Jason's Story
Copyright© 2025 by writer 406
Chapter 14
The final revision session on his novel took place on a drizzly Thursday afternoon in March, six months after their collaboration had begun. Barbara’s office was the same—manuscripts stacked everywhere, cold coffee, organized chaos—but the personal dynamic between them had evolved considerably.
“The ending works now,” Barbara said, scrolling through the last chapter on her screen. “You’ve given both Finn and Mary satisfying character arcs without tying everything up in an unrealistic bow.”
Jason nodded. Thanks to her efforts, the manuscript had transformed significantly during their months of work together. The pacing was tighter, the historical exposition more seamlessly integrated, and the dialogue was sharper. More importantly, the relationship between the young protagonists felt authentic rather than contrived.
“I think we’re done,” Barbara announced, closing the file. “This is a publishable manuscript.”
“You sound surprised.”
“I am, a little. Most books I edit get better, but they don’t usually get this much better. Surprisingly, you actually listened to my feedback and implemented changes instead of defending every word like it was sacred scripture.”
Their working relationship had settled into a comfortable rhythm of professional respect seasoned with teasing banter. Barbara’s initial hostility had given way to friendship, though she maintained her characteristic bluntness.
“Can I ask you something personal?” Jason said.
“Shoot.”
“Are you actually as miserable as you pretend to be, or is that just your professional persona?”
Barbara leaned back in her chair, considering the question. “Both, I think. Editing pays the bills while I finish my dissertation, but most of the writers I work with are...” She paused, searching for diplomatic language. “Let’s say they’re not as serious about craft as you are.”
“What’s your dissertation on?”
“Abigail Scott Duniway. She was called Oregon’s Mother of Equal Suffrage. My adviser keeps finding holes in my thesis, so it’s taking longer than planned.”
Jason made a note to research Duniway later. “Hence the editing work to pay rent.”
“Hence the editing to pay rent. Though this project has reminded me why I got into it in the first place. It was rewarding. And you pay promptly, that’s always a plus.” She stood up and moved to her coffee machine and poured coffee for them both. “Speaking of which, I have a confession to make.”
“That sounds ominous.”
“I sent the first two chapters of your book to my cousin Wendy.”
Jason felt a spike of concern. “Without asking me?”
“Without asking you. But before you get pissed off at me, let me explain.” Barbara poured them two cups of coffee. “She is a literary agent in New York. We’ve been talking about you being a pain in my ass and your book being really good for months. She kept asking to see it.”
“Barbara, you can’t just share someone’s work without permission.”
“I know that, but I’m not sorry.” She handed him a coffee cup. “Wendy represents authors of young adult fiction; she has excellent connections with publishers, and she thinks your book could be commercially successful.”
Jason set down his coffee without drinking it. “You should have asked me first.”
“If I’d asked, you would have said no. You would have wanted to research agents yourself, submit through proper channels, control the entire process. Which I suppose is admirable but dumb.”
“Why dumb?”
Barbara sat back down, her expression serious despite her casual tone. “Because it would take forever, and because Wendy is very good at what she does. She already knows your work, and she wants to represent you. Do you have any idea how rare that is?”
“I wasn’t planning to pursue publication immediately. I wrote this book for the same reason I run three miles every day—for the exercise.”
“That’s bullshit, and you know it.” Barbara’s directness was uncompromising. “You didn’t spend months revising this manuscript just for personal satisfaction. You wrote something good, and good work deserves to find readers.”
Jason considered her argument while sipping the coffee, which was better than anything in her office had a right to be. “What exactly did your cousin say?”
“She wants to read the complete manuscript. If she likes it as much as she thinks she will, she wants to represent you.”
“And you think I should agree to this?”
“I think you should. I think you should at least talk to her. Wendy’s represented several successful YA authors; she understands the market, and she’s not some shark who’s going to pressure you into bad decisions.”
“You mean a shark like you,” Jason grinned.
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