This is Just to Thank You

Hey… you.

Yeah, you, the one sitting alone in your basement hammering out a thousand words every morning before you go to work.

And you. The one filling out your registration for a writers conference and terrified to click “send.”

And you in the back, there… frantically taking notes in the writing workshop, attempting to be invisible.

And what about you, about to sit down at your first-ever meeting with an agent, trembling with nervousness.

And you, the writer who’s signed your first publishing contract and suddenly feel the pressure of deadlines and marketing and expectations.

And you, the multi-published author, thankful for your good fortune and praying everyday the words continue to flow.

I just wanted you to know that I see you. I know you’re there. I hear what you’re saying, I feel your fears, I love your passion, I understand a lot about what drives you and what terrifies you.

And I admire you. I am so incredibly awed by your bravery. I know it takes courage to do what you’re doing. I’m impressed with your persistence, your enthusiasm, your dedication.

I know it takes sacrifice. I know you give up a lot… I know it’s a significant cost to go to a conference; it’s a significant commitment of time to write books and build platforms (and read blogs).

I just want to thank you for what you’re doing. I’m so glad you get up every morning and do what you do. I’m so happy you’re up for the challenge.

It’s because of you that I’ve been a reader my whole life. It’s because of you that I love books. It’s because of you that I’ve had the good fortune to work for the last eighteen years in a career I absolutely love.

You are incredible. Keep up the good work. Keep writing… so I can keep reading. And thank you.

 

Rachelle Gardner

Literary agent at Gardner Literary. Coffee & wine enthusiast (not at the same time) and dark chocolate connoisseur. I've worked in publishing since 1995 and I love talking about books!

44 Comments

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  2. Gary Neal Hansen on January 17, 2014 at 9:15 PM

    I’m a month late in saying so, but thank you for this post. It meant a lot to me.



  3. Encouragement | kelly sumner on January 9, 2014 at 11:28 PM

    […] And you in the back, there… frantically taking notes in the writing workshop, attempting to be invisible. Click here to read more of this encouraging article. […]



  4. Jennifer Slattery on January 3, 2014 at 8:29 AM

    So beautiful! Gotta share this. 🙂



  5. SC Skillman on January 1, 2014 at 3:11 AM

    God bless you for writing this post, Rachelle. I thought about it often over Christmas and it raised my spirits so much. As an author working on final revisions of my ms (hopefully ready for submission late Jan/early Feb) I felt ‘here is someone who truly understands what is going on for me, & for other authors.’



  6. R.T. Edwins on December 31, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    I may not have an agent or a publisher (indie writer here) but I still appreciate this thread and your blog. Happy New year! =)



  7. Encouragement For The Writer | Dust 2 Diamonds on December 31, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    […] And what about you, about to sit down at your first-ever meeting with an agent, trembling with nervousness. Click here to read more. […]



  8. Jadie Jones on December 30, 2013 at 8:19 AM

    Wonderful post!



  9. Zan Marie Steadham on December 30, 2013 at 7:11 AM

    I needed that post! Thanks, Rachelle.



  10. Jolene @ The Alabaster Jar on December 28, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    Rachelle, what an absolute precious post! It was so encouraging that it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for taking the time to pour into me and others.



  11. Melodie Campbell on December 28, 2013 at 12:19 PM

    Wow, I really need to get to know you, Rachelle. Glad to have discovered your blog! I have over 200 publications including 5 novels and 9 awards, and I still have many days when I wonder if I am absolutely out of my mind wasting time writing silly drivel that no one will ever want to read. You’ve said it so eloquently. Thank you!



  12. Joe Snoe on December 28, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    That was nice message. After a nice week off visiting family, I’m back at it today.



  13. Deanndra Hall on December 27, 2013 at 9:08 PM

    I couldn’t have seen this at a better time, Rachelle. Living in an area where I know no other writers and having found the “just ask another writer and they’ll help you” admonishment to be untrue, it was nice to pull this up and read it. It made me feel a little less alone and even more thankful that I’ve been blessed with the gift of words. I hope you have a great 2014 – I hope we ALL do.



  14. Mart Ramirez on December 27, 2013 at 12:11 PM

    THANK YOU, Rachelle! And thank you for all that you do for the writing community! It’s VERY much appreciated! I always look frwd to reading your insight. YOU ROCK!!! <3



  15. Michael Thompson on December 27, 2013 at 12:01 PM

    Thank you, Rachelle. Your posts always provide insight. Happy New Year!



  16. Mare Ball on December 27, 2013 at 8:06 AM

    How kind and sweet. Writing IS a solitary life, and it’s nice get some kudos now and then. I echo many comments here…your info. is very helpful. thank you for what YOU do. 🙂



  17. Dan Erickson on December 27, 2013 at 6:32 AM

    What a great and encouraging message. Thank you.



  18. Kristy Cambron on December 27, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    It’s been a fantastic year and part of that is because of you. Thanks for using your knowledge to help us with our writing dreams. Bring on 2014!



  19. Amber Skyze on December 27, 2013 at 4:34 AM

    I hope one day when I have an agent, he/she is as encouraging as you.



  20. LynnRodz on December 26, 2013 at 8:15 PM

    Beautifully said!



