After years of revising and editing I'd completed writing a book. (really?) I thought it was ready. I sent queries and actually received a partial request from a big name agent from Writer's House. Needless to say, it was a pass, though, my query was good, but my book still needed work.
I'm going to make a long, long story short. I was ready to throw in the towel and then someone suggested I try a small press. And TA-DA!! I received 3 offers.
Now I was still seeking an agent with another ms, and after many rejections I was ready to hand it over to my publisher at the small press when an offer came from an agent!!
YES!! I have or had an agent.
After much revising and re-editing, my book went on submission. Then the waiting game begins all over again. There were full requests, although, after a year, my agent couldn't sell the book. And there it goes...
After my agent declined my next ms, which I won't go into the nitty -gritty details, that book is now ranking on Amazon. I haven't sent anything else to her.
Now I have 4 published books. 3 with a small press, and, it will be 2 with an indie press. I've actually considered self-pubbing, but still wavering on that project.
I believe in this day and age writer's are very lucky to have such fantastic means of getting books published. You don't have to have an agent to jump start your writing career. If you're stuck in the query trenches for years of rejections, try a popular indie, or small press. Also I suggest an editorial service and critique partners to fine-tune your writing before sending your book into the world.
I'm learning and honing my craft each and every day. I still feel like a newbie, and cringe when I thumb through my books and find mistakes. I'm far from perfect, but trying to write stories that will take readers on a wonderful adventure...
Are you curious about the one book I had with the agent? Well, that book is close to my heart and I've yet to publish it. After considerable rewrites I'm thinking of taking it on the road again...
You can find me on Amazon Here.
How lovely to hear a success story.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
The one manuscript I had with an agent generated my only printed rejection slip for that piece. ;-) Since then I have sold it myself. Small press has treated me far better than large. Good on you!
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree! And good for you!!!
DeleteWhat a journey! Glad you were able to find success with small and indie presses... :)
ReplyDeleteI'm truly blessed!
DeleteI love hearing such wonderful stories from other writers. I think many people start out and don't consider the small presses or indie publishing, but little do they know how great it can be. :)
ReplyDeleteExactly. After querying and querying and crying, someone suggested a small press. I never even thought of them. But they're wonderful!!
DeleteAren't you glad you're not still waiting for agent to sell book? I wonder why any writer would go the agent route these days. Life is too short.
ReplyDeleteSo true!! Life is toooo short!!! And I still hear from many writer's going for an agent, and it's been years for them...
DeleteWow! You've been on a tough journey, but I am so glad for your success, and I know you have more to come. Congratulations and best wishes, Christine!
ReplyDeleteBTW - this is my "teacher" gmail account - sorry for the mix up.
DeleteThanks Tyrean!
DeletePublishing can be a tough journey, but I love hearing success stories. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank You, Patricia!
DeleteA wonderful journey to share with us all, Cathrina. Thank you! The options available to us are fantastic. It gives us the opportunity to find an audience and grow.
ReplyDeleteYes, Yes, Yes!!! And Thank You, Mary!
DeleteIt's good you took action on your own. So many continue to wait on an arbitrary decision.
ReplyDeleteYes, they do!
DeleteThank you for sharing your journey! We all decide different paths to take with our work. There are so many ways to publish now too, which is great for writers and readers.
ReplyDeleteCherie, I agree.
DeleteDo it! Thanks for sharing this nice article.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rose.
DeleteEvery time I read an indie author's journey I get so inspired. Yours is no exception. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteAnd Thank you Catherine.
DeleteEven though I know your background this is still so inspiring to read, and definitely not boring at all! You know I hope you will decide to send that original story out in the world. I want to read it!!
ReplyDeleteJulie, we've been on this journey together!!! Thank You!!
DeleteI always love reading about other writers' publishing stories, even if they follow a different path to me. I hope your special book gets the perfect home one day. :-)
ReplyDeleteMe too, thanks Misha!
DeleteInspiring story. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete