As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve been recently approached by a few writers asking me to help with the business of freelancing, fine-tuning queries or generally a little hand-holding as they find their way around this writing world.
I like helping new writers, especially new-to-freelancing writers. Because I was one not so long ago. I’m still very new, but with a few years experience behind me, I can help others not make the mistakes I made.
So, I’m reviewing some queries, responding to questions and pointing out potential markets to these enthusiastic writers. I would say 99% of the people who have approached me are hardworking, full of ideas and have a dream about where they want this to go.
This post is about the other 1%.
I was recently approached by a young man who asked that I help him. When I asked what kind of help he was looking for, this is what he had in mind. He said he was thinking of emailing me his work, already edited and fine-tuned (according to him) and would I submit it to agents, publishers and magazines on his behalf?
What do you think I said, dear reader?
I said “no”.
I think he was very disappointed. He really expected me to spend my time sending his masterpiece to publishers world-wide for no fee or acknowledgement. I think the logic was : You’re on the internet all day as it is – how long could this take?
To make matters worse, this writer freely admits that his work may not sell, because “publishers seem to be looking for something else these days” (!!)
To this writer, I wish I said : Take your precious words and hide it safely. Someday, someone somewhere will stumble upon it and recognise your genius. Till then, don’t bother about what publishers want in this rundown economy, don’t worry about editing or looking at trends, don’t even bother to study the local market and see who else is publishing similar work, if at all. Even worse, scoff at the idea of self-publishing or print-on-demand publishing.
Someday, your genius will be recognised. Let me know then so I can congratulate you.
I still will encourage writers to write in to me if they need help with something. But be prepared to do the work. I will point out what I think are your errors, give you advice on pitching, markets, even share some contacts. But don’t expect me to email editors for you.
