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Hi, friends. - TALK ABOUT AGENT - SEND END OF MARCH
I've been waiting, hoping, praying, and planning on getting a call from an agent for the last five years. After writing my first novel, I was sure an agent would love my story as much as I did and call me immediately with an offer for a Hallmark book and movie. Eager? Yes. Inexperienced? Most definitely. But no offers came from my submissions. Only silence.
Sometime last year, I heard a New York Times Bestselling author describe the time she received the call. She remembered where she was and how she felt. And she took a moment to relish the feeling. Since then, I've dreamed of my day and hoped it would be as memorable.
Well. It happened. Saturday, March 5th, I received the call from an agent about representing my novel, Stealing Poppy's. I was at my mom's house, who's always fully supported my writing, and we were able to celebrate together.
I've now signed a contract with Scott Eagan of Greyhaus Literary Agency to represent my book! I HAVE AN AGENT!!!
I met Scott back in 2017 at my very first writing contest in Denver when I'd not yet finished my first novel. I pitched to him, and he asked for the full manuscript. Even though he had kind words, he declined representation.
On my second book, I paid for an auction item for Scott to critique the first fifty pages. We exchanged multiple emails and he provided encouraging suggestions. When I made the revisions, and asked for representation, he declined this one as well.
On to book three and I hadn't submitted to him yet. He was on my list, but since he'd turned down book one and two, I thought I should move on to other agents. When I won 2nd place in The Emily contest, I received a full manuscript request from Scott. He was one of the judges. I sent it over and the process began. He was my 94th submission. Yes, you heard that right. 94. Anyway, a few emails later and Scott picked up the phone.
I'm so thankful that he found enough value in my writing to begin a publishing journey together.
Lessons Learned:
- Keep Writing. I've written four and a half books. I believe my writing is better with each novel. At least I learn a lot each time but I have a long way to go.
- Persistence is Key. Boy, I'm tired. But I've been relentlessly persistent these past few years. I write. I attend conferences. I have beta readers and I revise, revise, revise. Then I write and I submit again. And remember, his submission was number 94!
- Critique partners, accountability friends, and Beta readers are the bomb. I appreciate you so much. The encouragement from my friends has kept me going.
Cheers to the next step. Thank you for coming along for the ride.
Mandi
**P.S. Please share my newsletter. I have a free short story on my website for anyone who signs up for my newsletter. Thanks.
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