I’m a better writer today
than I was 2 years ago
mainly because
I have an editor
(whom I view
as my very first reader
and ‘customer’)
who pushes me
to become better
with each story.
She expects it.
She gives feedback
based on this expectation.
And I do my best
to give her a better story.
My cover artist
tells me
she does her best work
for me.
I suspect
this is because
I challenge her.
I ask for more.
I expect more.
I also praise her
when she nails a cover.
And I pay her
extra,
giving her a slice
of the profits.
“Better clients
demand more,
pay more
and talk about your work.
Better clients make it easier
for you to level up,
and better clients challenge you
to dig deeper
and do what you’re capable of.
You don’t do better
by working more hours.
You can’t work more hours.
You do better
by finding better clients.”
If you want
to become better,
work with people
who expect better
from you.