I, too, am an aspiring author. I, too, despair at the travails of anyone who wishes to become a published author. It seems that publishing, as with so many other fields of industry, has become the victim of bizarrely derived and ultimately arbitrary standards, such as the discussion on word counts. Any of us who aspire to it understand completely the motivation: We do not write for money or fame (though if we can achieve either or both, so much the better) but because things must be created.

Worse yet is the standard of much is what is on the shelf. I am fully aware that I am no Eco or Vonnegut, and if I ever become such it will be after many years of learning and experience. But compared to the preliterate dreck that one often stumbles through on the shelves, it feels as though I could fling my feces at a stack of paper and produce something considerably more profound. It would at least have the merit of being a genuine statement of rage, which is more than can be said for much of what is commonly found irritating one's eyes like a piece of particularly sharp grit.

I fear that I am all too resigned to the demands of the industry. I very much want people to read my work. On the other hand if it isn't my work then what is the point? I don't know what degree of interference is tolerable to me; like you, I will find that out when actually dealing with the matter first-hand. I suppose that I will tolerate a nip and tuck here and there, but the final piece must still sufficiently resemble the lady. To bludgeon the metaphor, what I fear is that they shall simply put implants into her breasts, dress her like a common whore, and push her blinking into the public eye, utterly unlike the girl I would have coyly presented. Metaphor butchered.

I am also somewhat concerned about stylistic demands. My current work is a science-fiction novel written in the style of a pop history book. I am pleased with what I have and am creating, but fear that it may not fit into the neat categories which may be required.

Perseverence is, it seems, the key. The perseverence to seek out wise agents and respectful publishers, and the perseverence to keep your work protected.

On the plus side for me, I'm expecting my current work to be of what is apparently the desired length, and I have already concocted a fairly good sales pitch for it (it is a tale of optimism for our troubled times yadda yadda not all young adults are cynical etc. blah de blah) but how well that works out I cannot say.

One day things will be better.

Welcome to the forums! Your post has, in turn, sparked a measure of verbosity from me. At any rate, stay away from the Rantzien!