A newer writer
asked me for help.
She asked me
if I could look at a chapter
and give her advice
on how to ‘fix it.’
The chapter was solid
but I saw areas
that needed work.
I spent a day
evaluating it
and offering my advice.
I sent it to the writer.
She thanked me
and, in that thank you,
she told me the title.
The title sounded familiar.
I searched on it
and discovered
the story had been published
the DAY she asked me for help.
She didn’t want help.
She wanted me to read it
and support the book release.
I’ll NEVER support her.
She’s unethical
and I couldn’t trust her
with my readers.
And I’ll NEVER help her again.
Ask for help
if you need it.
I would happily help
another new writer again.
But don’t ask for help
if you don’t truly want help.
That just wastes everyone’s time.