Comments on: On Critics, Critiques, and the Relative Weight of Criticism http://authorscoop.com/2008/11/17/on-critics-critiques-and-the-relative-weight-of-criticism/ The Latest in Literary News Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:36:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: Robin, Frank http://authorscoop.com/2008/11/17/on-critics-critiques-and-the-relative-weight-of-criticism/#comment-3897 Robin, Frank Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:27:46 +0000 http://authorscoop.com/?p=2121#comment-3897 I’ve been through a number of agents and publishers with all kinds of radically different suggestions, criticisms and accolades, unwilling to represent the work unless. . . . Ultimately, it’s all bs, unless it’s about typos. I’ve been through a number of agents and publishers with all kinds of radically different suggestions, criticisms and accolades, unwilling to represent the work unless. . . . Ultimately, it’s all bs, unless it’s about typos.

]]> By: Jamie http://authorscoop.com/2008/11/17/on-critics-critiques-and-the-relative-weight-of-criticism/#comment-3854 Jamie Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:43:21 +0000 http://authorscoop.com/?p=2121#comment-3854 It's one of the most difficult facets of this whole effort - reconciling the praise while keeping a realistic eye trained on your true worthiness. And then on top of that, realizing that the sum of the equation may have relatively little impact on the success you ever see from your work. It's a roadblock for me, I have to admit. I have my nice fat folder of rejections and I don't know whether it's a good idea to keep them in Lady Justice's left pan until the day I can bend the scale with one heavy acceptance, or if I'm just being morbid. Great piece, Mr. Cameron. Just the right measures inspirational, stinging, and funny. My money's on you. It’s one of the most difficult facets of this whole effort - reconciling the praise while keeping a realistic eye trained on your true worthiness. And then on top of that, realizing that the sum of the equation may have relatively little impact on the success you ever see from your work.

It’s a roadblock for me, I have to admit. I have my nice fat folder of rejections and I don’t know whether it’s a good idea to keep them in Lady Justice’s left pan until the day I can bend the scale with one heavy acceptance, or if I’m just being morbid.

Great piece, Mr. Cameron. Just the right measures inspirational, stinging, and funny. My money’s on you.

]]> By: Bird of Prey http://authorscoop.com/2008/11/17/on-critics-critiques-and-the-relative-weight-of-criticism/#comment-3853 Bird of Prey Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:16:17 +0000 http://authorscoop.com/?p=2121#comment-3853 Based on what I've read here, I'm willing to bet that Agent X is an idiot. I'd probably publish anything you wrote, but what the hell do I know? I don't mind reworking to a degree, but once adequately presented, I think a novel must finally stand on its own merit as a painting or a sculpture would, left to be examined or abandoned. Because appeal is a question of taste, it's nearly impossible to be unique and published without a stroke of luck: the right person at the right time or connections. These days, the definition of a great writer is ninety percent promotion. I've been through a number of agents and publishers with all kinds of radically different suggestions, criticisms and accolades, unwilling to represent the work unless. . . . Ultimately, it's all bs, unless it's about typos. Do I want my novel published? Sure, but I'm not willing to turn myself inside out chasing something as ephemeral as the mood or preference of some gambler in the publishing industry. If I'm committed enough, I can publish it myself. If I'm rich enough, I can turn it to film. And if Agent X was so "dang" smart, why isn't he being heralded as a living literary genius? Based on what I’ve read here, I’m willing to bet that Agent X is an idiot. I’d probably publish anything you wrote, but what the hell do I know?

I don’t mind reworking to a degree, but once adequately presented, I think a novel must finally stand on its own merit as a painting or a sculpture would, left to be examined or abandoned. Because appeal is a question of taste, it’s nearly impossible to be unique and published without a stroke of luck: the right person at the right time or connections. These days, the definition of a great writer is ninety percent promotion.

I’ve been through a number of agents and publishers with all kinds of radically different suggestions, criticisms and accolades, unwilling to represent the work unless. . . . Ultimately, it’s all bs, unless it’s about typos.

Do I want my novel published? Sure, but I’m not willing to turn myself inside out chasing something as ephemeral as the mood or preference of some gambler in the publishing industry. If I’m committed enough, I can publish it myself. If I’m rich enough, I can turn it to film.

And if Agent X was so “dang” smart, why isn’t he being heralded as a living literary genius?

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