Schuster on the Distinction between an Editor and a Publisher

“You ask for the distinction between the terms “Editor” and “Publisher”: an editor selects manuscripts; a publisher selects editors.”

~ M. Lincoln Schuster

Source: “Writing.” Ink.

Rex Stout on the Relationship Between Genius and Getting There

“Genius is fine for the ignition spark, but to get there someone has to see that the radiator doesn’t leak and no tire is flat.”

~ Rex Todhunter Stout (December 1, 1886 – October 27, 1975), The Doorbell Rang

Source: GoodReads

Madeleine L’Engle on Writing What Wants to be Written

“You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.”

~ Madeleine L’Engle (November 29, 1918 – September 6, 2007)

Source: About.com: Women’s History: Madeleine L’Engle Quotes

Isaac Asimov on the Importance of Submitting Your Work

“You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer. You send that work out again and again, while you’re working on another one. If you have talent, you will receive some measure of success – but only if you persist.”

~ Isaac Asimov

Source: The Quotations Page

Tim Powers on When He First Realized He Had What it Takes to be a Writer

“I guess it was when an editor bought my first book! Before that I was just hopeful.”

~ Tim Powers

Source: Tim Powers Interview | Better Storytelling: Write Better Stories!

Ray Bradbury on Failure

“You fail only if you stop writing.”

~Ray Bradbury

Source: BrainyQuote

Jean-Jacques Rousseau on Talent

“However great a man’s natural talent may be, the act of writing cannot be learned all at once.”

~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Source: BrainyQuote

Gustave Flaubert on Life Worth Living

“Writing is a dog’s life, but the only life worth living.”

~ Gustave Flaubert

Source: BrainyQuote

Benjamin Franklin on Being Remembered

“If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do things worth writing.”

~ Benjamin Franklin

Source: BrainyQuote

Flannery O’Connor on Universities and Writers

“Everywhere I go I’m asked if I think the university stifles writers. My opinion is that they don’t stifle enough of them. There’s many a best-seller that could have been prevented by a good teacher.”

~ Flannery O’Connor

Source: GoodReads