Because this blog’s primary purpose is to help authors by dispensing opinions and advice, posts may hit close to home. A long time ago, I read an article in which a blogger I’d recently interacted with made a snarky remark. I thought, Is the blogger talking about me? So I know that sinking, disturbing feeling of wondering if I’ve been surreptitiously called out in public. I’m glad I saw the post because that remark helped me be as sensitive as possible in trying not to make anyone uncomfortable.
If you see a post along the lines of “Ten things not to say to an agent” or “Five terrible cover letters,” you might think, Oh, no! I said that! or Her assistant sent me a rejection yesterday. I know she’s talking about me!
Nope.
For one, I write my posts well in advance. If you interacted with my office last week, know I wrote my blog post long ago. My words are meant for the general writing community, not anyone specific. I hope to save writers time.
Thank you for reading my blog posts. I appreciate all of you. The fact that you’re reading these posts in hopes of sending submissions I can take seriously means everything.
Happy submitting!
Of course they’re talking ’bout me now,
how could it be otherwise?
It’s through me that they learn how
to keep focus of heart and eyes
upon things more vital than they
and their foolish little days.
They are merely common clay,
and while their interest’s faint praise,
still and all, I’m here to serve
as long as they will mind their place
and not aspire to the nerve
to speak directly to my face,
for that’s not on, not the done thing
without first a kneel to kiss my ring.
Andrew, I enjoy your creativity! Thanks for your faithfulness in sharing your talent with us!
Tamela, thank so much!
It’s both privilege and honour to be part of this community.
You have mastered the art of telling an author the truth, but remaining supportive and positive. I greatly appreciate your approach. It builds confidence in me to know you don’t limit your comments to what I’d like to hear, but what is needed. Blog posts are different than our personal conversations, but because our personal contact is full of grace, I see grace in the blog posts as well.
Barbara, thank you so much! Your words show your graciousness as well!
Tamela, there’s not a mean bone in your body. You are the most humble, helpful, and encouraging person I know. Being an agent suits you because you have such a gentle way with words.
Loretta, you are so kind, and your words encourage me!
Tamela, I appreciate your sensitivity and Grace. Thank you for encouraging us all.
Tamela, I also appreciate your sensitivity and Grace. Thank you for encouraging us all.
Thank you for posting your blogs, Tamela. We really appreciate all the work you go to n order to help us grow as writers. Bless your heart!
I feel like if someone feels called out in public by what they said, they might be guilty? Maybe?
Seriously, though, so many authors, especially newbies, make the SAME mistakes! It would be easy to assume an editor or agent was talking about them in their blog if they had just interacted with that blogger. But most likely, it’s because editors and agents keep seeing the same mistakes in submissions. I always appreciate learning and I’ve been in the industry for years!
UGH – I just reread what I wrote and it looks like I was saying YOU were guilty, Tamela! Sorry! I wasn’t saying that at all.
Clearly, I need an editor. And more coffee. 😀
I didn’t think that — no worries! Thank you for caring about me. 🙂
Of course! <3
Thanks very much for your blog posts and for the posts upon which you comment. Very helpful insight
Thank you for your blog post which shows your concern for others, and probably puts some at ease!