dcp, I should have said, "not fan fiction" Most of mine are autobiographical, and there has been some amazing poetry from others. And yeah, no one's going to count your words and point if you don't make exactly 100.

We discuss writing beyond drabbles. For example:

I've written a 2,300 word review of a new George Monbiot book. In a query, what is a tactful way to disclose that I've written an unpublished book on the same subject that won't kill any chance of the editor looking it over?

Typo, wouldn't that make an editor more inclined to read your review? Since you have researched the topic, and would be able to accurately judge where this book succeeded or failed?

Ah, you don't the editor would be afraid of bitterness and spite (which is not present, I'm an admirer of Monbiot.)

If your review is praise, then no. I guess in the query I would make it clear that you like the book, first, and maybe briefly why, and then mention that you've done enough research on the topic to know whereof you speak.

Mixed:

George Monbiot's "Heat: How to Stop the Planet from Burning" is a brilliant, flawed and deeply important look at what it will take to slow global warming below a catastrophic level;

about another paragraph on the "brilliant" , 1,800 words or so on the flaws and then conclude

Does missing alternatives such as this, along with actual errors lower the value of Monbiot's work on this issue?

Heat remains one of the most important books of the decade. For works of this nature, serious errors are not only unavoidable, but necessary and productive. An initial proposal covering the transformation of an entire society cannot possibly get everything right. Nobody is an expert in everything. In sifting out truth from morass after morass of conflicting claims, in separating important facts from both deliberate deceptions and honest errors - nobody could avoid missing something.

The best you can hope for is to be generally right, to let facts trump ideology and wishful thinking, to be as accurate as one person can in such matters. Then let feedback and criticism correct errors and refine answers; essentially apply the scientific method to popular discourse. Monbiot has performed the invaluable service of starting the process. More, he has glimpsed the beginning of what needs to be done politically. (Generally second steps in politics only become apparent after the first step is taken.) His case for working through existing environmental and climate justice groups to build the politics of a low carbon future is compelling.

Back. Just caught up with email. Now to phone messages. Eep.

Welcome back, Allyson!

Typo, will the review be right there in the body of the email?

I think "brilliant" outweighs "flawed," but I think they're also crucial opinions for the review. I'd just send it along and see what happens. Trying to second-guess what an editor's going to think is a no-win game, anyway.

Yeah, I think you are right. They welcome unsolicited queries, but not unsolicited full content.

And welcome back Allyson!

Ugh. I have to write jacket copy again today. The heroine? A Lycanthrope Queen (which apparently means a kind of cat person in this universe) named Siena (unrelated to the other female character in this series named Cinnamon). And she's a virgin. Of course. And she's tawny and gold and cat-featured and ...

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.