Pinch me, please. I have an agent!
After many months of queries and pitches, it happened. I received an offer of representation. And not just for one manuscript, but for three of them: a middle-grade novel, a children’s picture book, and a non-fictional proposal. My head is still spinning. Spin, spin, sugar!
Prior to the offer, I received plenty of the standard rejection responses, with the usual one-liner pass. Then I started to receive referrals to ‘other’ agents, invitations to query ‘other’ manuscripts, and even personalized feedback—still in the form of rejection; however, it was some of the nicest, kindest, rejection yet. And for me as a writer, this was truly encouraging. In speaking with these agents by email and phone, I learned that my submission was one of value, even if additional work was required to make it shine.
Then I met Kathy LaVergne of Word|Link USA—and the rest was simple. I said “yes” to her offer of representation and signed, sealed, and mailed the agreement!
I’m thrilled to bits to be represented by Word|Link. In the short time I have worked with Kathy, she has been incredibly kind, supportive, and quick—with all three manuscripts currently on submission, and editor’s comments surfacing in my in-box. I’m fantastically fortunate to be working with an agency that, according to Publisher’s Marketplace is one of the top 20 dealmakers in the United States.
My hubby, the analogy-king, sums it all up like this: “It’s like you’re Danica Patrick, you have a car, but now you’ve gotta go to the races.” He’s right, I’m in the driver’s seat and I’m on my way, über excited, as I enter this next chapter in my writing life—one step closer to publication.
And I must must must extend a gargantuan thank you to my readers (friends, family, beta testers), and especially my critique group and fellow Restless Writers, for helping me get my manuscript to a level worthy of submission.
Having an agent still means more waiting, more finger-crossing, more cringing, and of course more rejection. But I am stoked. Bring it on!
BJ
Andrea
bjas
Sharon
Maria
Restless Writers 
I’ll never forget Brian Henry’s workshop where he told us that to achieve success, we only need two out of these three things: talent, perseverance and luck. You, my friend, have all three working for you, in spades!
ps Does this post mean you finally believe that you have an agent? 😉
Ha, yeah, I think it does! I recall that workshop too and can never recall if it’s perseverance or persistence? Either way, I’m super lucky and oh-so-grateful for such an opportunity. Fingers crossed that I graduate to the next step of publication…
Yay You!!!! Congrats! So glad that your hard work has paid off. The Start Flag is beginning to wave, ‘Danica’. Have an incredible time on your journey and please let us know how it all goes.
Thanks so much, Trish! Really appreciate your enthusiasm, ha, love the waving flag. Danica is just awesome. Will keep you posted on my progress! Hope all is going well with your projects too.
Congrats, Beckie! What fab news! And she sounds like a great match as well as a career agent.
Woohoo!
Yeah, a great match for sure, it couldn’t be any better! I am really fortunate…I still can’t believe it really. Thanks for the woohoo!
Awesome, Becky!! That’s super exciting and I can’t wait to hear about the book deal that will be coming along shortly I’m sure.
Elena, thanks so much! I sure hope you’re right about the pending book deal, that would be amazing. Woweee.
So. Freaking. Awesome!
It’s wonderful to hear a success story and why to stick through all the rejections.
Because sometimes we forget.
I’m so happy for you and also expect to hear about a book deal soon.
Kelly, thanks for the comment! Oh yes….plenty of rejection. Will keep you posted, a book deal would totally rock. I hope I’m that fortunate 🙂
Beckie, I never doubted for a minute that you would achieve this milestone! I’m proud to have been along for the ride, and I’m looking forward to the next lap (to continue the racecar metaphor). I’ll be looking to you for wisdom and support when I’m ready to go agent-hunting myself.
Thanks Maria! You will be ready for the hunt soon enough, especially if we keep getting you to submit pages! Awaiting your next masterpiece!
Beckie…congratulations!!! Talent, perseverance, good luck, and an incredible amount of hard work!!! We know you have worked long and hard to make this good luck happen!! Good for you!!! Can’t wait to hear about the next step in the process!!! Kp
Thanks so much! Yes, lots of work for sure and more ahead too! Will keep you posted on my progress 🙂
Some time has passed – were you happy woth WordLink?