The Perfect Guide

There is a technique I've started doing whenever I feel nervous or scared about an endeavor.

I like to call it The Perfect Guide, and I usually picture a guy that's a mix between a psychologist and a guidance counsellor. I imagine he's my buffer and stands between me and all the scary things.

Let's do an example with querying (because that's one I always go to him with).

So everytime I sit down to send out queries, I send out a few, and then I think:

I'm sending these queries out to all of these agents. But really, I am giving my query to you, Perfect Guide.

Please show the query to the agents, chat with them, get to know them, and let me know which one of them is a good fit for me.

If they are not a good fit, I know I will receive either a "no" in my email or no response at all.

If they are a good fit, I trust that you will let me know at the perfect time. (Because The Perfect Guide is soo awesome, that not only does he know which agents are best for you, but he knows the perfect time for them to contact you back. He knows when you'll be at your best and ready for them.)

So that is how I use The Perfect Guide. I know it's a mental exercise, but it really makes most of my anxiety vanish. It just makes me feel secure and taken care of, and that's a great way to feel while you're querying : )

There Is No Rejection

That is the lesson. That has been the lesson all along.

There is no rejection. 

There is only what matches and what doesn't, what works and what doesn't.

You wouldn't want an agent who doesn't completely love your book so don't even be disappointed. Be glad and thankful that you're getting closer to the agent that will love your work.

Let things be. Let things go.

The Universe is constantly working with you and has much bigger plans for you than you can initially imagine.

Listen to your intuition, your gut feeling. Let yourself be guided....

To the right agent....

To the right editor....

To the right novels to write....

Let yourself be.

Let yourself be guided...

in your first draft and in all your editing and revision:

plot

character

paragraphs

sentences

flow

rhythm


Let the Universe in. It is working with you, gently lighting up the way for you. And whenever anything feels off, it's because the Universe is showing you how to make it even better, not because you're not good enough.

It Shouldn't Hurt

"If querying hurts, you're doing it wrong."

--Me

Just like exercise or anything else, it shouldn't hurt.

If it does, you need to change the way you're thinking about it.

Don't think of it as finding an agent for yourself, but for this novel right here. The question should never be are you good enough. Take the pressure off yourself. The question isn't even if the book is good enough. In fact, there are several questions:

Is the book written well for the audience it's trying to reach?

AND

Is it marketable?

AND

Is there an agent interested in representing it?

You already are doing exactly what you need to be doing.

Keep writing! I believe in you!