I remember seeing almost exactly the same analysis by a well-known author concerning people who claim they want to write a book. I'll see if I can dig it out -

I remember seeing almost exactly the same analysis by a well-known author concerning people who claim they want to write a book. I'll see if I can dig it out - it's in one of my "Analog" magazines as an editorial. ADDED IN EDIT: I think it was Heinlein .. stand by ... Yup, here it is: http://technologydesignconsultants.com/InterestingDocuments/RobertHeinleinSpeechAtAnnapolis.pdf http://technologydesignconsultants.com/InterestingDocuments/... I won't submit that link as a separate HN item because I don't want scribd to get it. He starts with an estimate of 100 million for the literate adult population, and says that half claim they want to write. * 90% never write, then * 90% never finish, then * 90% re-write endlessly, then * 90% never put it on the market, then * 90% don't keep it on the market. That leaves 500. He then quotes that in a survey by the Authors' League of America, 400 stated that they supported themselves and their families through writing.