So, when last we left off, our fearless author (that's me! Hi! *waves madly*) had just narrowly missed death escaping an earthquake while holing herself up in the bathroom (see how that makes me look good, instead of stupid, which is how I looked in the last post?). Now, the story continues...
I knew I was going to get a call from Mandy at 3:30, provided I didn't die in an aftershock. I even e-mailed her to let her know there was an earthquake and to not be worried if I didn't answer the phone. She wrote back promptly telling me to be safe hiding under my desk with the kids!
I jotted down a few questions, all meant to make me look highly intelligent and researched--questions about her communication style, her plans for my book, where she thought she would submit. How long did she think it would be until we submitted? I even wrote down a note to ask her for some client names so I could contact them and interview them. I was SO ready for the call.
A side note here: I love it when people love my writing. Up until now, though, "people" included my mom and grandma. And while I know they love my writing...I'm not sure they really count. In my query letter I didn't even mention the rave reviews my novel had gotten from Family Reviews...
But when she called, and I heard her talking (excitedly!) about my plot, my characters, my descriptions...it was HEAVEN! Not only that, but she kept talking about my book. I thought it couldn't get much better than this.
When the conversation about my book lasted for twenty minutes I started getting nervous. Wasn't the call supposed to go something like this:
AGENT: I love your book. Be my client.
AUTHOR: Done!
*everyone is happy*
Then I started thinking in my head "Oh, this isn't going to be the call. This is the cruelest rejection of all. She's going to let me down gently. But in a call. Like you're almost good enough, but stop sending me your stuff because I'm never going to be your agent."
I was almost hyperventilating. I had tears in my eyes. I was waiting and waiting for the rejection.
So when she finally offered representation I was all like "Oh, that's nice."
Yeah. I'm serious.
I was channeling my inner-Rain Man and Mandy was going to think I was the least interested author in all the land.
Then, instead of just yelling "Yes! Take me now!" I tried to play it cool and said something about needing to contact the other agents who had partial or full manuscripts.
But when I hung up with her, I was smiling. I knew I was on my way!
7 comments:
so ... do you have an agent?
Jeff, I most definitely do! The wonderful Mandy Hubbard of D4EO Literary Agency!
Joy, this is a great story! I am SOOOOO happy and excited for you!! :)
so wait...you're going to leave us hanging and not tell us all the brilliant questions you asked her?
Oh, good questions to ask! Thanks for the tip!!!
Becky--Maybe I'll do a blog post on what to ask, but I think I just sounded smart. It's not like I would have said no even if she came across like Darth Vader...:)
Mandie and Kristin, glad you enjoyed it and glad I could help!
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