The first thing writers want — and this sounds so basic, but you'd be surprised how unbasic it is in the publishing world — is a quick response. Once they've finished a new manuscript and put it in the mail, they exist in a state of suspended emotional and psychic animation until they hear from their editor, and it's cruelty to animals to keep them waiting.


Paris Review (No. 132, Fall 1994)

Robert Gottlieb Quotes

The first thing writers want — and this sounds so basic, but you'd be surprised how unbasic it is in the publishing world — is a quick response....

The first thing writers want — and this sounds so basic, but you'd be surprised how unbasic it is in the publishing world — is a quick response....

The first thing writers want — and this sounds so basic, but you'd be surprised how unbasic it is in the publishing world — is a quick response....

The first thing writers want — and this sounds so basic, but you'd be surprised how unbasic it is in the publishing world — is a quick response....