Okay. Part two. I'm typing as fast as I can on my historical novel for about a week, freaking out truthfully, when I received an e-mail rejection off another book from an agent. She liked my voice, writing, pretty much everything about the book. Unfortunately, the type of book (romantic comedy with mystery elements) wasn't selling well right now. But if I ever had anything else, feel free to submit. Well, I'm clearly never one to let an unfinished manuscript stop me, so I fired off a thank you with a short note about my other full request. And yes, I did tell her the book wasn't finished! She asked to see a partial, so I sent 58 pages (3 chapts) and a couple line high concept pitch.
Approximately 7 hours later the phone rings. I have caller ID so I saw the name and was a little freaked out. It was the agent. She had questions, asked me how long the book would take to finish, about the plot, those things. She said a couple times she doesn't usually offer representation off a partial but she LOVED the book. Within one day I was rejected, requested, and signed with my wonderful agent.
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ReplyDeleteOoooo! Thanks for telling your story -- it makes prepublished, struggling writers like me to continue striving for my goals to someday actually being an author!
ReplyDeleteDawn (GDRWA)
Well, clearly, I must read this book! To have both an agent and publisher so excited by a partial is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWow! Gotta find out what that book is about! Congratulations again!
ReplyDeleteThanks George, Jennifer, and Gwynlyn! I'm such a newbie, I don't really know what to expect after the offer other that vague notions about stuff. I want to share my journey so others can see it from start to finish!
ReplyDeleteThe book is about a woman who helps a courtesan escape that life only to face the wrath of the duke who's courtesan she stole away. There is more to it but I've been sworn to secrecy until we get closer to the release date. I'll keep you all updated!
And clearly I don't know how to proof my own posts either! Where in the heck is the spell-checker? LOL.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your successful journey!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Gin
Thanks Gin!
ReplyDeleteStories like this give me faith that great writing will overcome any barriers that the industry throws up. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great story with a new twist. I'll be looking for it for sure.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
I love this idea for a story. Be sure to remind us all when it finally comes out, ok?
ReplyDeleteCarol Jo
Congrats, Cheryl! Definitely well deserved. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Maree, Jeanmarie, Carol Jo, and Evangeline! I'll be posting all the steps so you'll definitely know when it hits the shelves!
ReplyDeleteWow! That's awesome. :-)
ReplyDeleteSounds crazy interesting. Do you have more than one agent? If so, how does that work?
ReplyDeleteGreat story, Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteHi Nita. I have one agent and we have a great rapport. She has been awesome through this process. I'm short story published with a small publisher, so I have some idea of the steps, but this is a whole other game. When I have questions, she has answers. And I know I'll have lots more questions!
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerie! It has been a crazy last few months! And I wouldn't change a minute! Well, maybe the high blood pressure part. But that is back to normal. Thank goodness!
ReplyDelete