Shy Bairns Get Nowt

Those of you familiar with the Geordie vernacular will understand the title - basically, if you hold back and don't ask, you won't get. It's a well worn phrase in the North East of England, currently back in vogue (at least in my kitchen) because of this fabulous mug -

For this and other great Geordie "stuff"(the latest one being "Calm Doon and Hoy the Kettle on") visit the web site. 
Anyway, I digress. A few months ago, when I was facing the launch of my new book, I somewhat brazenly wrote to every education journalist of merit, asking them if they would be interested in reading and reviewing my book. (Told you it was brazen.) Most didn't even bother replying, but Sean Coughlan, the BBC Education correspondent said "Sure, send it over". His blurb (that's the lingo for a short review comment that goes on the cover of a book) is now on the back of mine. Guardian freelance journalist Louise Tickle, also offered to read it. Not only did she give me a great comment (also on the back cover) but it sparked an idea for a Guardian article which she submited and got the go ahead for. She planned to write a wider article on studying in countries other than the UK, and interviewed me about the US options.
That was months ago, and we both ended up wondering if it would ever run. Well - it's in the Guardian Education section today, and it's more than I originally asked for. I'm quoted quite extensively; I don't come off as a complete idiot; and - there's a link to my author web site. That's gold for authors in my category (ie. nobodies) and, as I said, so much more than I has asked for or hoped for.
Motto- "They can only say no". So whatever it is you want or need, ask politely and you never know.
Shy bairns get nowt.