Should aspiring authors be discouraged?

P

Paul

New member
I remember working for a publishers and it seems that there are thousands, if not millions of average hopefuls who seek to get their mediocre work published.

In my opinion it isn't stressed enough how high the standard is set and i've seen many current authors encourage people to become published.

Is this wrong because it only leaves publishers with a difficult job and thousands of dreams crushed?
 
Most people who want to write a book are not good enough. That's a fact, or we'd have millions more books in the world. The whole thing *anyone can write* is bull. Some people have it, others don't.
I don't think it matters how stressed it is that the standards are high. People will always think they match those standards. That's how human life works. We're always good enough, and talented enough to do what we want, and to follow our dreams. Sometimes, it takes a lot of rejection for people to start wondering if they're actually as good as they think they are.
But you know what? If only very good people submitted their books, lots of people at publishing houses would be without their jobs.
 
Well, given that there is plenty of mediocre work out there that actually is getting published, why shouldn't people be encouraged to give it a shot? Yes, some dreams may get crushed in the process, but every so often you're going to find that one author who has something special. Where would that person be without a little encouragement?
 
yes. There is nothing better then discouragement to build the writer. To show them that there are critics out there who will not like them is the main lesson writers need to know
 
no, i don't think so.

i mean, yeah, there are alot of people who to be frank, suck.

but instead of trying to discourage them from seeking publication, instead they should be encouraged to better their work.
 
I attended the SCBWI (society of childrens book writers and illustrators) conference. A literary agent spoke and told of his misfortune by rejecting a book about an orphaned boy who learns to do magic. He didn't think the book would sell. Well, it turned out to be Harry Potter!!!!

Everyone should be encouraged to write. It doesn't mean you'll be published nor does it mean that people will want to read your book. It means that a writer should be encouraged to continue doing what s(he) is passionate about.

Also, publishing is about money. If they think they can make money from your book then you'll get published.
 
I should hope not! More often than not, people who get shot down by publishers either
A. Refuse to write again, which probably means they weren't that passionate in the first place
or
B. Refine their writing styles until they are able to come up with a great, well written story that thousands of people can enjoy.

Writing is a work in progress. Styles changes, new story ideas come up, and plot twists occur at any moment. People who truly want their stories to be told will find a way- they practice and keep trying.
Besides, if all else fails- post a story on quizilla and get some feed back before trying to actually publish it.
 
Back
Top