Able Quote by Will C. Barnes

Long books, when read, are usually overpraised, because the reader wishes to convince others and himself that he has not wasted his time.

— Anonymous

The success of many books is due to the affinity between the mediocrity of the author's ideas and those of the public.

— Anonymous

“An author’s strong belief and enthusiasm will affect the writing of the book and often the publisher’s commitment to it.”

— Sterling Lord

“Perhaps a book becomes a classic in proportion to how broadly its characters can be scavenged, how many readers find within it something they…

— Janna Malamud Smith

One always tends to overpraise a long book, because one has got through it.

— E. M. Forster

The novel is about, for me, sustained and organized looking. I do think that people have a hunger for a sustained engagement, that concentration…

— Dana Spiotta

Writing a long and substantial book is like having a friend and companion at your side, to whom you can always turn for comfort…

— Anonymous

“We have no time to waste on insignificant books, hollow books, books that are there to please... We want books that cost their authors…

— Laurence Cossé

To gain the book, one must give up all hope for the book. It is the only way the book can get written.

— Bonnie Friedman

Success is so fleeting; even if you get a good book deal, or your book is a huge success, there's always the fear: 'What…

— Dani Shapiro

I believe passionately in preemptive pessimism, especially before a book comes out. I expect the worst both from reviewers and sales, and then, with…

— Antony Beevor

Readers want a good book; it's a writer's job to give it to them.

— Sylvia Day