I don't believe that the situation is as cut-and-dried as Hatch implies. Soemtimes whether or not you write a novel is situational, but I believe that just about anyone who can write a book about how to use the Internet or setting up an Excel database can write a general-interest non-fiction book, and probably a novel--although there are many very good nonfiction writers who cannot write novels.

People are not going to be good novelists because they were good tech-writers or journalists; they are going to be good novelists because they are good novelists. Writing a novel requires more than skill with language and observation, although any writing experience helps. (Says one who has written computer and other technical books, as well as general-interest nonfiction books and novels--and who has edited fiction.)

I had originally written about 1,000 words on this subject, but that's too much. Still, let me add this: if Professor Hatch or anyone else is bothered that much by people who say they're not "real" writers, why not just do a general-interest nonfiction book (if not a novel) to bolster your credentials for the people in the high seats? For too many people, if they don't see it with the other books in Walmart or the local bookstore, it's not "real."
--Mike
http://www.michaelabanks.com

Interesting. I'd love to see a great novel written about the Internet, something big in the vein of the classics. Will publishers realize that there's still a big market for serious literature, not everybody wants fluff?