Agent Made Offer
- Thread starter Hedgetrimmer
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Thanks, guys. I thought having an agent submit my work would diminish the self-doubt and worry. Naw. In some ways it has increased it. I expect to receive silence when submitting work on my own, but having an agent submit and not hearing any news yet (I know, it's only been a week) makes me even more anxious. Oh, well. I asked to be part of the game. Now I am, for better or worse.
Yeah, I decided to go ahead and finish another MG novel I started a while ago. It has a similar voice, tone and style as that of Sweetness but is for a slightly older audience. I'm hoping if we get an offer on Sweetness, the editor may be interested in attaching this to the deal as well.
The editor I was corresponding with about my YA novel expressed interest in the project, but I told her I've since secured representation and that any future discussions about it needs to go through him. But I'm not pressed to do anything with that book. I think Sweetness would serve as a much better debut, followed by my current WIP (it's the book where the girl sees her father's ghost in the backyard).
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I almost think the onus is more on the agent at this point. After all, he is the one who decided that he could sell this book. His paycheck is now riding on this decision. Having people in the business, like your agent, believe in the salability of your work *should* diminish your self-doubt. At least a bit.
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I agree, my anxiety increased after getting agented as well. In my case it was the now-it's-time-to-step-up feeling (playing with the big boys now).
And congratulations!!
And congratulations!!
Yeah, I try to tell myself that, but I've been reading over in the Dejection and Rejection thread about so many members having books out on submission that are being rejected or asked to be revised or simply not being responded to at all.
But the good thing is that I used to fear I wouldn't be able to write a book as good as Sweetness, considering everything I put into it, but I'm realizing with my WIP just how much I've learned from all those revisions. I actually think this book is going to be better once I finish and add a few more layers to it.
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It's funny how the anxiety goes up once something on agented submission. Gah, it drives me crazy sometimes. What I did to help me cope might not work for all, but here it is--I lower my expectations. Basically when something goes out, I set myself up that what I want is a rejection with specific feedback. I don't think about the success at all--just obtaining that highly valuable feedback on what worked and what didn't. That way when the R comes in, it isn't about them saying No, its about finding out why they said no and if I can use the feedback to improve. 
But them I'm weird. But it works for me to soften the blow and keeps me from obsessing on getting a Yes.
But them I'm weird. But it works for me to soften the blow and keeps me from obsessing on getting a Yes.
Angela, I see you're in Canada. If you run across this month's issue of Natural Life magazine (Canadian publication), check out my essay, Return to Eden. It's part of an ongoing adult project I've been tinkering with.
Sorry to hijack my own thread. I simply thought I'd start practicing a bit of shameless self-promotion.
Sorry to hijack my own thread. I simply thought I'd start practicing a bit of shameless self-promotion.
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Wow, Hedgetrimmer, I was out of town when this happened. Congratulations, if it's not too late!
Jennifer D. is my agent. Her agency ROCKS!
Jennifer D. is my agent. Her agency ROCKS!
Thanks, Timp. Jennifer and I have only corresponded a couple of times, but she seems really nice and friendly. And she obviously knows her stuff too, considering your Bloombsury deal. They do great books, and I wish you all the best with it.
Karo -- You're absolutely right about Stephen. I haven't even been with him a full month, and yet he already has two of my novels out on submission. I'm also learning a helluva lot about the business and, more importantly, my writing.
Karo -- You're absolutely right about Stephen. I haven't even been with him a full month, and yet he already has two of my novels out on submission. I'm also learning a helluva lot about the business and, more importantly, my writing.
currerbell
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Congratulations, Hedgetrimmer! I'm so glad I found this post because Stephen Fraser requested a snail mail MS from me a couple days ago and I paid a lot to have it delivered via courier. Then I came here, saw people lamenting about waiting forever to hear from him after sending hard copies, and wanted to kick myself for not sending it post. Yours must have really stood out! It's good to know that he's quick sometimes! He looks like a wonderful agent. Again, congrats!
I'm really thrilled for you, Hedgetrimmer. You've been working so hard and it's finally paying off.
Well done!
Virginia
Well done!
Virginia
I know this is an older thread, but hey, success never gets old. I just wanted to say, Hedgetrimmer, that's awesome.
New to the forum, I've been exploring and ran across your early first chapter for Sweetness. I just have to tell you, I can't wait for the book to come out. Even though it sounds like you've changed it a bit since then, I was hooked at the first paragraph.
And for me that's important. If I don't get sucked in on the first page or so, I set the book down and move on.
Now I just have to remember that for my own writing.
Just had to say how much I enjoyed it.
New to the forum, I've been exploring and ran across your early first chapter for Sweetness. I just have to tell you, I can't wait for the book to come out. Even though it sounds like you've changed it a bit since then, I was hooked at the first paragraph.
And for me that's important. If I don't get sucked in on the first page or so, I set the book down and move on.
Now I just have to remember that for my own writing.
Just had to say how much I enjoyed it.
Thanks for the kind words. And you're right; the earlier draft is much different than the present one. An editor recently took a pass on it, citing lots of things she loved about it but ultimately calling it "too sweet." She went on to say that she would like to take another look at it if I made it a bit "edgier." So I rewrote it for the umpteenth time, adding 15k words of tension and conflict to the plot. My agent thinks it's a better, more layered book without losing any of my original vision. We're now waiting to see what the editor thinks.