Your Novel Sucks... Now What?

You can always find people who will tell you what's wrong with your writing. They're dying to tell you, as a matter of fact. They can't wait to flip over that last page and start formulating constructive criticism to explain how to improve that book. They may have the best of intentions -- even as their comments make you crumble before their very eyes.Didn't they know you just wanted to hear them say they love it? Didn't they know all anyone wants is to be loved? And published? Everyone hates criticism, but it's crucial to get feedback on your work because it's impossible to stay objective and, let's face it, sometimes you'll hear something that's actually useful. A book on writing can't give you feedback, but it can give good advice that might save you from humiliation down the line. As an associate at the Elaine Koster Literary Agency I've been dishing out diplomatic, thoughtful feedback for the past ten years. As a writer I've been subjected to insulting, demoralizing criticism for even longer than that. My four novels are THOUGHTS WHILE HAVING SEX, ARE YOU IN THE MOOD?, THE ART OF UNDRESSING and YOU COULD DO BETTER. I've also given kind and gentle writing workshops through Mediabistro and Salon.com.