My LAST Post... EVER

This is goodbye.

After this post, I won't be adding anything else to this website.
Blogger has served me well these last four years through some massive design changes, but it's time to move on...
TO AN AMAZING, NEW, GORGEOUS website that I've dreamt about for so long. A big thanks to Red Rebel Media Group for working with me and doing a stellar job designing the site.
This blog has been with me through the writings of five novels, a plethora of query rejections, and finally getting an agent. The journey has been a bumpy one and more twists and turns lie ahead. Thank you, reader, for being part of it and the life of this blog.
For the sake of reminiscing, check out the first post that I wrote, all the way back on July 1, 2014!! It's Official
Ahh... July 2014. Back then I was still working as a payroll administrator, writing AFTER ALICE, and debating whether I could actually make a career out of writing.
And now?
Now I am a full time writer, part time administrative assistant. I have an agent submitting THESE WICKED WATERS to publishers. I am determined to be a successful author and create worlds that readers not only want to escape into--but worlds where they want to live.
Below are all of the profile photos I have had since my blog first started. Oh, those bangs! I've learned a thing or two about professional photos since 2014!

And now. The curtain falls...
*Takes deep breath*
*Takes a slow look around*
Goodbye, blog. It's been magical.

Love,

WOTP: Erynn Newman, Adult Author

To wrap things up in the agented writers on submission portion of the WOTP series, I have a very unique interview to share with you. Erynn Newman is a talented author who signed with an agent...
...But decided to self publish. Wondering why? Check out her story below!

To start on a personal note, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hey, everyone. *waves* I’m Erynn Newman. I’m a thirty-mumbles-year-old wife/mom/author/editor from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I have a couple of opinionated kitties who help me get my writing done and a rambunctious three-and-a-half-year-old (halfs are really important when you’re three) that helps me NOT get my writing done.

 What is your “how I got my agent” story?

When I first decided I wanted to be a "real" writer, I asked the only writers I knew, "where should I go for information on how to do this?" And they all recommended Rachelle Gardner's blog. I pored over it, devoured every post, even printed some out to study them. She was my dream agent, but one I put soundly in the “unattainable” category.

So, of course, I registered for a conference she was attending, but I couldn’t get an appointment with her. Instead I got one with another agent who told me that my novel was "unsellable" and that I should just chalk it up to experience gained, put it in a drawer, and write something else.

But directly after that awful agent meeting, I volunteered to help with place settings for our lunch, and I just happened to note where Rachelle's table was, and find my way to a seat at it. She allowed everyone at the table to pitch, and she ended up asking for my full manuscript.

I sent my first novel to her and heard nothing for almost a year, not realizing that she wasn’t taking on fiction clients at the time. While I waited, I sent queries to four other agents, three of whom also asked for my full manuscript. And then I made friends with the one of Rachelle's clients over Facebook, and she agreed to put in a good word for me. Shortly after that I attended another conference where a well known writer took an interest in me and actually called Rachelle right there in front of me to basically say, “represent this girl, or I’ll find her someone else today.” And then . . . (insert several months of sheer agony and two more rejections) she called.

I guess the moral of that story is that actually meeting people can make all the difference. And that a little bit of friendly stalking doesn’t hurt either.

What novel landed you your agent?

My novel is entitled, Out of Darkness. It’s Inspirational Romantic Suspense.

When her husband is killed by a car bomb on their wedding day, Elisabeth literally watches her dreams go up in smoke.  Three years later, she’s beginning to figure out life without Drew—with the help of his best friend and CIA partner Gabe. But Drew returns, and they must rebuild what was lost with international arms dealers on their trail and an ever shrinking list of people they can trust. Gabe should be at the top of that list, but his feelings for Elisabeth may stand in the way. All three of them end up in a fight for their lives that will test their loyalty to God, country, and each other.

Tell us about the much anticipated and nerve-wracking “Call” with your now agent.

Well, after my author/mentor friend called her during that conference, she promised that she was still interested, so I was just waiting…and waiting…and waiting. And wondering if there was really a guarantee. Finally, I got an email asking if she could call. Once I said yes, and gave her a window, then it was just…more waiting. The call came while I was at work, and fortunately, I had an employer who was really supportive and let me run out the door to take the call. We talked some details. I asked the couple of questions I had written down, and then I said . . . “can I call you back?” And then I freaked out in the bathroom.

