Long story short: after a lot of stress and not nearly enough sleep, I turned in the full manuscript of Twenty-Somewhere to St. Martin’s Press on Saturday.
Thus, on Sunday I did nothing but lie on the couch and watch TV. Both on my laptop and on the actual television. Occasionally at the same time. Man, I am such a good bum.
(Side note: I really like the new show Life Unexpected! Well, I’m predisposed to like it because it stars Shiri Appleby from my beloved Roswell. But still, it’s a cute show with lots of potential.)
(Also, Fushigi Yugi is still my favorite anime ever. Mmm, Tamahome…)
Anyway…
I can’t really explain what I felt when I finished preparing the full, and then sent it. Not sadness or emptiness, and not pure joy either, but definitely something… big. Something so big I had a hard time sleeping, and let me tell you, I am a champion sleeper.
I also sent the manuscript to my mom, who said she loved it, and even teared up while reading the last chapter. Folks, that means something. Because my mom? She is not one of those warm fuzzy I-love-everything-you-do moms. She is not afraid to tell me when she thinks something I’m writing is crap. (Which is often.) So, that “big” feeling that kept me up? Yeah, that got even bigger when I realized that I had pleased not only myself, but also my toughest critic.
While I wait to hear back from St. Martin’s, I think I’m going to query agents about Twenty-Somewhere and see if anyone’s interested. I wasn’t planning to originally, since it started as a web series and is thus (a) highly unconventional, and (b) already available online (well, 2/3 of it). But SMP’s interest has me thinking that querying might be worth a shot.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the querying process, it’s like this:
- Writer writes Book.
- Writer writes query letter about Book, and sends query to agents to see if they want to represent Book (and thus Writer).
- Agent says yes.
- Agent writes to Editors to see if they want to buy & publish Book.
- Editor says yes.
- A bunch of stuff happens at the Editor’s publishing house (typesetting, cover design, marketing, etc.) and then VOILA! Book is published. Writer becomes Author. Author, Agent, & Editor make a gabillion dollars off Book and never have to work a day in their lives again! Escalades dipped in gold for everyone!
Or something like that. (Or more likely, this. But even this? Not so likely.)
Okay fine, in reality that almost never happens. And even when it does, it can take anywhere from 2 months to 2 (or 20) years. And there is the potential for failure/rejection at every step. As in, Steps 1-4. And 5. And oh yeah, 6. But still. Doesn’t it sound fun?!
Hello? Anyone? Anyone?
Yeah, welcome to the life of a writer. Can you believe this is what I’ve dreamed about since I was 9? Oh silly, silly Kristan.
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Just a Gabillion? That sounds a little too small. How about Gatrillion? I like the number. : )
Good luck Kristan. I know they will love it!
.-= • Recent post by Kimberly Franklin: Question Time! =-.
Sending good thoughts your way….
Well, since one of your resolutions for 2010 was to get an agent, I suppose your chances of succeeding will be enhanced if you sent out some query letters. ;)
.-= • Recent post by Sonja: Quinn’s moral compass =-.
Kimberly-
OK, a gatrillion works too. :P
Trisha-
Thanks! Means a lot to have you (and Susan) cheering me on! :)
Sonja-
Haha, yes, you are ever the practical one. (Seriously laughed out loud when I read this comment in my inbox.)
Sequel!
.-= • Recent post by Angie: Worth their weight in gold =-.
so if i want an escalade dipped in gold, i have to be either writer, agent, or editor? well then, i’ll be editor! :D send it over here!
No ABNA, huh?
Get out there and query. I have a hard time sending stuff out just because it’s the least-fun part of writing. And that’s a stupid obstacle.
.-= • Recent post by Eric: How to Write a Novel Pt. 1 =-.
Angie-
Maybe. :P
Albie-
Oh yeah? What publishing house are you with? :P
Eric-
Not this year, I’m afraid. But I’m excited to root you on! And yeah, querying is not so much fun, but a necessary evil. Good thing we’re tough, eh? :P
so awesome to see someone’s dreams come true! :)
Good luck! I bet it goes great.
Man all I could muster after reading all of that was a big piggish groan. I mean, I can’t wait, but man, that’s a lot of waiting lol.
.-= • Recent post by Les: The psychology of little things =-.
Good luck! I’m happy for you :)
.-= • Recent post by Dara: New Blog! =-.
sounds good. Good point there about the getting an agent, “writer writes book” too many people try to get an agent with unfinished work or the promise of work- it doesn’t work that way.
.-= • Recent post by Lauren: Let the Circus Commence =-.
Krista-
Aw, thanks! Well *starting* to come true, anyway…
Sadako-
Thanks! And hi! :)
Les-
Lol, yeah it is… We’re nuts, aren’t we? (And I just don’t mean the animal noises. :P)
Dara-
Thanks!
Lauren-
Ain’t that the truth?
Agents usually consider themselves tastemakers, but your work already has a following. I don’t know, you may be in a good position to find one this year. Let them come to you.
.-= • Recent post by Jon: Telling Details =-.
i really think you’re going to get it. 2010 is THE YEAR FOR AWESOME THINGS TO HAPPEN. no, seriously it is! in mandy’s astrology book.
also because you’re great and totally deserve that escalade dipped in gold :) i’m cheering for you!
.-= • Recent post by GingerMandy: Giveaway. =-.
Jon-
I sure hope so! I doubt if they’ll come to me, exactly… Maybe if I try fly paper? :P
GingerMandy-
Aw, thanks! I still think my odds are pretty low… BUT, I don’t necessarily think this is the only opportunity I’ll get (or make) in 2010. So, let’s do it, Mandy!
I’ve been in and out of your blog lately, and I’m still a fan of your series, so I just had to say that I am so happy to hear you’ve submitted your manuscript!
Good luck and million best wishes! :)
.-= • Recent post by Sy: Foto Fuck: Sex, sex, sex. SEX. =-.
Aw, thanks, Sy!
CONGRATS on the submission! i personally am looking forward to reading the rest in whatever format you release it in :) you can tell st. martins that there are lots of readers dying to read the rest of your story and i will be happy to vouch!
.-= • Recent post by sarah (the SHU box): snow day! =-.
Aw, thanks Sarah! From your lips to St. Martin’s ear… ;)
“Escalades dipped in gold for everyone!” Aaaandd… I love you. LOL.
.-= • Recent post by Brittney: About Damn Time, Friday. =-.
:D That was my fave line.