A few weeks ago, I got the kind of news every aspiring writer dreams of. An agent. Wanted to represent. ME. I stared at the email in shock for a few seconds and then commenced trying to not freak out at work but still freaking out just a little bit.
I’ve loved reading and writing for as long as I can remember, but a few years ago, I decided to get serious. So, I wrote a book (and it was awful). And then I wrote another. And another. I never queried any of these books because I didn’t feel like they were good enough to send out into Agentland (trust me, they weren’t, but my little sister still read all of them because she’s amazing like that). But I was learning. I was getting better and better with each book. I could feel it.
When I finished my 4th book, after 8 months of writing and another 8 of revising – during which I received feedback from the bestest beta readers ever, I decided I was finally going to query. But just a small batch.
So, in August of 2011, I sent off those first 8 queries. I got some requests (squee!), but they ultimately ended in rejections (sigh). But it’s okay. Because the rejections came with feedback. Awesome feedback. Agent feedback. I revised again with the help of a friend who picked apart the agent emails the way middle school girls pick apart texts from cute boys.
This spring I queried again with the new and improved version of my MS, which brings us to…a few weeks ago. An email offer! A call! Emails to other agents who had my MS! And that’s when things got really crazy.
I got four more calls and four more offers from amazing, brilliant, passionate agents. Agents who had read my book and loved it! I took some time to think about it and FINALLY made a decision. And now I can officially announce that I am represented by the AMAZING Susan Hawk of The Bent Agency. I’m so excited and lucky and honored to have an agent who loves my book as much as she does, and I can’t wait to see where things go from here!
I’m so grateful for all the help I’ve received from my writing buddies along the way: those of you who read my book (some more than once!), those of you who gave me that last little push to get my query on, those of you who gave me advice and support through this whole rollercoaster process. Love you guys. <3
YOU GO GIRL. KNOCK EM DEAD.
ReplyDeleteAWWW. Thanks, Michelle!! We are going to do the knocking together :)
ReplyDeleteJust saw your news on twitter. Congratulations! That is so exciting! :)
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled for you, Rachael! I can't wait to see where the next step of the journey takes you. Big, pink, girly SQUEEES just for you :).
ReplyDeleteYAYAYAY!!! Congrats, chica! So, so happy for you!!
ReplyDeleteWhat great news from a fellow writer. Nice to see you've made it another big step. I'm gearing up to start on my third novel. Susan Hawk was a great choice! Good pick.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dee and Erin and Mel and Shawn!!!
ReplyDeleteErin - How did you know that is my favorite type of squee?!
Yaaaaaaaaaaay :)
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS!!!! I can't wait to have your book(s) on my shelf (The LB shelf is going to need to be reinforced - woot!)
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Dana and Hayley!!! Y'all are the best!!!
ReplyDeleteWooooooooooo! Lovely story. Lovely pairing. Can't wait for what comes next!
ReplyDeleteRACHAEL!!!! THIS IS AMAZING!!!! I'm so insanely proud of you - how awesome!!! I want a signed copy when it's available, pretty please =)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Susan is a gem... and I don't normally call people that because it's cheesy, but seriously she is fantastic! Followed you back on Twitter, btw!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Alina and Nicole!!! I have such awesome friends :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie!! And thanks for the follow! Also, I completely agree ;)