By this point, I was waiting to hear back from that one last agent that hadn’t said no, and nervous to say yes, and wondering if I was making the right decision. But pretty much as soon as I got off the phone, and called my author/mentor friend, I realized I had the option in front of me to sign with my dream agent, and that seemed like a no brainer, so I called her back pretty much immediately and said, “I’m sorry. Yes, please.”

Have you written/queried other books before?

I actually got my start in Fanfiction, and no, I won’t divulge my fandoms, so I’d written a couple of novel-length stories. And I worked on Out of Darkness off and on at the same time as two other novels until I decided it was the one I wanted to devote all my energy into publishing first.
So, no. It’s actually the first original novel I completed and the first I queried.

But I do have those other two still in the works. Another romantic suspense and a new adult romance.

What is the hardest part about being on submission?

If you’re beginning to detect a theme here, you’re absolutely right. It’s waiting. Always with the waiting. I think that’s actually the theme of traditional publishing at every step of the process—which is a small part of the reason I *plot twist* decided to go Indie. You know, that and being able to take back total control and make a larger percentage of profit.

What is the best part about having an agent?

I love having someone who knows the industry so well in my corner. She’s taken a step back since I decided to Indie publish Out of Darkness, but she’s still my cheerleader and still someone I can go to any time I have questions about decisions I’m making for my career.

And I’d be lying if I didn’t say that there’s part of me that loves the validation that someone I respect so much thought I was good enough. I still like referring to “my agent,” and pretending to be a big deal. *winky face*

  

How do you cope with waiting to hear back from publishers?

Honestly, the best thing I could do was try to forget about it. Just work on the next thing, so that when deadlines loom, you’ll have a head start. When that doesn’t work…ice cream.

  

Do you have any tips for writers who are querying?

Research, research, research. Only query agents who are actively acquiring (and contracting) your genre and who have established relationships with the houses you’re interested in working with.

And, truly, it really helps to meet people in person. Not just people who you think can help you, but other authors who will support you, mentors, industry professionals, and even authors come up behind you in the process. Helping other people is a good distraction. And the friends I’ve made in this industry are some of the biggest blessings along the journey.

So, what made you decide to go Indie instead of continuing the traditional route?

I waited a year for Rachelle, and then she shopped Out of Darkness for another year (during which time, I started a family and began focusing on editing instead of pursuing my own writing), and we got a number of responses along the lines of, “we love this girl’s writing. Does she have anything else?” One even suggested that she might be able to market my novel if I turned the best friend character into a villain (to make the reader less conflicted), but that very conflict is the heart of my story, and that wasn’t a change I was willing to make.

What it came down to is that my story isn’t an exact fit for the genre, so the houses I’d be interested in working with consider it (and me, as a debut author) an unknown variable. And no one really wants to take risks right now in traditional publishing. Rachelle offered to shop around with some of the smaller houses, but with what they have to offer, I felt like I’d be better off doing it myself.

As an editor, I’m working with scores (okay tens) of Indie clients who are coloring outside the lines all the time and making it work. They have the freedom to write the stories they love and the bravery to tackle it all themselves. So I’m stepping out with that same bravery—even though it’s super scary to me and not how I envisioned my publishing journey. I’m learning that things don’t always look the way we expect or want them to, but that’s part of the journey too.

Did you end up breaking things off with your agent?

​Ha! Almost. When there was no movement on my manuscript for a year, and I first thought about going Indie, I asked her if I needed to acquire my rights back from her or if she would take a percentage if I did decide to self publish, but she assured me that she would just step back and let me do it on my own. She's my official cheerleader (and sometimes guide), and who knows, maybe she'll be able to help me with International rights should I make it big and need to negotiate translations.​

It's so awesome you're an editor too! What services do you offer in case any readers are interested?

​I edit all kinds of fiction (but paranormal, urban fantasy, and speculative are my favorites). ​And I offer everything from proofreading to in-depth developmental. Line edits--just tweaking the language to put a shine on my clients' words is my favorite. Their voice with just a bit of polish. I love helping make their stories everything they've envisioned. 

