Paperback Writer

I am listening to The Beatles LOVE CD and I do love it! When I was a pre-teen the Beatles were the boy band that stole my heart and I have a special place in my heart for all of their wonderful music. There are so many of their songs that are associated with some memorable time in my life, but the one song I’d like to talk about is “Paperback Writer” (which is actually not found on the LOVE CD). The pure longing and desire to become a novelist comes across loud and clear in that song. It just amazes me that those twenty-something year old musicians were able to capture what so many of us are now experiencing in our quest to become published or republished.

The lyrics say it all…

“Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?
It took me years to write, will you take a look?
It's based on a novel by a man named Lear
And I need a job, so I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.”

Then the lyrics turn to something akin to desperation. Who among us hasn’t felt this at one time or another? Like we would do anything they want to our manuscript, if they would just accept our work?

“It's a thousand pages, give or take a few,
I'll be writing more in a week or two.
I can make it longer if you like the style,
I can change it round and I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

If you really like it you can have the rights,
It could make a million for you overnight.
If you must return it, you can send it here
But I need a break and I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.”

So, was I influenced by the song at the tender age of 12? At the time I liked the song, but didn’t think much about it. But now it pops into my head with frequency…particularly when I’m drafting a query letter to an agent or editor. The yearning expressed in the song to become a Paperback Writer is not just a bunch of empty words, it is a true heartfelt wish that we authors put in the hands of others with a wing and a prayer. We hope with all our hearts they don’t stomp on our heart’s desire.

~Diane Wylie
http://www.dianewylie.com/