Welcome Cara Marsi as we celebrate the cooperative spirit of women. Cooperation is something I’ve advocated since my first days as a published author, and my experience within the industry proves that others live by the same credo. Say hello to Cara and be sure to leave a comment for her.
–Adele Dubois
*****
IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE- PERILS OF PUBLISHING
by Carolyn Matkowsy/Cara Marsi
Did that title get your attention? Writing, and getting published, is fraught with many perils. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
We woman writers can and do help each other slash through the harsh jungle of the publishing world. I spent my life in the corporate world. I’ve seen corporate carnivores up close and personal. These meat-eaters, scrambling to be top dog and fighting for promotions, aren’t limited to the male of the species. Females can be just as brutal.
One of the things that impressed me most when I joined Romance Writers of America was the help and guidance seasoned writers gave to us newbies. So unlike what I was used to in the corporate jungle. Some of the writers I met in the beginning were big names in romance, others midlist authors. All, with a few exceptions, were friendly and willing to give advice and help to someone like me who had never heard of GMC or POV.
I remember one writer in particular, a very nice woman and excellent writer who’d published numerous Regency novels. She’s since died, and the romance world lost a wonderful voice. She offered to read the first chapter of my very first attempt at a book. That poor woman. What torture it must have been for her to read that chapter. Her critique was honest, but encouraging and kind. Now that I’ve been around the writing block a few times myself, I doubly appreciate the pain that writer went through for me.
Before I sold my first book, a multi-pubbed author judged my first chapter of that book for a contest. I didn’t final in the contest, but this author wrote me a two-page critique and said she thought the book and author were publishable. This is another example of an author giving selflessly to a struggling writer. She signed her name to the critique, and I bought several of her books, which were wonderful. Of course, I wrote her a thank you letter. Her critique helped me sell that book.
My experiences aren’t unusual. Other members of RWA can attest to the willingness among our members to help each other, to teach each other. But there’s a caveat. Not everyone is willing to assist struggling writers, and not every struggling writer is grateful for the assistance.
Although I wanted to help other writers in the same way I’d been helped, I learned that giving back can have unintended consequences. The year my first book came out, I judged my local chapter’s contest. I especially loved one entry. The story was charming and the writing was excellent. I wrote a two-page critique for this writer, much like the other author had done for me. From reading the synopsis, I felt this writer was making one big error in the resolution of the conflict. I explained this and gave her other suggestions that I felt would make the story stronger. I signed my name. A mistake. One of my friends, a veteran writer, had cautioned me about signing my name. She said you never know how someone will take your critique.
My attempt to help didn’t end well. I met the writer of this particular entry at my chapter’s conference. She seemed appreciative of all I’d done for her and asked if I would help her in the future. I readily agreed to help critique her book. Then she turned on me. I won’t give the details. Moral of the story–be kind and helpful to others, but know there are some who will smack you when you try to help. The law of the jungle. Since that time, I don’t sign my name when I judge contests.
Regardless of my one bad experience, I love the camaraderie I’ve found within the national organization of Romance Writers of America and in my chapters. Most romance authors are extremely generous with their time and talent. Maybe it’s a woman thing, always wanting to help. Maybe all writers groups, regardless of gender, have members who so unselfishly support each other.
One other thing I want to touch on—etiquette. When a writer takes time from her precious schedule to judge your contest entry, please send that judge a thank you note. Even if you don’t agree with her remarks or how she scored your entry, send the note. If all you can say is “thanks for taking the time to judge my entry,” that’s fine. I judge many contests and I rarely get a thank you from the entrants.
I will always be grateful for the help other authors have given me. I still try to help others whenever I can, but I’m a little more careful now. Is there any other organization where its members are so supportive of each other? I think not.
*****
Carolyn Matkowsky also writes as Cara Mari and is the author of novels LOGAN’S REDEMPTION and A CATERED AFFAIR published respectively by Wild Rose Press and Avalon books. Cara is also multi-published with the True magazines and Love Stories magazine.
“Brewed in Love” will appear in the June, 2010, issue of True Romance magazine. True Love magazine will publish “Love on a Dare” in their July, 2010, issue. Other stories have appeared in True Experience. The Wild Rose Press has also contracted Cara’s newest romantic suspense novella. Read more about Cara on her website.
http://www.carolynmatkowsky.com/