You can check out my editing website and see the books I've helped make publish ready here: ALittleRedInk.com.

What an interesting experience! It's proof that there is no one way to get published. We all take different journeys--and that's what makes being a author so exciting!

To stay in touch with Erynn and her Indie exploits make sure to check out her:

Twitter

Website

Facebook

WOTP: Emily Layne, Young Adult Author

Sooo... My original interview for this slot wasn't able to happen. But luckily I know an agented author on submission very well. A certain, Emily Layne.
Otherwise known as... ME!
You guys probably already know everything about my publishing journey thus far, but it's always fun to revisit. At least, it was for me.

To start on a personal note, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

It feels silly to tell myself a little about myself... But here it goes. I'm a Christian, the oldest of four girls, and I'm the cliche I've loved to write since I was a kid story. Courtesy of writing so many stories as a kid, my typing speed is 105 WPM and courtesy of my dad I'm a potato chip fanatic. Since I was eighteen I've been writing with the intent of getting published. Six years later (you can do the math to how old I am!), I'm still determined to see my novels on the shelves and to discover fanfiction about my characters. And, honestly, I don't think that dream will ever die.

What is your “how I got my agent” story?

My story is definitely a long one, but I’ll shorten it as much as I can! I wrote four books before I signed with my agent and didn’t sign with her until the fifth one! In total, I had over 250 rejections for all four books (one was a sequel).

For THESE WICKED WATERS, the novel which got me my agent, I sent out fifty-three query letters that all ended in rejection, one way or another—except one. In fact, I’d closed out the query because I hadn’t heard back from the agent in over three months. Time went by during which I was busy giving THESE WICKED WATERS a massive overhaul. A year later, almost to the day, I got an email from literary agent Becky LeJeune, asking to see the full of my book. And within a week, I had an agent! It’s still hard to believe how everything worked out. The timing was perfect!

What novel landed you your agent?

Well, I kind of gave this one away! THESE WICKED WATERS (currently a working title until a publisher decides otherwise!) is the novel that landed me my agent. TWW is a mix of different genres, but I suppose it could be classified as a Young Adult Paranormal Thriller. I won’t give too much away, but it involves an island resort, a centuries-old vendetta, and vicious sirens.

Tell us about the much anticipated and nerve-wracking “Call” with your now agent.

I did tons of research beforehand. I wanted to know exactly what to expect. But of course, you can only do so much research! I will share a few facts for the Call that I found helpful:

1. Make sure you write down all of your questions beforehand. Nerves will make you forget what you wanted to ask!
2. Just because an agent is interested in your book, doesn’t mean they’re the perfect fit for you. Don’t let the allure of “literary agent” tempt you to choose a relationship that isn’t right for you or your book!
3. Take lots of deep breaths. Pacing in circles also helps!

Have you written/queried other books before?

Yes! I’ve queried three other books. Books that I will never let see the light of day again! The books were:

ELEMENTALS: a story about a college student who finds an evil locket and also discovers she can control all four elements and also happened to be stolen away as a child into the human realm. (Yeah, way too much was going on in this book!)

BOUND: a time-travel romance where a sixteen-year-old and her bad-boy classmate are thrown back in time, their only way back home is for them to stop a murder.

AFTER ALICE & SHATTERED: a darker, steampunk reimagining of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

What is the hardest part about being on submission?

Realizing that there’s more waiting ahead. I thought that as soon as I got an agent, the hard part of getting my book published. When, in fact, getting an agent was just the beginning of a long (and sometimes discouraging process). But slugging through the querying slush was great preparation for being on submission!

What is the best part about having an agent?

Having someone who believes in your book as much as you do. That, and a buffer for when the rejections come in!

How do you cope with waiting to hear back from publishers?

I’m supposed to be plotting a new trilogy, but it’s hard to get geared up to write knowing another project is out in limbo. Other than trying to write, I’ve been building up my author platform—which is more work than you’d think!

Do you have any tips for writers who are querying?

Make sure your query letter is the absolute best it can be. And don’t get discouraged with rejections. Though it might not be what you want to hear, sometimes the first book you write isn’t The One. Keep learning and keep imagining!

