[neilmarr]

Folks often don't realise, Eric, that since the advent of the word processor it's become far too easy for someone to painlessly knock out 60,000 words -- and since internet, then blitz (spam?) agents and publishers, instantaneously, simultaneously and freely with the result. (Think typewriters, carbons, fountain pens, quills, copying and the cost of paper and postage earlier authors had to take into the equation.)

Maybe everyone does have a book in them (most doubtful in my opinion). But I can tell you with confidence and from bitter experience over four and a half decades, that it's a very rare few who have a good book in them and can write it well enough to interest the rest of the world.

And now we have 'self publishing'. Instant exposure with no selection process or professional editorial intervention. Hmmm ... sift your own massive slushpile reader? Save the pros a job? Thanks. Maybe you'll wake up one day.

Cheers. Neil