Sleek, it looks fairly clear to me that Terry’s advice is general, and not to you specifically. But be fair. You asked for advice and you’re getting it. You’ve given no clues to your experience in your profile or on this thread, so how are we to know?

Dee

As a novice or 'innocent' in this world, I am prepared to listen to advice from anyone and everyone. (Doesn't mean I always follow it.)
I sent my stuff out a couple of years ago when it was far too rough and ready and maybe ruined my chances with lots of agents/publishers
Now I have an editor that I pay and a very critical friend that I don't but still get it wrong, sending a bit out too far ahead of the rest being up to standard.
One of these days I'll get it right!

This site has helped me learn a few wrinkles as well as giving me encouragement - so even if advice given isn't relevant for you Sleek, it may be useful to others following the thread.
Sue n

I'm more than happy to take advice and grateful, as I said before, for the replies I've got.

But as far as I was aware this is a forum, an arena for open discussion, and so comments made (particularly if I feel they may question my integrity in however a roundabout fashion) can be debated. Surely?

Sleek

Nowt wrong with discussion, Sleek, but that reply to Terry came across as a nasty, snotty reaction to what was a bit of good advice. People speak in general terms all the time because the audience is never one person (WW mail excepted).

I was tempted to reply a lot harsher than Dee. ie, if you know it all, then why come and ask for help in the first place?

Colin M

Colin and Dee, I'll keep this short, but I think it's extremely unfair of you to dismiss someone else's feelings in this way. We don't have the same view on the world, and we don't all react identically to the same stimulus. Have you ever seen this before:
http://www.grand-illusions.com/woman.htm

Think about it.

Adele.

<Added>

My second sentence should start: we don't all have

Likewise, you shouldn't snap at the time and effort it takes someone to reply with structured advice.

Colin,

Likewise, you shouldn't snap at the time and effort it takes someone to reply with structured advice.

I can't see anyone doing that. See what I mean about different interpretations? However, I do agree with Sleek that this is meant to be a forum for open debate and exchanging views.

Ok, the sun is shining, it's a beautiful day, and I'm off. Enjoy your day.

Adele.

Yes, Adele, I have seen that before, and your implication can also be viewed in two ways – but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.

I was not dismissing someone else’s feelings. I was simply pointing out that Terry was giving general advice and neither he nor the rest of us who tried to answer Sleek’s specific questions could have known about his experience, as he chose not to disclose it.

Few members on this site are expert in the publishing field. Most of us can only offer advice and suggestions from our own limited experience. Sometimes our offer is rejected, but at least we try to help – that’s something you wouldn’t know much about.

Dee, I hope you feel better now you've got that off your chest.

Adele.

I’d have felt better if you’d resisted your urge to have yet another snipe at me in the first place.

And that’s the last I have to say on the matter. I’ve got more pleasant ways to spend my afternoon.

welcome to WriteWords Sleek

Ha ha! Yes, most of us are really friendly... honest!

Dee

Ha ha! Yes, most of us are really friendly... honest!

Dee

Twice!

I feel I should say something here. I replied to you, Sleek, on the basis of what you wrote originally and, as others have noticed, used the opportunity to say a few things in general that may help others too.

I was a little surprised that you appeared to be offended and then offered up your credentials to show why you were. As others have pointed out, you did ask for advice and we can only offer it on the basis of the supporting information you give. If you'd given us the details of your experience up-front, it would have helped.

For what it's worth, the 'you' I used was generic and applies to me as much as anyone else, i.e. there is an element of thinking out loud based on painful experience involved. I've rushed stuff to agents/editors in the past and it's never worked out.

However, the fact you feel a little put-out should show you that this is a serious site where people tend to get what they ask for, and surely that's a good thing?

Terry