Finally, how will you celebrate when you eventually get your book deal?

I have a certain cookie recipe that I’ve been waiting to make since I got the idea for my book. You can bet that I’ll be baking and singing and dancing and probably crying.

I'm seriously looking forward to these cookies! It was fun to interview myself, though a little confusing too. Below are some links if you want to stay connected with me:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Oh! And if you're a fellow writer slugging through chapter after chapter, I'm giving away a free eBook, 14 DAYS: FROM BLANK PAGE TO COMPLETED NOVEL. Just click here to get it!

WOTP: Heather Christie, Young Adult Author

Are you ready for the next author in the Wielders of the Pen series? I sure am! Today Heather Christie, blogger extraordinaire (not to mention amazing author!), is stopping by. Keep reading for a glimpse into the world of an agented author on submission.

To start on a personal note, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a wife, mother, writer, real estate broker, amateur cook, exercise freak, and avid reader. When I’m not selling houses, I’m writing books and blogging at www.HeatherChristieBooks.com. I have a BA in Literary Studies from the University of Texas, Dallas and I recently received my MFA from Pine Manor College, Boston, MA where I completed my first novel WHAT THE VALLEY KNOWS. My work has appeared on Scary Mommy, Elephant Journal, Mamapedia, The Good Men Project, Grown & Flown, Parent.co, Bon Bon Break, Her View From Home, the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, Sammichs and Psych Meds, and The Lighter Side of Real Estate.

What is your “how I got my agent” story? 

I did a first round of forty queries. I had nine request for either partials or fulls. All passed, except for one who said that if I did “certain things” to the manuscript, she would reread it. I worked with a developmental editor for a year, revised the novel, and sent it back to that agent. I didn’t hear a peep! In the meantime, I attended the New York Pitch Conference and received two requests from editors to see the manuscript. I emailed the agent again, saying that I had interest from two editors. She got back to me immediately and we set up a phone call for the next morning.

What novel landed you your agent?

My first novel is titled WHAT THE VALLEY KNOWS. (YA-Women’s Fiction crossover)

Tell us about the much anticipated and nerve-wracking “Call” with your now agent.

At first I thought her interest was stirred because I said I had two editors wanting to see the book, but during the call, it became obvious that she’d read the manuscript very carefully as she had several suggested edits before she wanted to go on submission. We agreed to a timeframe in which to complete the edits and set up a time to meet the following week.

Have you written/queried other books before? 

No, this is my first attempt.

What is the hardest part about being on submission?

The waiting is by far the hardest part. I’ve been on submission for sixteen months. We’ve had several “almosts.” My novel is told from three points-of-view: two kids and one adult. The YA editors have asked for revisions, removing the adult voice. My agent and I have decided I need to revise, but that it would be best to have a second novel ready and lead with it before going out on submission again.. Ugh! So, I’m back to my writing desk.

What is the best part about having an agent?

The access to the top houses.

How do you cope with waiting to hear back from publishers?

The waiting is brutal. To stay sane, I started a blog in an attempt to begin growing my author platform on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. My hope is that a publisher will recognize that I have a bit of a built-in audience and be willing to roll the dice on me. Plus, the positive feedback from readers is the shot in the arm I need to keep plugging away. I’ve also had a bunch of my pieces re-syndicated on larger sites and they’ve gotten great feedback (and I’ve even been paid for a few essays)!

Do you have any tips for writers who are querying?

Make it perfect out of the gate. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Study great query examples, take a webinar, find a trusted reader to tear it up, and then rewrite it again!

Finally, how will you celebrate when you eventually get your book deal?

I will break down and cry! The process has been so long and taxing. Sometimes, it feels like it is never going to happen. When the deal finally comes to be, I plan the relish in the moment, savor it with every particle of my being, AND shout the good news from my rooftop! And then I’ll frame the book cover and hang it on my wall! 

Framing the book cover sounds like an awesome idea! Who knows, ten years down the road you may need to get a new wall to hang all your shiny book covers.

Want to keep in touch with Heather? Make sure you check out her:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Blog

Until next Tuesday!

