YEEESSSSSSSS!
I just signed a contract with a literary agent yesterday afternoon. WOW! This is such a huge step in the process of getting my book published. I have been working so hard and it has taken so long to get here I am so happy to have finally signed with an incredible agent!
Now that I am represented we as a team will begin pitching publishers at the first of the year!!!!!
Sooooooooo for those of you that are not familiar with the process of pitching an agent……is excruciatingly long and painful! Here is a quick glance of how it works and what I have gone through to get to this point:
- You write a Query Letter, which is a 1-2 page overview of 1. the book 2. you and 3. why you’re the best person to write it. Now you might think that this sounds easy….but this is your only chance to get an agent interested in your project. It needs to be PERFECT, NO ERRORS, ENGAGING, HOOK THEM, BE SOMETHING THEY THINK THEY CAN SELL, SOMETHING THEY WANT TO SELL, etc. etc. etc. etc……
- Then you need a full book proposal – which is what they read IF they like your Query Letter. A proposal includes an in-depth, detailed summary of the book, markets, influences(ers), targets, audience(s), competitive landscape, author overview, promotions/PR, chapter summary and sample chapter. Whew! Yah this is about a 40 page document that needs to be PERFECT, NO ERRORS, ENGAGING, HOOK THEM, BE SOMETHING THEY THINK THEY CAN SELL, SOMETHING THEY WANT TO SELL, etc. etc. etc. etc……
- Then there is the actual manuscript – yah – the whole book baby!
Now what I have found is that in order to write the Query Letter you need to have the book proposal written…and before you can have the book proposal written you need the book written (or almost written). BECAUSE in order to summarize and sell the book, via your query letter and proposal, you need to know what your writing – your voice, your tone, your content, why your different than every other book out there, why you’re the only one to write this book, etc. etc. etc.
Crazy hugh?
So that brings us up to today – relieved and unbelievably proud that my work is strong enough to garner the attention of an agent and be offered a contract! It is exciting and so cool!
OMG – I HAVE AN AGENT!
Now all of my fabulous friends….I need you to spread the word about StylishShe and me! My blog, Facebook, twitter, blogfrog and website. I need to seriously increase my presence! Tell everyone you know about me!
I will continue to keep you all updated on my process and road to being a published author.
Tricia
Tricia Dubrow StylishShe www.StylishShe.com stylishshe.wordpress.com
