There's an entertaining article in the Guardian about David Lassman, the director of the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, who decided to find out what sort of reception Austen might get if she approached publishers and agents today.
"After making only minor changes, he sent off opening chapters and plot synopses to 18 of the UK's biggest publishers and agents. He was amazed when they all sent the manuscripts back with polite but firm "no-thank-you's" and almost all failed to spot that he was ripping off one of the world's most famous literary figures."
He didn't even change the opening line to Pride & Prejudice - one of the most famous opening lines in literature - and yet only one publisher commented on it. Since my agent is currently sending my novel out to publishers, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Related posts: Austen week | Pride & Prejudice movie review
