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Asking has its own rewards

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back.

As true an old saying as there is. Recently in my quest for more information for my second manuscript I emailed someone to ask for permission to print and use some of his valuable research in my work, both for the fiction and possible non-fiction aspect.

You can well imagine my surprise when he not only agreed to let me use it, but said that when I was finished, and the book had come out to contact him and let him know so he could purchase a copy!

It floored me. I've gotten permission many, many times before and have always had a warm and open business relationship with those who I've contacted. However, this time I was shocked not only about the permission, but about the interest in where his work was going. Usually the agreement is a quick yes or no with a request to be credited and they leave it at that.

These are things that I would normally and naturally do out of respect for the author and researcher who has put together a resource I've used. I think the lesson here is that if you're willing to ask, if you're willing to push your boundaries for what you need or want good things may happen.

So, I challenge you. Ask a question today. Follow your dreams, check into a tidbit about your writing, email an agent or publisher and let me know how it turns out. May good things come your way with each question!

Comments

That was very nice. I hope he likes it and you can use what he says as s blurb for your book.
Tara S Nichols said…
Oh what a wonderful response. I guess you are also flattered them with interest in their work.

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