Friday, July 24, 2009

The Big Announcement

Not sure why I made the big announcement on a little comment at Lisa and Laura Writes.

Is it because it hadn't really sunk in yet? Or could it be that I don't want to celebrate until I have an offer from an editor? (I have had representation before and I've learned that it does not always translate into getting a contract.)

For those of you who don't know what I am talking about, I signed with an agent yesterday.

I am being represented by Kendra Marcus of BookStop Literary Agency.

Many people compare the process of finding an agent to dating. I certainly see the parallels.

I sent Kendra THREE NINJA PIGS in May. She got back to me in June saying that she loved the premise, but the execution needed a little work. She gave me some very specific feedback and said, "Feel free to call to discuss." I did not call.

She then called me in July to discuss the story and said to call her back anytime. My husband told me, CALL HER. I did not call.

Instead, I emailed her with some revisions.

That may sound very weird.

But David still jokes that when we were dating, he would kiss me goodnight and say, "Bye, I'll call you." and I would reply, "Nah, that's okay. Just shoot me an email."

I guess it was the same concern. Lack of phone chemistry. If someone is interested in me, why risk ruining it by an awkward call?

But yesterday, Kendra and I finally spoke. She said she loved PIGS and thought the revisions were fantastic.

I felt like she really got the story's humor and that she had a great sense of which publishers would be interested.

At the very end of the conversation, I said, "Okay, I'm going to call my husband and tell him the great news." And, she said, "Don't call, email." (Kidding!) She said, "There's no great news yet."

So, it looks like I have found a good fit.

32 comments:

Susan R. Mills said...

That's great! There may not be any good news yet, but I'd say you are one step closer. Please keep us posted on what happens! Wishing the best!

Elana Johnson said...

This deserves a big WOOT WOOT!! Congratulations. And, hey, I prefer email to phone conversations as well. :)

Sherrie Petersen said...

Yay! I'm so excited for you! I remember when you were trying to think up good ideas and I love that you connected with a great one. Congratulations!

PJ Hoover said...

Congratulations!!!!! this is definitely great news!

Rebecca said...

That rocks! Congrats.

MeganRebekah said...

That's amazing! Congrats!

BJW said...

POP!!

And the champagne is flowing. Congrats. Yeah, looking forward to what comes next.

One small step for a woman, one giant leap for her career...

Rebecca Gomez said...

Of course it's great news! I have a good feeling about this one.

:-)

Corey Schwartz said...

Thanks, you guys! I was so giddy that when my kids asked if they could stay home from camp this morning, i said "yes. Dumbest move ever! So, instead of polishing my last stanza, I broke up fights all day. But it's nice to check in and find all your lovely notes of support :)

Unknown said...

YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY!

I am sososososososo proud and happy for you! That is just brilliant!!!!!! She's a fantastically wonderful agent!!!!

Crystal said...

That's AWESOME NEWS, Corey!
Congratulations!

Casey Something said...

Oh foo, Corey! This IS big news. It's a great step in your career, even if it doesn't mean a contract. I really hope this agent relationship works out better than the last. I can't wait to see Ninja Pigs has been picked up!!!!!

Congrats, congrats, CONGRATS!

Melissa said...

Congratulations!
It is a big step -- but in the right direction, right? So you should celebrate. I know what you mean about avoiding the phone... On a side note, my husband and I met on match.com and we didn't move to the phone until weeks and weeks of emails! ;)

Ladybird World Mother said...

WELL BLOOMIN DONE!! How exciting. There may be no good news yet but by 'eck, it's pretty damned amazing!

Kelly H-Y said...

WOOOHOOOOO!!!!! Awesome ... congratulations! Loved the story ... I feel the same way ... I'll always opt for an e-mail over the phone any day! :-)

Christy Raedeke said...

Great news! Congratulations! I know I'll love the book just based on the title alone...

Yat-Yee said...

Congrats and YAY!!! That's such great news. I've only heard good things about Kendra.

And I totally get the phone thing. I make ongoing appointments with my hairdresser even when I'm not thrilled with my hair cuts just so I don't have to call for appointments.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Woo-hoo! Sounds like you found a good one. Allow yourself some bubbly (glass or bathtub will do). She cared enough to come 'round when you didn't call, that says tons. Three Ninja Pigs--what a great title!

lisa and laura said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That book sounds amazing! Can't wait to hear all about it selling at auction in a few weeks!

Hardygirl said...

Yay! Great news!

I'm totally with you on the email thing. You get to read it and revise it and hopefully avoid saying something completely dorky.

Even better news is coming! I can feel it.

sf

Jennie Englund said...

Corey, congrats on your agent-getting and your award from Christy! Things will start really moving from here! The next award: a book deal!!!

Linda said...

That's terrific news! As you've noted, finding an agent who's a good fit is no easy task. Congrats.

Katie Anderson said...

Wow. YAY COREY!!!!!! WAy to go! Congrats! and good luck!!!

Corey Schwartz said...

Wow! Thanks everybody. This post has broken all comment records :)

I feel very lucky to have so many supportive blogger friends!

Anonymous said...

I already told you HOORAY! But HOORAY AGAIN! It certainly deserves a lot more HOORAY!

kah said...

YAY!!! Sorry I'm so late. I've been in "unplugged" mode. I'm so happy for you. I know you'll have a deal in no time. Woo hoo!!!!

Travis Erwin said...

Congrats.

Kate Karyus Quinn said...

Congratulations!!! Wonderful news - and I love the whole non-calling story - too funny:)

Robin Mellom said...

Woohoo! Awesome news!!!

Suzanne Casamento said...

Wow. Sounds like you "get" each other. Very cool. Congratulations on your new partnership. May it be fruitful and fun!

B.J. Anderson said...

OMG! Congratulations!!

Ame Dyckman said...

COREY, that's AWESOME! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! (throwing confetti) Ame