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June 1, 2005 A column was written on U-K not too long ago referencing columnists complaining about not being published by book publishers. The writer of this article stated that most of the complaining columnists aren’t the better writers on U-K (in his opinion). He also stated that the good writers on U-K seldom mention “publishing.” Interesting statement I thought. I of course internalized these statements because I do write about publishing and see absolutely nothing wrong with the topic. I believe (I could be wrong) Useless-Knowledge Magazine has placed no restrictions on topics, as long as they are family-appropriate. As far as individuals writing about their inability to be published, I say good for them. He/she who admits his/her inabilities and frailties is an honest person. He/she who criticizes the inabilities of another man/woman must be a Republican. For surely only one of God’s chosen, could sit in judgment of another living creature. Besides, writing a column for a magazine offering its authors a wide range of topics, is an entirely different process than writing a book or a short story. Writing a book can take several months (sometime years) of work. Once finished, comes the editing and proofreading. Most writers will admit that their book becomes a part of them, it becomes a part of their ego, their self-worth, and their identity. It is a child they have raised from birth to adulthood. Often a writer’s novel is a statement of themselves and it is not easy to send yourself into the world of publishing. It’s a “cold call,” much like a vacuum cleaner salesman knocking on a stranger’s door. Many writers are not confident of their work and seek openly for advice. Writing an article for a magazine is a brief brain aneurysm that either seeps into the reader’s mind or it remains stable and unread. I read a popular newspaper the other day and on the front page were more typos and misspellings than could be found on a second-grader’s story about their favorite hero. Will people stop reading the newspaper? No. They overlook the frailties of the newspaper editor and go on with life. However, read one typo in a book and it’s sent back or thrown in the trash. Many columnists on U-K advertise their books. In fact, some of the best writers for this magazine advertise their books. It’s actually encouraged by the editor (since the pay here isn’t so hot…if you’ve noticed).
Because someone complains about “not” being published, does not a lousy novelist make. Hell, we complain about religionists, atheists, agnostics, Republicans, Democrats, Socialists, gays, lesbians, Mexicans, Iraqis, businessmen, reporters, etc…etc. I don’t see anyone telling the writers of these articles to “bug off.” So, bug off.
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