When I set out to learn about my mother's bridge club, the Jewish octogenarians behind the matching outfits and accessories, I never expected to fall in love with them. This is the story of the ladies, their game, their gen, and the ragged path that led me back to my mother.
It’s 10:00 pm, do you know where your agent is? I want to say for the record that I didn’t even know that agents existed until 1986 when I saw an ad for a PT job at a literary agency and I went for it. I didn’t know that agents were considered scum until I fully entered publishing a few years later and climbed the editorial ladder. And then I became one. Am I shoveling coals in hell? Am I dancing as fast as I can? Did I grow a tail and a pair of brass balls that clang when I walk? When I became an agent, agents said, welcome to the side of angels. Editors asked why I was joining the dark side.
What is this post about?
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Betsy Lerner 
Seems like next to writer agent is a pretty plum job. Congrats.
It seems to me in either profession the writer would provide sound guidance to the writer, albeit not always what the writer wants to hear.
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To a writer, editors and agents are the top dogs. Unless you’re Melvin in “As Good as it Gets,” bringing in a ton of money, you’re probably going to be considered the nuisance at the bottom of the heap.
I taught first and second grade for thirty-three years and loved most of it. Kids at that age are cute, but they throw tantrums, throw things at each other (and at the teacher), and throw up (sometimes on the teacher). On bad days, I used to think how great my job would be if it weren’t for the kids.
I’m sure there are some agents and editors who don’t realize that they wouldn’t have jobs without the “kids.” I just don’t know any.
“What is this post about?”
It is about seeking a forgiveness that you do not need, except from yourself and of yourself. You have done no wrong.
The interplay of transactionalism and value judgment.
“What is this post about?”
Reflecting on perception? Wondering how you’re viewed by . . . ?
Wow. That’s like knowing a bit of the fly on the wall stuff – that agents are considered scum (???) and that “why are you going to the dark side?” I thought agents/editors were pretty chummy.
Like Bonnie, I view agents and editors as top dogs. I was in awe of them before I got them, and I’m still in awe. I was intimidated – I’m not by my agent now. Not after ten years – we talk like old friends. My editor? He makes me nervous! 😂
“What is this post about?
Ah my dear it is all about perception. There is very little that is real in reality. Who we are, what we do, how we see others, how they see us is all about perception. You either ride that swing or jump off.
I’m with Tet on this one. You are asking forgiveness. Perceived as scum or an angel means very little, as long as you have done your job. Pump hard, swing high and fly.
It’s about how you think you should feel guilty but don’t.