Are writers groups worthwhile?
Far be it from me to say that they aren’t. All I know is that they don’t work for me. I’ve always been a solo practitioner. But then, I’ve always had the luxury of getting feedback on a book from an editor who is already committed to buying it. Too often, I fear, writers go over their work ad infinitum with a writers’ group as a means of postponing a submission. As long as the group keeps suggesting changes, the writer can avoid the potential rejection by a publisher. Unfortunately, he or she also avoids a potential sale. Let’s face it: you can edit forever. At some point, you have to fish or cut bait! Do I need an agent? Yes. I fear you do. The occasional manuscript is still picked up out of the slush pile and sent to the top of the bestselling lists, but this is growing more rare. A good agent can place a book with the right publisher and negotiate a solid contract. A good agent can guide a writer’s career. The key word here is “good.” I once had an agent who was happy to take the mo
