To avoid this problem, every fledgling writer should read Whitfields's essay at least sixteen times, and then tattoo the text on their arms. Then, and only then, can you pitch your novel.
I'm serious...
"You say: 'My writing is really good and entirely new.' Dating equivalent: 'Hi, I'm really good-looking.' Whether your writing is good or not is something they can see with their own eyes; acting otherwise looks gauche.
"You say: 'My writing is very like [fill in famous/obscure author's name], only I think I'm better, in the following ways.'
Dating equivalent: 'Hi, I look like Brad Pitt, only more handsome - I mean, have you see the love-handles on that guy recently?'"
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