Friday, July 17, 2009

Editor and Agent Appointments

Today I get to pitch my latest and greatest to an editor and an agent. It's a queasy stomach day, a trembling fingers day, a can't-wait-until-it's-over day. Sure, I've practiced my pitch. I've picked out a terrific dress to wear--very professional, very chic.

But what if I start talking and a little spittle flies out of my mouth and lands on her arm? Or I don't realize it but toilet paper is stuck to my shoe? Or, horror of all horrors, my dress gets caught up in my pantyhose, revealing a lot more than I planned?

And what if I freeze up and can't even remember the names of my characters? Or other pertinent information? Or worse, what if I start talking and don't let her get a word in edgewise?
I used to work as a professional. I've given presentations and enjoyed intelligent conversations with company heads. Those days are long past.

Tonight, I'll celebrate my bravery, but until then, I'll be a nervous train wreck waiting to happen. Wish me luck. I won't be able to check your comments until I get back, but please leave one and say a little prayer for my nerves! Thanks so much!!

23 comments:

  1. Prayers said, fingers crossed, good luck!

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  2. Oh my - best wishes!!! I got nervous just reading your post. You can do it, Jill! Make sure to give us updates!

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  3. Raising my coffee cup in a toast to best wishes for an awesome day :)

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  4. You will be wonderful! I just know it. Just be you and that agent/editor will love you :) Good luck!!!

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  5. Okay, I'm praying for you big time. Don't think about it too much, just be yourself, you know the drill, just get it out.

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  6. LOL...awesome picture and description of your fear!

    You will do AMAZING, but I will be praying for you! You go, girl! Knock 'em dead with your talent!

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  7. I feel you! Give us an update later. Saying a little prayer here. :-)

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  8. Breathe and pray, darlin', breath...and...pray! :) I hope everything goes well (I know it will!).

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  9. The wonderful thing is, it's NEVER as bad as we fear.

    I'm praying for you!

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  10. Still praying for you! Editors and agents recognize people get nervous, but I know you'll do great. Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.

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  11. Good luck! I look forward to hearing how it goes. I just come over from Cindy Wilson's blog. I look forward to checking out your blog.

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  12. I can't wait to hear how it goes!!! You'll do great I'm sure! Please email me or post a blog to update me! Or FB or something!

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  13. I'm nervous for you! Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

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  14. Your nerves will go away as soon as you open your mouth to speak about your book. That agent is just a friend you haven't met yet, right?

    Hope you let us know how it went!! Go git 'em!

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  15. You'll do fine. Right before you go in you will check your shoes, carefully remove the piece of toilet paper stuck there, straighten your dress, and congratulate yourself on preventing disaster. Then you'll step in there, jelly on the inside and confidence on the outside, and knock them all dead. (Not from your breath mind, from your powerful presentation. Eat nothing green before the presentation so it doesn't get stuck between your teeth.)

    I've never had to present something for my writing, except perhaps giving out a business card for my noveling blog, Uninvoked, but I've had to present an example of my teaching ability to a panel of judo judges. One of them being the first US world champion ever. Talk about nerves. You bet I made sure my belt was tied right.

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  16. I hope all went well!! You'll have to tell us exactly what making a pitch is like, for those of us who don't know:)

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  17. Good luck! and a little prayer too! :)

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  18. Good luck! How exciting! I'm sure agents and editors get plenty of people who are shaking from head to toe. They're probably used to it. :-)

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