Friday, October 26, 2007

The Least Surprising Event of the Week

No, not that Britney went back to rehab. I received a kindly rejection email from the agent who was looking over 1000 Things About Me. Now that I've decided it's really a memoir more than anything else I can go back through and craft it that way. Even I can admit there is always room for improvement in my writing, stellar as it often is. And for my next serving of humble pie, some time tomorrow I will get my beta reader's report on 'The Battle of Raven Kill.' I can tell already that it's going to be brutal. She asked me how 'receptive' I was to 'suggestions.' Oy! That's the equivalent of an oncologist insisting you sit down before going over the test results.

6 comments:

Keanan Brand said...

I've been on both ends of those 'suggestions'--and, yes, they can be brutal.

As the giver, I try to soften the effect by reminding the writer that I'm on his/her side, and only want the best for the work.

As the receiver, well, that's always difficult.

J m mcdermott said...

I know my answer to that question.

"How receptive are you to dealing with a drunken writer, because I'm going to do a shot of tequila for everyone one of your suggestions."

Not really, but that's what I'd say for fun.

Anonymous said...

No, not that Britney went back to rehab.

That's news to me!

She asked me how 'receptive' I was to 'suggestions.'

So what did you tell her?

Jeff Draper said...

I made up some outrageous lie about everything being okay and that she should tell it like it is.

Anonymous said...

I am writing to you on behalf of my client, Ms Beta Reader, to inform you that she wishes to sue you for defamation of character for comments broadcast by you over the internet on 25th October 2007. She alleges that these comments were deregatory, impugning her professional standing and also visiting an outrageous slur on her personal character by depicting her as some hard hearted, sharp tongued virago. She, therefore, wishes me to inform you that unless you publicly refute these libellous comments she will be pressing for compensation in the form of 2 million US dollars.
Most sincerely yours

Jeff Draper said...

Gentlemen,

I have retained the services of America's top legal team; Dewey, Cheatham, & Howe. They have assured me that in libel cases "the truth is the ultimate defense." To use an American colloquialism that you may or may not be familiar with: Bring it.

J. Draper, Esq.