like its nothing at all. They feel there is virtually no effort other then throwing your thoughts unto some pages. They need a reality check as well. Great post Beachbelle.
posted by
sassyass_64
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:36 AM
| |
reply
Norseman, sorry this a topIC some will avoid
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:33 AM
| |
reply
Norseman, I love to make people think although this a top some will avoid
I agree that most of the thoughts of writing a book willl come to nothing, Maybe it is a reflection on society that so many consider this a possibiliity and more interestingly why do they?
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:32 AM
| |
reply
This is a discussion my husband and I have all the time...
What DO people do with their time? A lot of our family time is centered around reading and books. We have a night once a week where we go to the book store as a family. It's part of who and what we are. But, we know people that haven't picked up a book to read for entertainment, ever. Or, since highschool. It's odd. I don't understand it.
I agree that all book that are attempted to be written shouldn't be published. And, maybe that applies to my books as well. I don't think so, but I don't think anyone would write something they didn't think shouldn't be published. I try to look at my writing and compare it to books I've read. I question if it still holds up. My answer is yes. At least, with the two books I've written.
posted by
RachelAnna
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:30 AM
| |
reply
Frankenkitty, it IS painful I agree.
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:29 AM
| |
reply
Beachebell...
I am thinking this is all correct. A very good post. Still though, of the 85% who think they have a book in them, propbably only 50%of them actually try writing it. Of that group I would wager that no more than half of them finish it. Now we are down to 21.25% of the population. Still a bunch of people....I also agree that more people should read. They probably don't have time because they are busy writing their book. Good post, this one makes you think.
posted by
A_Norseman
on
November 28, 2004
at
9:07 AM
| |
reply
LOL, that would be vacillate.....I frequently get that one wrong.
posted by
Wildwoman_Laloba
on
November 28, 2004
at
8:17 AM
| |
reply
Beach
Sometimes dreams ARE better left to dream. I vaccilate with that argument. Sometimes those dreams taunt and torture the soul as well. I know that this American will certainly acquire professional opinions on work before taking it to the next level. I am fortunate in knowing authors who would love to do so and would be quite candid with me.
posted by
Wildwoman_Laloba
on
November 28, 2004
at
8:16 AM
| |
reply
Why do you suppose that is?...
posted by
cmoe
on
November 28, 2004
at
8:11 AM
| |
reply
Well, hopefully,
my editor will clue me in as to whether or not my book sucks. As long as he gets paid, right? If it does suck, I can live with that. This was a painfully honest blog, I think I need to go sit on a donut pillow for awhile.
posted by
Flumpystalls3000
on
November 28, 2004
at
8:04 AM
| |
reply
Beachbelle, I work for a publisher and the sh*t they produce and publish
continually amazes me. The authors pay them to publish it. They keep the vanity presses rolling and the more I see these books the less inspired I am to write anymore myself. I agree with the radio people, but still, writers should get their books written. Publishing them though? Now that's where opinions split.
posted by
Ariala
on
November 28, 2004
at
7:32 AM
| |
reply
belle
I love the provocative posts you are doing now. This is an excellent message. I want to see if I can answer you with a post from this rank novice.
posted by
Justi
on
November 28, 2004
at
6:36 AM
| |
reply
great post.....
I love reading fiction and love to write fiction...I have a adventure storys fiction which is a bit of fun here in blogit, but I have wrote to fiction storys that I would love to have published but I am in no rush
posted by
_Symphony_
on
November 28, 2004
at
5:52 AM
| |
reply
MerryAnne,
Technically anyone can write a book now and so I guess many translate that to a belief that they can write.
Thank you for your vote of confidence. I know I can write non-fiction well but am not sure I can do the other and make it any great shakes so I have to suck it and see.
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
5:35 AM
| |
reply
beach,
I agree that a lot people think that they could be writers. This is of course perpetuated by certain paperback publishing companies encouraging everyone to write a book and send it in so they can pay the author $500 for it. Maybe.
You are a writer, and I think you should write your novel.
posted by
MerryAnne
on
November 28, 2004
at
5:28 AM
| |
reply
Scriber
I am following on from what I heard that too many think that they should be producing books and yes I am having doubts (even though i have started writing ) because I think there is a strong possibility I would be among the mediocre masses and perhaps I should read and enjoy instead, at least in terms of fiction.
Non-fiction books I could write.
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
5:28 AM
| |
reply
A couple of columns back you seem to think working on a book was a great
idea, and now you don't.
posted by
scriber
on
November 28, 2004
at
5:17 AM
| |
reply
Archiew
Of course an editor's opinion can be subjective and not always helpful but it is a good idea.
posted by
beachbelle
on
November 28, 2004
at
5:10 AM
| |
reply
Interesting comments about writing . . . .
My opinion, and I agree with you, is that a majority of those who think they can write have absolutely no concept of grammar or syntax, nor are they aware of what storytelling is about. An event need not be earth-shattering to make a good story, it merely needs to be told well, and professionally, to garner a readership. Few have that ability, and it might be best that, until a writer proves him/herself via publication and subsequent sales, that they engage the services of a professional editor/critic to give them an honest evaluation of their material and their writing skills.
posted by
archiew
on
November 28, 2004
at
5:01 AM
| |
reply
Copy (or write down) this comment's web address (URL), which is:
Next, go to the email or web page where you want to link to this comment, and paste
(or type) the web address.