WOTP: Tracy Auerbach, Young Adult Author

A new month means a new division of the Wielders of the Pen interview series. The next four authors fall into the category of agented writers on submission. This is the stage where an author's agent submits their book to various publishers who then decide if they want the book...or not.
The first on submission author is Tracy Auerbach. She has a very unique view on the traditional publishing process that you don't want to miss. Especially if you're unsure how you want to publish your book!

To start on a personal note, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Tracy Auerbach, and I’m a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) coach and curriculum writer. I’ve been working for the New York City public school system for eleven years, but before that I was in film and television production for a few years. I have a husband, and two sons, six and eight years old. I love reading with them and discussing television, books, and movies. 

What is your “how I got my agent” story? 

I had published an ebook with an indie publisher in 2011 and it was released in print in 2014. I figured it couldn’t be too hard to land an agent after that. Yikes, was I wrong! I completed a novel which I thought was a true work of art, and sent out 150 queries over the course of six months. I only received one request for a full and it was eventually a pass. I was devastated. But I picked myself up and completely restructured my story. I took time to hone my craft. I also hooked up with some awesome beta readers and learned to take suggestions.

Cautiously optimistic, I sent out 50 queries. Right away, I received a few rejections that weren’t form letters. Agents gave me feedback! I celebrated. The agents specifically told me they liked the story and the writing, but didn’t feel they were a good fit. I ended up with six requests, but I ultimately loved the first agent I interviewed with. I just felt that we ‘clicked’ so I signed with him.

  

What novel landed you your agent? 

The novel that landed me my agent (Evan Marshall of the Evan Marshall Agency), is a young adult science fiction novel. THE SIN SOLDIERS is its working title.

   

Tell us about the much anticipated and nerve-wracking “Call” with your now agent.

Evan scheduled a call with me to discuss my book, my writing style, and some of my goals. I so wanted to impress him, and I was super nervous. But he came across as extremely personable, smart, savvy, and a huge fan of my writing… which is why I ended up signing with him.

  

You have also published through a publisher, only. Can you tell us a little bit about that experience? 

I published my new adult urban fantasy novel with an independent publisher called 48fourteen. It’s called THE HUMAN CURE, and it’s a new twist on the vampire mythology out there. I wanted to keep my vampires gritty, bloody, and original. No sparkles, but plenty of gore. I have Juanita Samborski, who acquires titles for 48fourteen, to thank for my first big break, and a lot of what I’ve learned about the industry.

My 48fourteen page

My Goodreads link

My Amazon link

In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of having an agent/publishing through a publisher solo?

Through my experience with an indie publisher, I learned so much about the industry; how to self-promote, how important relationships with bloggers and reviewers can be… just so much invaluable knowledge. But it’s a lot of maintenance and my sales were never amazing. It’s hard to get noticed when there are so many talented authors out there with more time or money to pool into publicity. My agent has a ton of established relationships with bigger name publishers, and there’s a higher potential for visibility if I publish through a larger imprint.

What is the hardest part about being on submission?

The waiting and the rejections. It’s completely devastating to have come so far and gotten an agent, and then enter into another round of rejections. But it only takes one ‘yes,’ so I remain hopeful.

  

How do you cope with waiting to hear back from publishers?

I write! I already have another novel out with beta readers, and I’m working on a brand-new story as well. If I didn’t love writing for the sake of writing, I don’t think I could have dealt with so many rejections and still stayed afloat. Even the early versions of my books that need a ton of work are fun to write, so I never feel like I’m wasting my time.

Do you have any tips for writers who are trying to decide whether to go the publisher or agent route?

I think it all depends on how savvy they are with social media, and how much work they’re willing to put into selling their books. A lot of bigger publishing houses don’t take un-agented submissions, so the onus falls on the author to publish smaller and make a name for him or herself.

  

Finally, how will you celebrate when you eventually get your book deal?

I will scream and call everyone who’s been supporting me this whole time. Then I’ll soak it in for a few days… maybe go on a little vacation with my family and unplug. Every author needs a break from ‘screens’ once in awhile, or we forget how to interact with other humans.
Tracy has had a very unique journey, and I wish her the very best success in the submission arena. Fingers crossed for a "yes" very soon!
If you want to keep up with Tracy and give her some support, make sure you check out these links:
Blog
Facebook Author Page
Twitter