About three weeks ago I lost my muse. I’ve spent the past few days trying to figure out where she went and had been unsuccessful until today. Guess what? She was right here the whole time. I know this because she told me so. Okay, you all think I am crazy, but it is true.
Why did I think my muse was lost? Because after finishing my first novel, “Taming the Heart”, I started my second. I got to the sixth chapter and discovered she was gone. I searched and searched and could not find her because she was still in book one. When I discovered this, I went back to the first book and—for the third time—started the edit and rewrite process. I received a strong impression that I need to get it ready to send off before I can continue with the rest of the three book series.
So . . . now I have been thinking about where to send it. At first I thought the LDS market would be the best place, but with all the rejections slips and news of publishing houses cutting back, I feel the national market would be the best place to start. The very thought of sending my baby out into the world makes me want to toss my cookies. I’ve had butterflies in my stomach for two days now. I don’t know whether to get an agent first or just dive right in and start sending my manuscript to publishers.
The other thing is, if I do get an agent in the national market and then decide to publish something in the LDS market, do I need two agents or will the one I get be able to negotiate both markets? Now the butterflies are in my head. UGH!
I guess I have a lot more research to do out there, but in the mean time . . . my muse has been found, been scolded for hiding from me and is well on her way to making my book a national success.
I know exactly how you feel when your muse goes AWOL. :) But mine stays away for months instead of days. Maybe because I give up looking for her too early?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, good luck with getting your manuscript ready and sent out! It is kind of terrifying, isn't it? And, most people don't have agents when working with the LDS market. So if you did get an agent, I'm sure they would be able to handle both if you wanted, or you could just go the LDS market alone.
By the way, I love how you have a pic. of the book you're reading on the sidebar of your blog. I might just steal that idea if you don't mind. :)
Don't you just hate it when your muse goes missing. Mine is usually under a pile of laundry (lol). Write for kids and your muse acts like one. Glad yours made a comeback.
ReplyDeleteThis is ohm so exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time, girl! I'm tempted to chew off my nails. hehe I feel your anxiety.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've read you are a wonderful writer and have a great style. Best wishes and luck from me!
I remember in the LDS Storymakers conference a few different instructors saying not to start any other books until you know the first one will be published-
due to the fact you probably need to give your attention back on the first one for re-writes and such for perfection but also why waste time on number 2 if number one may not sell?
But I think you're doing it the right way. You're 'letting out' book 2 as much as you can for now {voices in your head can't help but be spilled out} but going back to fine tune book 1 to make it even more perfect. Good job!
Also- I remember them talking about all this agent stuff in quite detail at the conference as well. I have a bad memory but what I understood was that you don't need an agent if you're in the LDS market since it's so small. If you're national you do. But you don't need to get an agent first. Just send out several manuscripts to different companies {reguardless if they want you to only submit one manuscript to one company at a time. You'll notice most of them will state that} and go from there once you get a contract. But DON'T SIGN the contract until you have an agent.
Try Little Brown Publishing. That's who published Twilight for Stephenie. Your series would be something they'd be interested in, I'd think.
Again, best wishes! I can't wait to read what happens next for Christine Bryant!
Get an agent for the national market but I don't think you'd need one for the LDS market unless they insist on representing you across the board. I'd think you could write it into your contract that anything you do on a more religious vein won't fall under their responsibility.
ReplyDeleteI ran across an agency, last night, that might interest you. email me if you want the web site.
kmittan48@yahoo.com