Today, October 21, 2020 is the day. The first bead sits at the bottom of my submission jar. I’ve polished my manuscript of Eliza’s story as far as I can at this point thanks to:
- Five reams of paper and two boxes of red pens across seven drafts
- Two writing conferences
- Two rounds of beta readers
- Two developmental editors
- One copy editor
- And, loads of support from family, friends, other authors, and social media followers.
Now, it’s time to release Eliza out into the world, seeking an agent who believes in her story and will work with me to bring it forward to a publisher and readers far and wide. I have developed a list of agents to solicit with my query (quick story hook – hence all my practice with perfecting a 50-word pitch) based on targeted networking and a review of which agents represent debut authors in the historical fiction genre. And I thought writing 88,000 words was the hard part!
While I wait for a response, I’ll look back at the encouraging words I received from those who have worked with me over the past three years. They provide a simple reminder that I have a great story and someone, somewhere, in the publishing industry will realize it, too.
You didn’t come this far,
to only come this far.
A heartfelt thanks to you, as well. Many of you have followed my journey since Day One of my Creative Writing class. Others are recent followers interested in book reviews and information on the development of Eliza’s story. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. I hope to meet many of you in person at a launch event for Eliza’s story. Until then, Happy Reading. I’ll be sitting here by my keyboard, looking at the lonely bead in my jar, hitting refresh on my Inbox . . . waiting, waiting, waiting for an agent’s reply.
What’s a Submission Jar?
There is some good info on Twitter. Idea came from a member of a writing community. Each bead represents a different step in the agent querying process: Send a Query, Rejection Received, No Reply, Request for More Samples, Request for a Full Manuscript, YES!! - I Want to Be Your Agent. When you've finished the process, string them together for a necklace to wear to book signings. Here's to hoping for the length of a choker, not a double-strand of pearls. #submissionjar
I invite you to follow my blog for book reviews and updates on my journey toward writing my first historical fiction. More information on my About page. You can sign up from this page with the pop-up, or send me a note through the CONTACT page and I can email you an invitation to follow. I’m on social media, too. On my Facebook page, I also post deals I find on Kindle specials ($1.99, $2.99, etc.) for books I recommend. A great way to add to your e-library with minimal costs.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Janis,
Good luck in landing an agent, although I don’t think luck has anything to do with it. Your hard work and talent will get you an agent.
While waiting on query answers are you going to start on the next chapter of Eliza’s story, are you going to begin a different story?
I look forward to seeing your necklace (the choker) at your launch party!
Karen
________________________________
LikeLiked by 1 person
Outline for the sequel already up on the screen. Luckily I have a start thanks to our St Augustine writers’ conference. Thanks for your encouraging words. I still need the luck! xoxo
LikeLike
All the best to you! We are all rooting for a wonderful publisher to pick up this spectacular novel!
Karyn Esken
LikeLiked by 1 person
And thank you for all your support! It takes a village 🙂 xoxo
LikeLike
Another “Karen” is commenting!! I’m so glad that I’ve learned about your journey, and what a journey it is!! Your keeping us up-to-date each step of the way was so interesting! I love historical novels and am looking forward to reading yours! All the best for the next “chapter” of your journey!!
Karen (and Joe)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have many Karens in my corner – you’re all the best. Thank you! xoxo
LikeLike
Wishing you the best of luck in stringing a choker! Dawson
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!!! xoxo
LikeLike
This is SO exciting! I’m crossing my fingers and my toes. I can’t wait for the story to be out in the world and for you to get started on part 2!
mollie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Mollie. Your feedback as a beta reader with your medical experience is invaluable. All my best, Janis
LikeLike
I am so excited for you! Keeping my fingers crossed that agent responses are timely and positive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your long-term support! Fingers crossed for sure, toes too.
LikeLike
Congratulations on reaching this momentous moment!! Looking forward to reading the finished book in my hand…signed copy, of course. Bonnie 😷🤗
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLiked by 2 people
A free signed copy of course for you my dear friend. xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve taken Eliza’s story to yet another level! Hooray! Let’s hope another bead will be added soon!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for all your support!
LikeLiked by 1 person