Authors Gone Wild

When did it become acceptable for authors to air their grievances against publishers or agents or other writers on the Internet? And not only air their grievances, but name names?

Oy, people. First of all, lighten up. Rejection is not the end of the world. And if you're willing to learn, you can make your writing better through rejection. Once you get over the hurt feelings and righteous indignation, take an objective look at your manuscript. Perhaps that editor or agent had legitimate comments about what doesn't work with the story. Perhaps--gasp!--you can make the story even better by paying attention to what they're saying and making some changes.

Second, it's all a matter of opinion. What just doesn't work for one editor or agent might send another one over the moon with joy. You just have to find the right fit.

Third, ultimately it's up to you. If, once you've calmed down and looked at the manuscript with objective eyes, you decide you don't agree with the editor/agent's opinion, then fine. Don't make changes. But realize that if you have a second or third person give you the same feedback... your baby might not be as good as you think it is.

But, in my opinion, it's never a good idea to throw a tantrum--no matter how well worded--in a public venue like a blog or group/email loop. Sit down and have a good, private cry, vent to a few close friends, but it's really not a good idea to publicly diss an editor or agent--especially by name--and especially just because your book just didn't work for them.

Believe me, people remember. Publishers remember. Some even keep notes so they know they don't want to work with particular authors in the future if they're approached with a manuscript.

So keep your hurt feelings off the web, folks. It might feel good to vent in the short term, by in the long run, it will only do more damage. To you.