Everyone has to start their journey from writing to publication somewhere.
I wrote a book. Then I wrote four more. Yet still I didn’t consider myself a real writer, and the manuscripts got dumped in a drawer. But for some reason, the third of the five manuscripts wouldn’t let me go. The story needed to be told.
So I revised like a person possessed. I found critique partners and beta readers. I attended the Lambda Literary Retreat for Emerging Writers and had the privilege of studying with Malinda Lo. I entered Pitch Wars and ended up with amazing mentor Elizabeth Briggs. And as a result of the feedback, support, and constructive criticism I received, my book evolved and changed into something better and stronger.
Finally, when I felt I could do no more to improve the manuscript, I sent out some queries, attempting to follow the conventional wisdom and guidelines.
I waited.
I got rejected.
And then one day, just as I was thinking about trunking the manuscript and moving on to the next book, a different kind of email hit my inbox.
An agent said she loved the manuscript and wanted to talk to me.
We scheduled the call for the next day.
We talked about the manuscript and my writing career and got a feel for one another’s style.
And came to this conclusion.
But then there was another offer!
So I had to think things through. After some panic, due diligence, and deliberation, I realized that while both agents were great choices, there was only one I couldn’t live without. She’s brilliant, passionate, and most importantly, understands the very heart of my book.
I’m thrilled to announce that I’m now represented by Alexandra Machinist of ICM Partners.
To all you other writers writing, dreaming, querying, and feeling uncertain that things will ever pan out for you–don’t ever give up. Keep working to be the best writer you can be.
One day you’ll get there.
Disclaimer: none of these gifs are owned/were made by me. Thanks to the talented people of Tumblr!
I was so happy to see this. 😀 Welcome to the wonderful world of . . . uh. Submission to publishers. It’s so . . . fun! ::pastes on grin::
Oh my gosh! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’M SO PROUD OF YOU AND CAN’T WAIT TO BUY YOUR NOVEL! YAY!
Awesome!!
Congrats!
Wowser!! Congratulations. I loved the gifs. You are very gif’ ted. 🙂
Just awesome, well done 🙂
I know I’m super late to the party here, and I think I actually congratulated you on Twitter at the time but, nevertheless, CONGRATULATIONS! I love to read how-I-met-my-agent stories, especially when they’re so fun like yours. I hope everything is going well with you two, and best of luck on sub!