Drum roll please…
At the Indiana Faith and Writing Conference this past weekend, I met with both an editor and an agent and pitched three of my novels to them.
I’ve got good news and bad-ish news.
The editor gave me her contact info and wants to see my work!
Happy DANCE!!! :)
She had judged part of Zombie Takeover for the IFWC contest, loved the story, and wanted to know where it was going and how it ended.
After a beautiful discussion, she didn’t know if she could sell my zombie story with the current Christian market, so she encouraged me to take it to another publishing house she thought would fit my manuscript much better.
She asked to see Lady Assassin and was intrigued by Wisdom and Folly until I told her I had been posting it chapter-by-chapter on my website.
Unless I pull it, completely rewrite it, and post no further chapters, no publishing house will look at a work that has been posted freely for anyone to read.
I have prayed and searched my intentions, and I’m certain God wanted me to post it. Free. For anyone to read.
Reaching one person with the boundlessness of His love is worth never making a dime on Wisdom and Folly.
God gave it to me. It’s His story, not mine.
But if He wants me to change what I’m doing–focus on publishing it instead of posting it–I want to know.
So I’m waiting on Him. (And seeking advice!)
I digress.
The agent.
I pretty much bombed that pitch session. I’ve been trying not to beat myself up over it. It is what it is. God knows what I need, and He’ll do what’s best for me, even if it’s not what I want.
She kindly listened to my lame pitch. The zombie story interested her (the other two did not) but she said the same thing the editor did.
She didn’t know where she could take it that’s accepting zombie stories in today’s market.
She gave me some awesome tips, wrote down a couple of YA novels to read that had made it big in the Christian fantasy genre, and gave me the names of publishing houses that accept “out there” stories, no agent necessary.
She gave me her card–probably cause I was staring longingly at it–and told me to contact her when I write another book.
Not exactly how I pictured that meeting ending, but I am trying so hard to focus on the positive, not the negative of not getting signed.
So, I will let you know what the editor thinks of my work! And if any of the publishing houses they both suggested are interested in my stories!
Oh yes! I also handed Zombie Takeover to Dr. Dennis E. Hensley to be professionally edited.
I want the publishing houses to see my best work, polished, refined, plot holes destroyed, and singing “pick me!” :)
I also have contacted (a while ago now) a magnificent artist on deviantART to design a cover for me if I decide to self-publish.
And oh, the conference was too wonderful for words.
I plan on going next year with another manuscript, pitch perfected, ready to snag an agent (if I don’t already have one by then!)
That’s my story so far on this incredibly long road to being published.
I have submitted my manuscript to Enclave Publishing–formerly Marcher Lord Press–and am trying to stay busy these eight, long weeks of waiting for their response.
I’ve got decisions to make, more queries and proposals to send, and I’m going to wait patiently on the Lord!
He has given me this dream–I will do my part then wait for Him to bring it to pass!
Love and hugs to you all–thank you for sharing this spectacular journey with me.
God bless!
In Him,
Michele
Jerry Callison
I wouldn’t worry about the responses you received. The fact they liked the work is the hardest part to get. Imagine how you would feel if they disliked it out of hand. Just because it doesn’t fit what they need does not mean it doesn’t fit someone else’s needs. The fact you were given other resources is I think a good sign. Keep on keeping on!
Giving away your writing for free is not a bad thing either. It gives you name recognition and a following. Those who read that work will look for other work you do if they like it. Some self-publishers actually give away books for that very purpose. If that is the direction God is sending you, by all means keep following that direction!
Michele
Thank you so much for your encouragement! You really helped me put it all into perspective. God bless!
Valerie
i just googled “Is blogging publishing?” and got some interesting responses. try this link http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2010/11/52-great-blogs-for-self-publishers/ and, one of his links, http://marketingchristianbooks.wordpress.com/
Michele
Thank you for these links!
Valerie
Blogging is publishing. It just isn’t traditional, and you don’t get paid.
But God isn’t about money, which is all His anyway. If He wants you to put the story online, maybe that’s where it needs to be now. i’ve come across several books with little notes along the line of, “Parts of this were previously published in slightly different form in _______ blog or magazine.” The form of attribution is the same, regardless of format of publication.
Go with God, sister.
Michele
So true, Valerie. Thank you for your encouragement! I choose to go with God, and whatever HE wants me to do! Your words are invaluable!
Joyce Long
God honors perseverance! Hebrews 10:35-39!
Michele
Oh, Joyce. What a beautiful passage of scripture! I will have confidence, I will endure, I will not shrink back, and I will live by faith and know God delights in ME! So, so lovely–thank you! :)