A few years ago, a publishing house - which doesn't appear to have that greater reputation, slagged off some science fiction writers. The background was basically that this publishing house said they looked at new authors, however, what it transpires is they put your manuscript in a pile marked 'pre-mug' and those who pay for the 'service' 'post mug'.

The problem was that they charged the writers, no matter what the quality of the work they have submitted. So, in short, a group of writers got together and wrote the worst book possible.

This is the story and hilarious samples.

Needless to say, they got the book deal. Provided they paid for the publishing.

One thing I learned about classical Greek writing; the Gods are always angry. It doesn't matter about what. They are angry. You give them dinner. It's not right. You praise them. It's not enough. You make sacrifices. They don't quite meet the requirements. They seem, from all available writing to act like petulant children. Only with beards.

Here are some of the punishments they dished out to those who failed to meet their high standards.