  21. Cyd Madsen on December 26, 2013 at 6:52 PM

    Thank you, Rachelle. You’ve given so much over time, and all of it has kept the engines going. We’re very lucky to have you and your generosity. And thank you for letting us know you see us. That means a great deal. <3 <3 <3



  22. Ernie Zelinski on December 26, 2013 at 4:48 PM

    Thanks for the great posts that you write.
    You have to be best at writing fairly short interesting and inspiring posts that generate so many responses from those you read your blog.
    Happy New Year. I am looking forward to reading more posts by you.



  23. Caroline Starr Rose on December 26, 2013 at 1:30 PM

    And thank you for your wisdom over the years! I’ve learned so much from your blog. Happy New Year!



  24. robinluftig on December 26, 2013 at 11:25 AM

    Thank you for your ever-present encouragement. I’ve printed out more posts than can fit in a binder. You’re the best!



  25. Carol J. Garvin on December 26, 2013 at 10:54 AM

    Thank you for another year of wonderful information and encouragement. I appreciate knowing that someone in your position still remembers and understands the uncertainties that we newbies experiences.

    Christmas blessings to you!



  26. J.M. Bray on December 26, 2013 at 10:35 AM

    Escape Publishing picked up my first novel, without my having an agent. Though I’d like to, I still don’t have one. If that every happens, I’d want them to have the spirit of support and goodwill you constantly display. Than you Rachelle for all the wonderful posts.

    Have a Blessed Year.

    To everyone else, Write On!

    JM



  27. Neil Larkins on December 26, 2013 at 8:38 AM

    And THANK YOU, Rachelle! Even though I seldom express it [blush], many times you have been the light in my dark tunnel that has brought me into the fresh air of understanding. God bless you and your family — and the family of contributors here — in this coming year.



  28. Laurie Buchanan on December 26, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    Rachelle – May your holiday season be filled with simple, slow moments that nourish your soul.



  29. Cherry Odelberg on December 26, 2013 at 6:57 AM

    What a lovely piece of writing! Thanks to you for being a conduit of information and encouragement in the e-writing world.



  30. Ray Juracek on December 26, 2013 at 6:28 AM

    Thanks. Every bit helps.



  31. Kathy Nickerson on December 26, 2013 at 6:22 AM

    Thank you. A word of encouragement can make all the difference.



  32. SharonALavy on December 26, 2013 at 6:09 AM

    Thank you, Rachelle for being there. I get so much encouragement from your blog. One reason might be that I have met you and sat across from you at a table and have heard your wisdom from a personal perspective. Please keep writing this blog. I know at times it must seem like a thankless task.



  33. MaryAnna Rose on December 25, 2013 at 10:45 PM

    It’s so easy to forget, every New York Times bestseller was once a nobody – thank you for remembering to encourage the littles along with the bigs.
    And I hope your holiday is wonderful.



  34. Kristi Colaizzi Lloyd on December 25, 2013 at 9:08 PM

    Thank you for this post, it made me smile! I’m just starting out on this writer’s path – a year and some change. I’m one of the ones that just signed up for my first conference.



  35. Jackie Lea Sommers on December 25, 2013 at 6:41 PM

    You’re wonderful, Rachelle. And thank YOU for all that you do to help us. I got my first book deal with HarperCollins last month, and it was YOU who taught me how to write a query letter! Merry Christmas!



  36. tiny tim on December 25, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    Wait–you left someone off your list. I mean the one who worked hard in and out of the basement to learn his craft, who paid his dues and then some over many years, until he finally published a book with a good house–but then sank into obscurity, until years later he was picked up by a new agent with a good shop, who thought his work worthy but couldn’t get him a deal, who was in turn superseded even more years later by another agent with a good shop, who took on a different book but didn’t get a deal, so that in the end, or nearing it–meaning the real one, which in fact kept growing ever closer–he was left with no choice but to become his own publisher.
    Is this unsuited to the holiday season? It just seemed right to flesh out your list a wee bit.



    • Rachelle Gardner on December 25, 2013 at 4:32 PM

      Yes, even you. I see you and hear you. Sometimes the path isn’t easy, is it? I hope you’re having a nice holiday season anyway, and I wish you the very best.



  37. Katie Ganshert on December 25, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    Love you, Rachelle. <3



    • Rachelle Gardner on December 25, 2013 at 4:32 PM

      Aw, you’re sweet. Love you Katie. Merry Christmas!



  38. Cheery Thoughts | allbettsareoff on December 25, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    […] And you, the writer who’s signed your first publishing contract and suddenly feel the pressure of deadlines and marketing and expectations. Click here to read the rest of this encouraging article. […]



  39. Jennifer Major on December 25, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    This is awesome, thank you Rachelle. And thank YOU for being such a great teacher, a great advocate for writers and an all around awesome person!



    • Rachelle Gardner on December 25, 2013 at 4:32 PM

      Thanks for being part of this community, Jennifer. You are appreciated.



  40. Ricard Mabry on December 25, 2013 at 8:08 AM

    And thank you for what you do, Rachelle–for all writers, from pre-published to multi-published. You’re important as well. Merry Christmas.



    • Rachelle Gardner on December 25, 2013 at 4:33 PM

      Richard, I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season with the families coming and going!