My irritation with this phenomenon has three main points:
1. Just because I’m a writer doesn’t mean I am excited about any opportunity to write something, especially if I have to collaborate with someone else. I do not play well with others when it comes to creativity.
2. Your idea? Probably isn’t as awesome as you think. I’m sure some of these folks have ideas that aren’t terrible, but nearly everyone I’ve spoken to who is convinced of the amazingness of their concept does not have a particularly original or mind-blowing idea.
3. IDEAS ARE THE EASY PART. I personally am not lacking in ideas anyway, but execution is pretty much the entire battle when it comes to writing a good book. Even if I did like your idea and want to work with you, doing your grunt work is not appealing. If you’re looking for a ghostwriter and a place to sell your idea for cash, there’s a time and a place for that, but it certainly doesn’t involve me. . . .