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“I understand.”
“To that end, we ask that you refrain from posting on social media until we’ve made a decision, and if we do offer you representation, we will expect you to close all your personal accounts. Day Delos and Associates will, of course, create and maintain accounts for you on all the major platforms.”
“I only have one account…so that I can keep in touch with my parents…”
“That one too,” Veronica said firmly. “We aspire to make all our writers big business, Theo, and big business attracts hackers and extortionists. The only way to fight it is if we maintain control of all public interfaces.” She smiled. “We also find that taking that burden from our writers frees them up to write.”
“Yes, of course.”
“We have the very best people, who will maintain social media in your voice and speaking on subjects designed to create and enhance a following of you as a person, which will, of course, feed into your readership.”
Theo pulled back a little. “Someone will speak for me?”
“In your voice,” Veronica said. “This is an era in which writers are, as public figures, expected to have positions on current events. An unwise position could be very detrimental to your career and the brand we build for you. Day Delos relieves you of the stress of representation by employing professionals to maintain an appropriate public profile and engage with the public for you.”
“But isn’t that…wrong? I mean…if it’s not really me…”
Veronica laughed. “Wrong? I don’t know. It’s standard practice.” She studied Theo for a moment. “If we can attach Theodosia Benton to an appropriate issue that has already caught public attention, so that you come to represent that issue, then the millions of people who are invested in that issue will see you as one of them, and they will buy your book.”
Theo wasn’t sure what to say. She’d never really participated in social media—perhaps that’s how it worked—but she instinctively balked at the thought of handing over her voice, even if she didn’t use it.
Veronica reached over and patted her hand. “I’m sorry. It must be confronting to have me open with terms and conditions. I just wanted to get it out of the way so we could relax and have lunch. I’m sure once you’ve had time to think about it, you’ll see it all makes sense.”
They ordered then. Theo followed Veronica’s lead, as the agent seemed to know the menu. Perhaps she’d been here with Dan. Theo asked shyly.
“Yes, Dan loved it here.” Veronica sighed. “He thought the fact that the place is called Story was lucky or something. I am going to miss him… He was a unique, infuriating talent and a beautiful man.”
Theo felt her throat tightening. She blinked to hold back the sadness that welled suddenly.
There was a sympathetic softness in Veronica’s eyes. She took a purse-pack of tissues from her bag and handed them to Theo. “I do know how you feel, Theo. I’m barely holding it together myself.”
Fleetingly, Theo wondered if Veronica’s relationship with Dan Murdoch was more than professional. A prick of jealousy…or guilt. If anything, Theo was the other woman. Thoughts entwined with loss.
“Dan was my first writer at Day Delos and Associates.” Veronica seemed to hear the questions Theo left unsaid. “We became very dear friends. He stayed with Lucas—my husband—and me, whenever he was in New York.
Theo tried not to breathe out too obviously.
Food arrived, and for a few moments they talked about their respective meals. Veronica asked about how Theo and Dan had met. Theo recounted how he’d returned the book she’d dropped, the conversation they’d struck up from there.
Veronica laughed. “How like Dan! He was always such a gentleman. Not all writers are that considerate.” As evidence, she told Theo of an unnamed writer who insisted she drive him personally to appointments with publishers and pick up coffee on the way. “Of course he only drinks scalding hot, half-strength, soy milk, decaf caramel macchiatos,” she said rolling her eyes. “The Frankenstein of coffee, and I have to find it in New York traffic!”
Theo laughed. They talked some more of Dan.
“You must forgive me if I’m being nosy,” Veronica said eventually. “But you and Dan were more than friends, weren’t you?”
Theo felt her cheeks warm. “Yes.”
Veronica smiled, delighted. “Well, I’m glad for him. It’s harder for you, of course, but at least he knew that kind of happiness.” She sighed. “And considering what happened, I’m pleased he decided to ignore the conduct clause.”
“The conduct clause?”
“In his contract. It’s a part of every Day Delos contract. Before a client begins a relationship, the person in question must be vetted by the agency.”
“What?” Theo did not even try to suppress her shock.
“It sounds draconian, I know, but it’s part of the service, in a way.”
“The service? I’m not sure I understand.”
