An agent I follow online posted about a squirrelly situation last month.

Umm, not that situation.

A querying writer had told other agents that she had offered representation–BUT SHE HAD NOT.

Why did the writer do that? Supposedly to elicit offers from the agents, or perhaps just to hurry them along.

Way!

But the publishing world is a very small place, so the agent found out…and without naming names, warned fellow agents about the situation.

That writer put the kibosh on their career.

Now, I understand why the writer resorted to such a tactic. Writing is like being that squirrel—you are so close to the prize, but you feel like you are being whipped around. You want that golden nut but you can barely hold on. Impatience and frustration set in. Then, perhaps, desperation.

However, nothing will shut you out of the publishing business—really, any business—faster than lying and being unprofessional.

If you have a positive attitude toward writing and your place in it, you will eventually succeed. I once heard Jarrett J. Krosoczka say that if someone hires you to do a $50 job, but you really want a $500 job, do that $50 job like it was paying $500. Deliver beyond expectations. Be kind to everyone. Be grateful. Soon word will spread that you’re awesome…and you’ll attract those bigger gigs. The good guy & girl really do finish first.

And here’s who else finishes first in all the recent giveaways!

(Thanks, Pam.)

PIRATES DON’T GO TO KINDERGARTEN
Kelly Rice Schmitt

YOUR FIRST DAY OF CIRCUS SCHOOL
Linda Mitchell

SUN!
Liz Bedia

POE WON’T GO
Barbara Bockman

FUTURE ASTRONAUT
Katie Engen

VAMPIRINA BALLERINA
Lynne Marie

TAMMI SAUER SIX PACK
Megan Walvoord
Susie Sawyer
Lora Wendling
Diane Roberts
Amber Webb
Heather Stigall

ALL OF US
Jennifer Phillips

Congratulations! Watch out for an email from me.

And watch out for another giveaway tomorrow.