I read through most, but not all, of the thread, so I hope this hasn't already been brought up.
From the thread's title, I thought the discussion might go a little differently. Therefore, here is what puzzles me:
While I agree that competence is important, I think the more important issue is, how does one really get published? It seems as if the big thing most people push on this subject is how to write well. However, I tend to suspect that, even if one does end up writing a great book, that it is no guarantee that it will be published. Because of this, I think it is more vital to know how to write a good query letter, how to network, how to self-publish, what ads to place, etc.
I myself tend to focus on screenwriting, and I get the same thing from everyone: pay to have your script reviewed, put the changes in, etc. I have paid to have my stuff reviewed, but mostly for entertainment. In the end, if I cannot get an agent to look at a script based on a query letter, it doesn't matter how perfect it is (and in the case of screenplays, the work's execution really doesn't matter; as I have been told by actual screenwriters, it is the concept that is king). What I really need help on is the query letter...
The book that I recommend to everyone who wants to do screenwriting is: “Screenwriting Tricks of the Trade”, by William Froug. If you haven’t read it, it would be very helpful to do so, whatever your current skill level may be.
Screenwriting Tricks of the Trade: William Froug: 9781879505131: Amazon.com: Books
Never, ever pay someone to “touch up” your work, or read it. A reputable agent (or manager) will never do that. They will take the time to look at the script or manuscript, maybe only “the first ten pages”, if they are interested, but they will never charge you. If they try, it is a scam, and you should run far away.
Since most of writing is rewriting, you should do any “improvements” yourself. I do not mean to ignore advice or criticism, but you should do the actual mechanical work yourself. This way, you will dig right in and get to know the story and characters better, and new plot and character twists will occur to you, as you proceed. I normally re-read and simultaneously rewrite a script about 50 times, changing a little less each time, until no other changes suggest themselves to me. At that point, I consider the script finished; “put to bed”, as they say in the newspaper trade. Then, I will often think of a change later, and incorporate it.
I can send a copy of my latest query letter, through the “Personal Conversation” route, if you think it will help you to formulate your own version.
However, bear in mind that I have been trying to get an agent, or anyone else in the movie or publishing industries, to just look at one of my screenplays (6 finished, a 7th in progress, and several other concepts in waiting), and I have been trying this since 2000.
I have tried everything I can think of, including calling and/or writing query letters to agents, managers, actors, producers, directors, movie production companies, and anyone I can think of who might be able to get a reading set up for me. The responses have been "don't bother us, we're way too busy", “we only take on already established writers”, or being ignored completely. I have recently decided to novelize one of the scripts and self-publish it in that format, to try to get some one to recognize that it is a good story. Then, I can either offer it as a screenplay or a novel. My financial approach to such a sale will be different than the standard deal, but I will not bring that complication up until someone is interested enough for negotiations to begin.
In the meantime, I refuse to give up, because I truly feel my work is good. I get something out of reading what I wrote (a strange feeling, when that happens), and others (friends and co-workers) who have read my scripts also give me positive feedback (and some constructive criticism, when necessary, which I take to heart).
I feel I have been lucky to have been born with some creative and organizational talent.
But, I strongly object to the idea that writers, or any other creative people, are either really good, or really bad. That elitist philosophy just rubs me the wrong way.
If someone writes something, or plays a song, which gives enjoyment and escape from life’s day to day drudgery, then more power to them. Personally, I found Hemingway to be excruciatingly boring, so I don’t try to read him. I am sure that some others would find the authors I enjoy reading equally boring. It is like music. My tastes might make others run from the room, and vice versa.
Thomas Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.”
Thomas Edison - Wikiquote
And, there is this quote from Calvin Coolidge:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race”
Calvin Coolidge quotes
I guess what I am trying to say is that if you think you can write, then keep working at it, regardless of what others may say to try to discourage you. Eventually you may develop the skills needed to turn one of your ideas into a good story. Or, you may not, but at least give it a good try.
Sometimes, you just have to ignore the roadblocks life puts in your path and keep pushing forward. Don’t let the many critics of the world grind you down.
Most of them are either afraid to try to achieve their own dreams, or wouldn’t know a dream if it bit them in the rear.
