This is an interesting book for reasons that have nothing to do with why it was published. While it wasn’t intended to be such, it is eye-witness report on the first significant changes in the world of publishing and science fiction. (All a precursor to the changes in which we currently live – the digital age.)

This is a collection of entries from Norman Spinrad’s column in Locus magazine. The book was originally published in 1983; the columns come from the late 70’s and early 80’s. The original intent was for it to be a series containing pragmatic advice to science fiction writers – how to make money and a living at the craft of writing science fiction. However, as so often happens, the column morphed and became a commentary on the direction of writing science fiction, publishing science fiction, and, in general, the genre of science fiction.

Some of the pragmatic advice still holds. While the specifics have definitely changed, it is a reminder that writing is a job where you have to control not just the art, but the business.

But where the book gets interesting is that it is immersed in a time when science fiction specifically and publishing in general were changing. Star Wars had changed the landscape (and salability) of science fiction. In addition, there was an influx of “series” (to be “successful” you didn’t want to just write one novel; you wanted it to be the start of a series.) And, the definitions of science fiction were changing, to the point where, in some instances, the line between science fiction, fantasy, and, even to some extent, horror were become obscure. This at the same time that genre lines were becoming more and more entrenched in the publishing world.

Spinrad makes some very interesting (and precognitive) comments about these changes. All culminating in a nigh-on 40-page thesis titled “How Things Work”. This seems to be Spinrad’s opportunity to rant and lecture on the (then) current state of publishing, science fiction, and fiction. There are a couple of problems with this chapter/entry. He is preaching to the choir when he speaks of science fiction being a part of the overall fiction scene – not just a genre, and he does not really provide a solution or a real call-to-action.

But that is nothing compared to the bigger problem with the chapter. Quite simply, it goes on way, too long. It seems he was given the opportunity to rant at length, and at length he does, indeed, rant.

But there is another thing that relegates the book to “interesting” rather than “compelling”. Yes, it is interesting to see and understand these changes. But, with the current state of publishing – self-publishing, electronic media, social media, rampant adjustments to the way consumers ingest information – this part of the story has lost some importance. It is interesting to see the hubris that existed prior to the fall we have now witnessed. And there are still lessons to be learned. But some of this has become a historic footnote.

The result is a book that is a mixed bag. Some of the pragmatic advice still holds. There is interesting history, from which lessons can be learned. But there is too much lecturing. And too much that just doesn’t count/matter anymore. ( )