Long ago, I took a creative writing class at Great Lakes Christian College. The professor, the great George Brown, told us the importance of having literary representation.
“I gotta get me a agent,” I wrote in my notebook. (I thought poor grammar was hilarious. Sometimes I still do.)
After I finished the first 5 drafts of Paint Chips, I researched agents that represent Christian authors. My first pick was Credo Communications. Why were they first pick? Because they’re located in my city. And because of a few clients they represented that impressed me.
I emailed. They responded. They only represented non-fiction.
Bummer.
So, I sent letters begging agents to represent me. 11 letters (in the biz, we call them queries). 10 no thank you letters. 2 were encouraging. 1 said, “Yeah, I’m going to have to pass”. 1 never responded.
It was all good. One of the encouraging letters told me that the novel needed more work. So. That’s what I did. 6 more drafts of Paint Chips.
Well, we know what happened to my little novel. It was published. And now my second novel is in line to be released in January.
Still, I knew that I needed an agent. Someone to help me navigate the crazy world of publishing. Someone to hug me, kick my tuchas, keep me on schedule. An agent that would knock on doors on my behalf. Who could give my career a little boost.
And…
And…
I just signed a literary agreement with…
Credo Communications. My dream agency. I’ll be agented by Ann Byle (she is fabulous and wonderful and believes in me).
Sometimes when God puts a little dream in our heads, He just wants us to be patient. I think this was one of those instances. And it happened at just the right time.
How wonderful! I’m so happy for you!
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Thank you, Peter!
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Peter, I know I have your stuff sitting here waiting to be read! Don’t despair; I’ll definitely look at it all before Breathe!
We mentioned you fondly at the Breathe planning committee, wishing you lived closer!
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Don’t you just think that Peter DeHaan is a good guy? I do!
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Ann, thanks for the update. I’m looking forward to Breathe and seeing you there!
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LOVE this little story:) Because that last line is so true. He puts those dreams there, He’s always working behind the scenes, and sometimes we just need patience. What a great encouragement today!
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Thank you, Susan! I’m so glad I met you!
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Good for you!! So glad this worked out for you!
I have a terrible issue with patience, as I think you might know. ugh!
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Patience only feels good when you’re on the other side of it. ๐
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Sweeeeeet! ๐ Congrats Susie! ๐ How encouraging to have someone to walk beside you in this way ๐
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And very secure feeling! Thank you, Hope!
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That’s fantastic Susie! Congratulations!
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Thank you, Amy!
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I’m doing a little happy dance, Susie! Ann always makes me want to hug her. She’s like a writer-mom. (Though far too young to be our mom.) You almost picture her welcoming you home after a long day of writing with fresh-baked chocolate chip ideas.
Is there such a thing as Credo Sisterhood? If not, I think it should be initiated by us. ๐
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YES! I believe there should be a Credo Sisterhood. We’re among some wonderful sisters.
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Shannon: I was about to be offended until you said I was far too young to be your mom! Ha ha. As for the chocolate chip cookies, I do have a fine, fat-filled recipe for such things, though we often eat all the dough before actually making the cookies.
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How about we make you the sister? Does that work?
I want a cookie…
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Yes, the sisterhood should definitely have Sister Ann’s cookie recipe in the charter!
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So awesome!!! Congrats Susie!
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Thanks, Bubba. ๐
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How wonderful is that? Congratulations. Love it when all the puzzle pieces fall into place. By the way. I really like the looks of this blog site. Clean and easy to read.
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Thank you, Cherry! And thanks for the compliment on the site. It took me a stupid amount of time to set up, but it’s been worth it.
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Is “agented” really a word??
Congratulations, Susie! More excuses to have the fruit cup! Yay!
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First. I thought this was from my Dad…and wondered how he knew about the fruit cup…
Second. Yup. Agented is one of those lingo terms used in the pub biz. Right along with slush pile. (shudder)
Third. Thanks! Hooray for the fruit cup!
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Hooray!!!!
If I could, I would write this in BIG BOLD turquoise Permanent Marker – hooray!!!!!
And, Ann, I am so glad you are taking non fiction now. ๐
Happy happy happy for you (both/all). We need coffee and cookies to celebrate!!!! ๐
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I love turquoise! Thanks, Denise!
Can we have some of your no-bakes? And happy Girl Scout creamer for our coffee?
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Yay!! Waa Hoo!!! Yippee!!!! Fantabulous!! Stupendous!!
Yes… I am excited for you! And Ann will be so blessed to have you too!
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