October Novel Prep Challenge

Michelle,
You have spoken the TRUTH! Not only that, but you have done it in a way that everyone can understand the prinicple and make their choice. When Vamps became so popular, everyone has jumped into the pool. Even here on WDC. What I see are people who love the genre and think they can write a "selling" vampire story. What has come out of this has been mostly trash. There are very few writers I consider "classic literature" and have a story that will stand the test of time. They followed the rules of writing and have produced many books that will remain on the shelves long after the flash-in-the pan authors have moved on to the new fad.

RULES some are made to be broken. That can be the truth but if all you want to accomplish is seeing your name on a book you can self publish all you want. It doesn't mean its good or that anyone other than family and friends will buy it,
The rules apply to self publishers as well as the Editors of large publishers. Granted they may not pick your novel due to the subject (not what's hip and selling like vampire books) or they have picked all the books for that particular time period. If you really feel you have a great book, its been edited properly and you've had it "TEST READ" by someone other than family and friends, go for it. Self publish.
I've just read a self published book and I am ashamed to say I paid good money for it. The rules of writing, grammar and what little I understand smacked me in the face before I read 15 pages. Every rule I have learned here on WDC was broken in this book. These ladies paid money to have their book printed and a space at WORDSTOCK to promote their book. Arrogance or ignorance is no excuse for just plain bad writing. They even had what people wrote about the book at the beginning. They must have been friends and family...
I'm just saying What Michelle said above is paramount to being the best writer, author you can be. FOLLOW THE RULES!

Tina Weaver