I Made a Bold Ask. Here’s the Result:
Last Spring, I made a bold ask. Two, actually. I contacted the archivist at Tuskegee University, told him about my manuscript, and asked if he would be willing to read through excerpts featuring George Washington Carver, Tuskegee University, and Booker T. Washington and give me his thoughts. I then took it an audacious step further. I asked if, after he read these sections and I fixed any inaccuracies, he would be willing to write an endorsement for my book that my agent could include in pitches to publishers. Pretty please?
It was a lot to ask a busy man.
I’m usually not that bold, but I am so passionate about my story that I summoned my courage and reached out to Mr. Chandler. He not only serves as the University archivist, a role he’s had for over 15 years, but he participates in various educational platforms regarding George Washington Carver and all things Tuskegee. I’ve seen him on televised documentaries, and I’ve tuned into some of his lectures and seminars. In addition to being the archivist, Chandler is also an associate professor. So, yes, he’s busy. He doesn’t know me, owe me, and we don’t share any contacts, but I needed his help, so I asked for it.
When I sent my first email to him, I felt like Dorothy asking the Wizard to help her get back to Kansas. With shaking knees, I thought, If you please, I am Cathy, the small and meek. I’ve come to ask…But what I discovered was that I wasn’t reaching out to the Powerful and Terrible Oz, I was imploring a human being who possessed considerable knowledge on a subject for his help.
And he obliged!
A few days later at 8:00 a.m. (I was still living in California at the time) my phone rang. It was an Alabama number. A Dorothy-like, “Oh, dear!” escaped my lips before I answered.
“Mrs. McIlvoy?” A male voice with a southern accent asked.
“Yes.”
“Dana Chandler. Come on. Get some paper, grab a pencil. Let’s go.”
For the next 40 minutes the archivist read 18 pages of excerpts from my book out loud and interjected comments, corrections, and approvals as he went. He gave me clarity and dispelled common myths that have been constantly perpetuated about GWC for years and written up as “fact.” He ended with, “Alright, we good?”
I knew I had to talk fast, so before he hung up I asked him if he would read the corrections once I made them and then write an endorsement. He told me he wouldn’t write the endorsement until he read the whole book. Sounds reasonable.
As soon as we said goodbye, I polished off my stale coffee and made the necessary changes to my manuscript while they were fresh in my brain. I then sent him my entire manuscript. I didn’t click my ruby slippers together, but I did dance around the kitchen in my fuzzy socks and sing the Doxology outloud and off-key. I was giddy with gratitude.
A man of his word, that gracious, gorgeous archivist read my historical fiction novel and, several months later, sent me a wonderful letter on the official Tuskegee University letterhead, endorsing my book. What a gift! What blessed encouragement!
Here’s an excerpt of his letter:
“I’m writing to express my full endorsement for Cathy McIlvoy’s novel, [title]. Set in 1930s Tuskegee, Alabama, the story revolves around George Washington Carver and other characters in a fresh and historically accurate portrayal of the people and events of that difficult time.
Well researched with great insight and integrity, McIlvoy’s work tells a story that is compellingly simple and clear. This manuscript goes beyond some of the recent fictional works that have George Washington Carver as a central character but are written for younger audiences…”
Quite nice, eh? I wish I could tell you that this letter has been a game-changer for my book. So far, it hasn’t. I’m still a white writer, so my novel with black characters continues to be highly taboo (see July 28). What I need is for God to part the seas, but what I have at this moment is a letter.
AND YET, no matter what happens, I treasure Mr. Chandler’s letter for several reasons:
It upholds my integrity as a historical-fiction writer, at least with this project.
It warms my heart that this busy human took time (a lot of time) to help me.
It encourages me to reach out to others who may also be willing to help with a problem, shed some light, or provide for a need. People in prestigious positions, busy people, are just people. Some may be willing to give of their time and expertise if I would just be bold and ask in a polite way.
It inspires me to help others. I may not have a ton to offer, but, like everyone, I can give of my time and respond to someone imploring my help.
How about you? Has anyone blessed you in this way? Have you been a help to others by responding to their bold ask? Is there someone you would like to implore help from but you haven’t summoned the courage? Do it, friend. Reach out! Your boldness may pay off.