If you have no idea how the publishing industry works – or how it gets screwed up by hopeful writers and sharks, take the time to watch this:
You might just save yourself from making a horrible faux pas with an agent, editor, or publisher.
On a separate note, if you want to suggest a great Christmas present for yourself, send folks to Irene Goodman’s site. She’s a literary agent who routinely (once a month) auctions her time away for a good cause. She’s raising money to combat her son’s illness by offering writers critiques. This month, there are fifteen critique auctions! Many thanks to Cat Woods for the info.
Addendum: Many thanks to those who let me know the link wasn’t working!