This time last year, my life was already on a new course. I just didn't know it yet.
I had started querying my YA fantasy ALL THAT REMAINS on Halloween. I continued querying through November, and then I stopped in December.
And that would be it. That would be all the queries I would send.
I didn't know this of course. My plans were to start querying again mid-January, after my first MFA residency. But I never reached that point.
The agents who would later offer me representation already had the manuscript. Some of them were already reading it. And then reading it again. And maybe again (agents are awesome).
Later in December I would get 4 R&Rs. And a few weeks after that, I would get my first offer of rep. Then 6 more. I would sign with my lovely agent.
And 4 weeks after that I would have a book deal with HarperTeen. Everything would be different.
But back in the beginning of December, everything felt the same. I didn't yet know what was coming, the gears that were already turning to put my life on a new course.
So today, since it's Insecure Writer's Support Group, that's what I want to point out.
If you're still querying, trying to get an agent, sending out your book to big and small houses, hoping someone will pick it up, you could already be there.
Someone could be reading your query or your partial or your entire manuscript right now, and that could be it, the first moment that changes everything for you.
OR, maybe you're not even sending things out yet. Maybe you're drafting a book, or revising your manuscript and it will be the exact thing an agent or editor will be looking for.
OR, maybe you self-publish, and you could be writing something, or getting ready to publish something that will be exactly what a brand new audience will be looking for.
The gears in your life could already be turning, too. Your life could already be changed, you may just not know it yet.
Today's IWSG co-hosts are:
Heather Gardner
T. Drecker
Eva E. Solar
Patsy Collins
I had started querying my YA fantasy ALL THAT REMAINS on Halloween. I continued querying through November, and then I stopped in December.
And that would be it. That would be all the queries I would send.
I didn't know this of course. My plans were to start querying again mid-January, after my first MFA residency. But I never reached that point.
The agents who would later offer me representation already had the manuscript. Some of them were already reading it. And then reading it again. And maybe again (agents are awesome).
Later in December I would get 4 R&Rs. And a few weeks after that, I would get my first offer of rep. Then 6 more. I would sign with my lovely agent.
And 4 weeks after that I would have a book deal with HarperTeen. Everything would be different.
But back in the beginning of December, everything felt the same. I didn't yet know what was coming, the gears that were already turning to put my life on a new course.
So today, since it's Insecure Writer's Support Group, that's what I want to point out.
If you're still querying, trying to get an agent, sending out your book to big and small houses, hoping someone will pick it up, you could already be there.
Someone could be reading your query or your partial or your entire manuscript right now, and that could be it, the first moment that changes everything for you.
OR, maybe you're not even sending things out yet. Maybe you're drafting a book, or revising your manuscript and it will be the exact thing an agent or editor will be looking for.
OR, maybe you self-publish, and you could be writing something, or getting ready to publish something that will be exactly what a brand new audience will be looking for.
The gears in your life could already be turning, too. Your life could already be changed, you may just not know it yet.
Today's IWSG co-hosts are:
Heather Gardner
T. Drecker
Eva E. Solar
Patsy Collins
25 comments:
That's right - never give up, never surrender!
That's an awesome story, Sarah. Amazing how much has changed. It wasn't overnight though - I've followed you long enough to know you've worked hard and for years to achieve this.
Thank you for sharing your story. Perfect timing for me to read this since I'm finally querying this week...scary!
Thanks for this. I needed it after what I found in my mailbox this morning.
Beautifully said!
What a great way of looking at it. We just never quite know what's going to happen, which makes things fun... terrifying but fun :-)
good post to remind us that life is always moving around us.
You have no idea how much I needed to hear this, Sarah. It's a long story, but I left my publisher of 4 years and now I'm back in the saddle, feeling vulnerable..., and whose blog do I read!
I love this, Sarah! What a great reminder that the things that change our writing lives begin to happen without our knowledge. I alternate between thinking that my WIP will be "the one" and thinking of it as another practice novel to take the pressure off.
I can't believe it's already been a year since you finished querying! Time goes by fast.
A very uplifting post, Sarah. I'd like to think I could be "there" very soon! It keeps me writing.
Loved that movie. Kids like to watch it a few times a year. And thanks for the encouraging words! They go a long way.
Or AGAIN querying... I've got an MS with my mystery agent and I suspect she will say LET'S DO THIS, but I still need to get my YA out into the world... *sigh*
I love your story--so inspiring. And reminds me a little of that saying, "You know... luck looks a lot like hard work."
That's my ultimate favorite quote and one of my favorite movies. Congrats on your success this year. I like your editing hat.
Thank you for that reminder. We don't know what could already be in the works to making our dreams come true. The key is not giving up.
I needed that...I really really really needed that! Thanks!
I was so happy to read this post! Love your perspective on how something could already be in the works even when you don't know it. Really trying to get back to the place where I believe anything is possible. Happy for you Falen :).
Ninja Girl
This... is pretty awesome. It's a great way to look at things. Thanks for the new way to look at it!
Oh, so perfect! Thank you for this wonderful, inspiring post!
Never Give Up! Never Surrender!
I Love this. It can be so hard to see the path you're on, and even harder to see where it's heading.
Or, sometimes, it's plain as day to everyone but you. If only I had a crystal ball that actually worked.
It's very exciting to get an agent and sell to a great publisher! Your story is so cheerful and brings hope to many other writers!
My post sort of looks at the other side of the situation...
The journey of 1000 miles starts with the first step . . or something like that.
What a great, inspirational post. Congratulations!!! HarperTeen is awesome.
A nice reminder of who quickly things can come together when it's time. Thanks.
Great message. Never give up, never surrender. It's an amazing motto. Thanks for such an uplifting post!
Woot! What a wonderfully inspirational post! :)
inspiring words!! and congrats on the success
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