Apparently a bunch of people got upset and angry with this actually tremendously useful bit of advice? Because, I guess, the advice to understand the current state of the industry one hopes to work in is infuriating? Or something?
And, yes: Read the current work being published.
And, yes: Read the current work being published.
(Or don't, that's fine, I'm sure that willful and intentional ignorance of what's currently being published in the field you want to work in, by the people you want to acquire your work and give you money for it, is going to work perfectly well for you, go right ahead)
Also, reading current work isn't just good advice for aspiring writers. It's good for established writers, too. I find it very useful to read new stuff to see what's being acquired, what's being done differently, and how my field is evolving. And because it's good reading.
