How I Got My Book Deal

I got one of those really nice rejection letters. They let me know my writing was really solid and my storytelling was good. It was just not what they wanted at the time. I filed the email in my saved folder, a graveyard of hopeful entreaties. Bummed but not devastated, I shared the news with my person, Sunny. She does what she always does. “Well I guess they aren’t into making money, keep at it”

A week later she sends me a screen shot of something she found on Instagram. An up and coming publisher looking for manuscripts. For those that don’t know, she is an incredible researcher. I have amazing spreadsheets of agents and publishers to submit to that she took the time to help me with querying. I trust her. I trust her instinct about things.

I looked at what I needed to submit to Anatolian Press. And because of her, I sent in my query for Life Is In The Blood. I expected the norm. Rejection.

But they wanted to see more. Okay so out went my partial. I was in knots. I just knew they would read my partial and thanks but no thanks. They wanted to read the rest!

That’s where the anxiety ratcheted up. It felt like forever, but then came the response. I’m still in disbelief. They wanted my book!

Don’t quit. Don’t stop. Keep your nose up, I can tell you now. None of the rejection matters now.

And to my love, my person, Sunny, thank you. I love you.