You can certainly criticize another novel in a constructive way--I see no issue with that. That's what philosophers do. They don't "bash" each other or tear each other down negatively. They debate. I think what Dennard was really trying to say is: think twice before saying something. If you are about to go on submission and you're serious about getting your novel published, then Hells Yah, play it safe! Why put up another road block in your path? But if you also want your agents and editors and readers to accept you--bashing and all--then do so. Will you never get an agent because of that? Well, I guess it depends how nasty and non-constructive the criticism gets. But when you do get an agent, you'll get someone that gets YOU. And isn't that most important anyway?
It's really hard to get published. Really, really hard. Try to remember that when you see posts like Dennard's. And if you've read further, you'll note that this isn't the first novel she's written. Just the first one to make it.
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Date: 2011-02-05 02:39 pm (UTC)I think what Dennard was really trying to say is: think twice before saying something. If you are about to go on submission and you're serious about getting your novel published, then Hells Yah, play it safe! Why put up another road block in your path? But if you also want your agents and editors and readers to accept you--bashing and all--then do so. Will you never get an agent because of that? Well, I guess it depends how nasty and non-constructive the criticism gets. But when you do get an agent, you'll get someone that gets YOU. And isn't that most important anyway?
It's really hard to get published. Really, really hard. Try to remember that when you see posts like Dennard's. And if you've read further, you'll note that this isn't the first novel she's written. Just the first one to make it.