December
13, 2013, fell on a Friday. If I’d ever been superstitious about Friday the 13th
being an unlucky day, the early morning email I received would’ve quickly put
an end to that nonsense. Amy Tipton, of Signature Literary Agency, an agent on
the top of my list to query, offered me representation.
(All smiles above examining my contract.)
The
dream I have worked toward for years had arrived. Needless to say, I was
barely able to control my emotions. And as much as I had planned and prepared
for the moment, trying to think of the things to say, questions to ask, how to
proceed and still sound like a professional, I found myself sputtering around aimlessly
for quite a while.
Then,
after taking one step off the clouds, I telephoned my wife. Followed quickly
with another to my father. I shot an email to my closest writing friends. Got
back on the telephone to call other family members, all of whom shared in my
excitement, and although they tried, probably didn’t fully grasp the
significance of the announcement.
If
you’re reading this, chances are good that you, too, are a writer. Because of that, you will know why I was, and
still am, so excited. You’d be aware of the many revisions made to the
manuscript before submission. You’d be aware of the many hours of research
necessary to target the appropriate agent. You’d be aware of the heartbreak of
rejection. And because you may have experienced one, if not all of those,
you’ll truly be able to understand the joy and excitement I’m experiencing now
because of the offer of representation.
Of
course, I accepted her offer. I would’ve been a fool to say no. I felt an
immediate connection and so welcomed by her from our first communication. I
felt as if it were meant to be.
(Attaching my signature to the contract… and still smiling.)
What do
I want you to take from this? Don’t give up. Be persistent. Be aware of your
goals. Be professional.… And one day, as with me, it will happen to you.
(Stand
by for a future post about the top 10 questions… or more, to ask an agent once
you are offered representation
Fabulous news, Dave, and so well deserved! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Steph. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you soon hear similar news, too.
ReplyDeleteYour hard work has paid off, Dave! I am so excited for you!! Congratulations!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes. Hard work, and a lot of help from so many of my writer friends.
ReplyDeleteDave, this is a wonderful achievement for you and truly a victory for us all - we are all happy for you as well as encouraged by your hard work and perseverance.
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Thanks for everything, Andrea. Your encouragement, your tutelage, your modeling. It's been a long journey, yet in one sense, the trip has just begun.
ReplyDelete