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A-/A

Though this book is already at least somewhat dated, I really enjoyed the experience of reading it and did find it pretty damn edifying and wise. VanderMeer comes across as very equanimous and aware that the strategies that worked for him may not work for others. Also, just like everything else I’ve read by VanderMeer, the whole thing is just super well-written, thought out, and meticulous.

All of that being said, I definitely wish VanderMeer was more granular and open about his rise to literary fame. Things that seemed to have helped his career a lot, like his blog and his ability to network, are never fully explored or explained. I mean the book is already somewhat long so I get it, but I could’ve used more advice for up and coming writers� I kinda doubt that a lot of the advice written for established writers did or will ever reach actually established writers. Also, a lot of the advice falls under the purview of common sense: don’t be a dick, be as genuine as possible, et cetera� these are common tropes in self-help books, and VanderMeer doesn’t add a whole lot that you can’t find in other self-help type books.

I do wish I had read this earlier in my journey as a writer, like back when it first came out, though I had literally zero idea who VanderMeer was back then. I have, admittedly, already made some of the mistakes that VM warns his readers against, and those mistakes do haunt me a good amount.

I also wish the goddamn publishing industry didn’t come across as so insular and backwards in this book. I mean that’s the reality of the situation, yes, but I wish VM was a bit more positive and/or welcoming.