It is uncommon, if not impossible, for someone her age to get published, but Natalie's best friend, Zoe Reisman, thinks The Cheater is good enough.

Besides the girls' age disadvantage, the editor in chief at Shipley, "Lethal" Letha Springfield, adds complications.

This problem is averted when Zoe sends a copy of the manuscript directly to Tom Morton, president of Shipley, along with a letter describing Cassandra's wishes.

Later, when the girls are offered a contract, they show it to Zoe's father, who is a lawyer, and they get Natalie's Uncle Fred to sign in place of her mother.

After hearing the story from the girls, Zoe's father is extremely impressed with Ms. Clayton and calls to commend her.