First of all, huge congratulations to my buddy KM Walton for landing herself a big-time literary agent. You faithfully walked the walk, did all the things you were supposed to and more, refusing to give up (almost) every step of the way, and now you're officially 'in the game'. Because that's really what being agented is all about. Until you sign with someone, being published seems like a perpetually unobtainable dream. Then it all changes. Once you're agented, it's almost like that contract could come at any time -- your ultimate fantasy could come true at any moment. Of course, most of us still wind up doing many revisions and writing several more books and waiting several more years (like me), but it's still a huge relief to know that you're a real, live 'player'. Sometimes people do get published right out of the gate, though, and Kate, I hope that's you.
While I'm congratulating people, I should also mention Mercedes Yardley. About a week ago, she signed with Jason Yarn from Paradigm. I haven't known her for quite as long as I've known Kate, but I'm still very excited, and feel very gratified for her. I read her book last year, and in all honesty, it was hands down the most haunting, resonant book I've read in the last couple years (published or no). You rock, Mercedes -- and soon the whole world shall see how hard.
As for me, I'm still waiting to hear how my agent likes Talonshale version seven. When he responds, I'm sure I'll be diving deep into revision-mode once more, but in the mean time, I'm taking a break from writing and just enjoying the summer with my family.
So where are the rest of you at? Been a while since I've compared notes with some of you. Anyone else land an agent while I wasn't looking?
8 comments:
I finished the fifth draft on my YA novel. I'm going to work w/an editor to polish it up. Hoping to go on submission before the end of the year!
Well, you know where I'm at ;) And I totally missed Mercedes landing her agent - thanks for posting that (and sharing my good news). She is the coolest.
Enjoy your writing break and that wonderful family of yours...you certainly deserve it.
I'm barely able to get my monthly article banged out these days, so, um, no, no agent. But I did get a new puppy - that's pretty exciting!
Congrats to your friends!
My agent's trying to sell my first MG and I'm writing a second one. The first one's a mystery. The second is a sci-fi. All good stuff.
I'm just revising and revising and writing and revising, as usual :-)
Oh my goodness, Ray, I hadn't heard about Kate's agent! This is so exciting! I feel like the three of us should hop up and down and squeal together! In fact, that is exactly what we must do.
Thank you for sharing our good news on your blog, and especially for saying SUCH NICE THINGS about my novel! I'm delighted that you liked it! It's always scary to let people read things, you know. :)
-Mercedes
www.abrokenlaptop.wordpress.com
Hope you are enjoying your time! I just got back from a vacation from writing myself and I am looking forward to getting back to it. Congrats to your friends--that is gratifying to hear. I am hoping to be ready to just start querying soonish. It is a long road.
Great to see this kind of good news!
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
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