Imperfect Match

by Virginia Lloyd | Feb 24, 2007 | Blog, Improve your writing, Young Widow's Book of Home Improvement | 0 comments

As you know, I’ve been suffering from cabin-fever during these last gasps of winter (still below freezing daily, except for one glorious sunny day on Wednesday this week when it was a warm 5 degrees Celcius and everyone skipped about like it was Spring). My head is totally inside The Young Widow’s Book … and it’s difficult to dwell there for extended periods of time, which of course is imperative if I want it to be any good.

I decided I needed to get out and see some live music, go back to the theatre and so forth, and needed to find some company. I’m only here until late August, so I want to finish my book and have some fun in the city. But in this metropolis of eight million people, I have found it very difficult to meet anyone. So I joined match.com for a trial period to see if I could meet a few music-lovers and museum-goers.

I have been a member for just over 48 hours. In that time I have received several “winks” (automated expressions of interest attaching the admirer’s profile), I have winked at a few guys myself, and have even received a few emails (through the anonymous email system – so no name or identification is exchanged unless either party chooses to pursue it).

Of course, like in any group of people, there are going to be a few freaks. Here is part of my favourite freak response thus far – from a sender based somewhere in the UK:

“MY ANGEL FRIEND
i dont really know how to start off but…you have a beautiful profile that attracted my heart. your beauty and smile captured my imagination and my heart started falling for you ,thats because Your smile has a beauty that I find in no other profile.. Your eyes hold a sexiness and a passion others can only long for. As long as my heart beats, I shall seek out your soul and be fulfilled!!!! in your beauty. definately i know that u will be a very special person in my life…just seeing ur lovely profile for the first time today…perhaps start been friends today might be the best thing of our lifes !!!!just know and understand my heart longs for you and Giving away a heart can hurt … . But, receiving one is the greatest gift.i cant wait to talk you…”

Oh dear. I just want someone I can hang out at jazz clubs with.

Check out what my clients are saying…

Savy Guthrie

			Querying is a daunting process and finding the right editor to work with is critical. I had a wonderful experience utilizing the Agent Strategy Session with Virginia. The review was done quickly, she communicated well during the process, and her level of professionalism on the conference call was impressive. She definitely knows what agents are looking for and her input was extremely helpful. For my previous manuscript, I utilized similar services from other editors  and they were disappointing. Definitely stop your search here.		 - 1/16/2024 				
Sarah Gale

			I worked with Virginia Lloyd in an Author Strategy package and I felt in good hands from the initial conversation. She was masterful in her editing and strategic in her approach. She took the time to understand the content and was delightful to work with. Real and honest in her feedback ... I would highly recommend her to others.		 - 11/26/2023 				
Angie Zmarzly

			My author strategy session with Virginia was extremely worthwhile and spared me a lot of wasted time and stress. Previously I’d read in multiple online sources about how to write an effective query letter and synopsis, but not until I spoke with Virginia and read over her written feedback did it click for me. (I cringe at the thought of what I might’ve sent to agents before speaking with her.)  Virginia even identified a glaring issue with my chosen subtitle that I suspect could’ve caused my manuscript to be instantly rejected. You sometimes hear titles/subtitles don’t matter because they can be changed out later, but in my case it certainly did matter — I’m grateful Virginia helped me see that as well. In short, I highly recommend her services.		 - 11/13/2023 				
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Michael Richards

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Clare Carter

			I booked an Author Strategy Session with Virginia after realising that I was getting nowhere by myself. As well as helping to refine my synopsis, she has given me valuable advice towards securing an agent or publisher. It was a hugely beneficial service and restored my confidence.		 - 8/04/2023 				
Jim English

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Melissa Goode

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Martin Settle

			I had never used a literary service before I dealt with Loyd Literary Services but now that I've experienced Loyd's I shall make this a part of my publication process. What this service did for me is to save me Time, Time, Time. For me, time is not money it's creative work. When it comes time for the onerous task of researching agents and agencies for my memoir, Loyd's sent me this wonderful spreadsheet with a researched list of who best I could sent my work to.  Virginia Wade, who runs this operation, is both friendly and profession, and she saw me through many of the tasks needed to send out queries. Further, she offers packages of services to meet your specific needs, packages that are reasonably priced. Finally, you won't be waiting around a long time for her and her staff to deliver your requests. The company is efficient and thorough in getting back material to you.  I was just going to give them a try, but now that I've seen what they can do, I'm aboard with using them.		 - 1/06/2023 				
Bibinaz Pirayesh

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Katherine MK Mitchell

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Ubud Yoga House

			This is a recommendation for Virginia Lloyd. I contacted Virginia to help me navigate the process of getting my novel published. It is the best decision I could have made.  Virginia is not only extremely professional but her prices are reasonable and she did an outstanding job. First Virginia edited my query letter and synopsis incorporating my feedback as part of the editing process. She then did thorough research to target 30 agents that represent books comparable to mine. She presented these agents to me on the most amazing, detailed and professional spreadsheet I have ever seen. The spreadsheet was  accompanied by a video she made explaining the layout and  how to use the information. It was extraordinary.  I highly recommend Virginia and encourage anyone who is serious about getting their book published to use her services. She is at the top of her game. This is New York City at its best. So if you want the best, Virginia is your person.		 - 4/17/2022 				
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Peter Mills

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			The best! I have been using Virginia’s editing packages for well over a year and she has been an incredible help, especially for someone new to the industry. She helped me clean up my manuscript for submissions, which helped me grow as a writer. She is not only someone I trust with my work, but I feel like I now have someone in the industry I can turn to for advice. I highly recommend her services.		 - 10/04/2021 				
Chladil Mail

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