You know how you say something?

And suddenly, all you can think is that you've said it wrong? Or you don't know how the person you've said it to is going to take it? And if it's in person, you're frantically scanning their face to get an early clue to their reaction, and if it's by phone or email, the silence that can follow is suddenly filled with all the bad, awful, horrible things they might say in return?

It's something I have to do with some frequency in my day job -- breaking bad news to authors, telling editors their offer wasn't accepted, criticizing manuscripts. On the last point, I think I have some degree of empathy, due to being a writer myself, and knowing that any small bit of praise is what will matter in the long run. Hopefully.

...don't know where this was going. Was just in my colleague's office talking about a manuscript that I love, hoping he'll feel the same when he reads it. When I get it to him. But it's a weird little part of our business -- we're agents because we love books, and like writers, and surround ourselves with them, and become friends with our clients... but at the same time have to be careful about being TOO friendly with our clients, because it IS a business, and you don't want personal feelings getting in the way of the job. I guess it all ties in with the annoying author we tried to cut loose last week, and the colossal mess that turned into. I know, in that case, that I said things wrong, and didn't have long to wait at all to hear all the bad, horrible things she thought about what I said. I will be very happy if I don't have to go through anything like that any time soon.

And on that note -- think I'll go indulge in some shopping therapy at lunchtime.