This email is so stupid, that I have to wonder if it was sent as a prank:
Although I have my doubts that the email is legit, I answered it as if it was. Here is what I said…
Why on earth would I, the author of the MONK novels, be interested in reading your MONK novel? Would you send a spec Spenser novel to Robert B. Parker? A spec Inspector Rebus novel to Ian Rankin? A Harry Bosch novel to Michael Connelly? Not that I am comparing myself to Parker, Rankin or Connelly, I am not in their league…I am just trying to make a point about how idiotic your request is. I can't imagine how you could have thought that it was a good idea.
Then again, I can't imagine why you would write an entire novel on spec about a character you didn't create and don't own. I didn't create MONK, either…nor did I write a MONK novel on spec. I was hired by the creator of MONK and Penguin/Putnam to write MONK novels for them ..and now I have a multi-book deal that makes me the exclusive author of the books for several years to come.
I recommend that you write original novels that are NOT based on any pre-existing movie or television property. Tie-ins novels are assignments given to established writers by publishers who have licensed the characters from the studios…you don't simply send in a spec HOUSE or THE CLOSER novel to a publisher and hope for a sale.
On top of that, why would you send a novel to another author in the hopes of getting a job (not just any job, but his job)? Authors don't hire authors, publishers and editors do.
If this was indeed a joke, you need to identify the joker(I can’t imagine one of your friends being that cruel). Methinks it is someone vested so heavily in their project, that they failed to invest in knowledge of the publishing business. Sorry that I missed your appearance in Calabassas- hope to see you soon at another signing.
I have had subsequent communications with the writer. It wasn’t a joke. He’s very polite but totally clueless.
Lee