Hey, did you see it? The banner right up there with the title of my first book? It’s right above this very belated post. Yes world, I am going to be a published author.
What’s strange is that nothing went the way it was supposed to. You see, I’ve written several books, but the one that landed me my three book deal with Penguin’s digital-first line, Intermix, wasn’t written. Not a single word.
I sold on proposal.
I’m still recovering from it. Other authors have asked me how I managed to get a book accepted on proposal, and I’ll tell you, I’ve asked myself the same question. It’s not at all the way things are supposed to happen for newbies, but it happened to me, and I chalk it up to several factors, but the bottom line is that over the years I made the right connections with the right people. This past summer,
I landed a wonderful new agent. Becky is with FinePrint Literary Management and she is young, smart, savvy and wants us both to be successful. Signing with her is the best thing I’ve done for my career. She’s the perfect agent for me.
So, here’s the story. At the end of the summer, I was finishing up revisions on my single title when Becky called and said she’d heard from an editor at NAL/Intermix. The editor had read some of my work and stayed in touch with me. In fact, she was the one who sent Becky my way when she knew I needed an agent.
The editor had an idea for a story and she asked Becky if I’d be interested in submitting a proposal. They wanted a contemporary marriage of convenience story, and while I wasn’t so sure initially, I took a crack at it and wrote a six page synopsis. Well, according to Becky, I hit a home run and I was offered a contract for three books, with the first one being due around Halloween! (The offer was made in September–no lie)
Crazy, right? That I sold on proposal as an unpublished author is very unusual. But what the experience showed me was that all the “work” I’ve done–the connections I’ve made, the conferences I’ve gone to, the submissions, the rejections and how I’ve handled those things–has helped me build a reputation and that’s what helped me land the contract. Is there a moral to the story? Yes. Be a professional even before you sell. Don’t be arrogant, but be confident. Get to know people. Go to events even if you aren’t going to pitch. Be a presence and remember that this is a small community and people have long memories, so if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything. Be polite. Be nice. That’s right, be nice. I truly believe that last one helped put me in this position more than anything else.
So, dear readers, as more content becomes available, the site will be updated. But until then, the pretty banner will remind you about the wonderful event coming in May, when The Temporary Wife will be released.
You’re going to love it. I know you will. 
Congrats, Jeannie. That’s amazing! I discovered your site a while ago and was so disappointed that you weren’t published yet. Now I’m really looking forward to May:)
I’m looking forward to it as well! I know you’re going to love Meg and Jason’s story. Thanks for commenting. xoxo
Congratulations, Jeannie! Your story is an inspiration to all hard-working, “nice” writers.
Thank you! You’ll be following soon enough, Jolyse.
you’ve sold me on the proposal, er, the title + tag line and i canNOT wait to read it!!!! (well, maybe patty’s gushing also revved up my impatient engines…) but according to this, i don’t have to wait too long! may 2013! congrats! (again).
Thanks, Abby! The nice thing is I don’t have to wait too long to meet you in person! The LIRW workshop is going to be amazing! Can’t wait.
Blinking back tears…even though I already knew this, it’s still a wonderful moment and I’m soooooo happy for you. I’ve headed into the pub world like a speed demon as well, so let’s both keep reminding one another to pause every once in a while and ENJOY!
Congrats again, and your advice is priceless…always BE NICE!
XO!
Thank you, Jess. I have good feelings about us and about this journey we’re on. xoxo
I’m tearing up. I am so proud of you. Someone hand me a Kleenex.
xo,
SL
*Sniff* Thank you.
Here’s a tissue. And a cupcake. xoxo
Best…story…ever. Big love. So proud of you for never giving up. A true inspiration. Xo
I think the never giving up thing was the key. It was also hard sometimes, but the payoff was amazing. Thanks for the love and the friendship. Now you…get crackin’!
Congratulations! As a new and unpublished author myself, I’m so excited to see success stories from other women hoping to share their work with readers. Your title and tag line are great, too!
I wish you the best of luck with your book launch this coming spring!
Hey Girl! How the heck are you?? Wonderful post and THAT is amazing:)) I had no idea when you told me your deadline it was a from SCRATCH book!! Goodness Mercy!! Way to go! And I might have some really awesome news soon:)) Fingers crossed!