I've seen publishing from inside and out, and, after a certain level of writing skill, getting published doesn't have to do with raw talent so much as luck, chemistry, and (in some cases) who you know. Talent helps... I mean, some writers are just brilliant, and it would be hard for anyone to deny that. But they're the exception rather than the rule.
You do have to have a degree of competence in writing, decent execution, a touch of creativity, and be lucky enough to send your work to an editor who happens to like your work at the time he or she reads it and needs it for a particular audience and/or market. But until your work meets its perfect match in an editor, it's not going to sell.
It's like dating. Two sides have to meet and fall in love. But just because you don't sell a story doesn't mean it's garbage. And just because it does sell doesn't mean it's a masterpiece. It's all very subjective.
You have a level of writing talent that could sell original fic. You have the skill and the originality and all the right tools. You just have to find the right editor at the right time with the right story. And, like dating, that isn't always an easy thing. But if that's a goal or a dream, you shouldn't give up on it because of self doubt.
no subject
Date: 2008-11-08 04:38 am (UTC)You do have to have a degree of competence in writing, decent execution, a touch of creativity, and be lucky enough to send your work to an editor who happens to like your work at the time he or she reads it and needs it for a particular audience and/or market. But until your work meets its perfect match in an editor, it's not going to sell.
It's like dating. Two sides have to meet and fall in love. But just because you don't sell a story doesn't mean it's garbage. And just because it does sell doesn't mean it's a masterpiece. It's all very subjective.
You have a level of writing talent that could sell original fic. You have the skill and the originality and all the right tools. You just have to find the right editor at the right time with the right story. And, like dating, that isn't always an easy thing. But if that's a goal or a dream, you shouldn't give up on it because of self doubt.