In the months since April 2009, when I attended the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference (blogged about here), my historical novel, Kindred, has been sitting on several agents’ desks. I’ve spent most of the past year waiting to see if one of these agents who showed interest in the first few chapters would fall in love with Ian and Seona, my characters (I’ve been doing a lot more as well, but the waiting thing has been going on in the background all the while).
As part of the agent hunting process, later in the year I entered Kindred in the Audience with an Agent Contest, held by the writers of the Novel Matters blog, all represented by Books and Such Agency. To my delight, agent Wendy Lawton chose Kindred as the winner of that contest and in December of 2009 requested the entire manuscript. I continued waiting (there is a lot of waiting involved in this writing journey, especially considering I began writing with the dream of being published back in 1991, before I knew what email was).
I’m happy to announce that the waiting (at least the For An Agent part) is over. After emailing back and forth on Tuesday of last week, on the following day, St. Patrick’s Day, Wendy Lawton telephoned me with an offer of representation. I’m usually not at my communicating best on the phone, but Wendy was warm and sweet and encouraging and immediately put me at ease.
And just in case it isn’t clear, I said “Yes,” to her offer. It’s all still sinking in, but my heart is so very full, and I’m excited and blessed to have the chance to work with Wendy and be a part of the Books and Such family.
Congratulations, Lori!! That is awesome news!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! This is huge. Now that you have an advocate for your work, the journey is so much less lonely. Here's to a great, long-term relationship and many contracts in your future.
Oh, Lori!!!!!! That is just wonderful! I'm so very happy for you. I'm one of the dancing bunnies!
Whoo-hoo! Big congrats, Lori!! What a blessing!
Oh Lori, that's fantastic news!! I am so thrilled. Can I join in the Snoopy dancing?
Woo-hoo to you:) So glad you're a fellow Bookie, dear friend! Can't wait to pick Kindred off the shelf…
Hey everyone! Come dance with me and the bunnies, sure. I love that little video, it's perfect. It makes me cry every time I watch it. Silly me.
I see a LOT more editing work in my future. In fact I've already started. Not even pneumonia can hold me back. 🙂
And again I say – huzzah!!! Rejoicing and dancing right along with you! :o)
Yay! And congratulations! I started writing my first novel a few months ago and hope to be published sometime in the distant future. I have enjoyed following and learning from your blog.
Congratulations, Lori! This is wonderful, wonderful news! 🙂
Welcome to the Books & Such family, Lori!! I'm thrilled for you.
Hey Lori – CONGRATULATIONS!! Welcome to the Books & Such family. 🙂 You're going to LOVE Wendy! She's a fabulous agent and a great person too.
All the best to you as she seeks to place your book!
~Jill
All us ladies at Novel Matters are dancing with you, Lori! WAHOOOOO!!! Many, many more blessings.
Thanks everyone for congrats and words of welcome. I feel blessed to have landed in this new place, and hope I don't make too many silly blunders as I learn a few new ropes.
Still trying to kick this pneumonia, meanwhile I've already jumped into another edit on Kindred, which is still a wee bit (cough) overlong to be shopped. There were times I never thought it could be as short as it is, yet here I am on my ninth edit and the words are still falling away.
I WILL learn not to overwrite.
I WILL learn not to overwrite.
I WILL learn….
Thrilled for you, Lori. Read your news over at Novel Matters.
Thanks Jeanne! I knew they meant to mention it on Monday, but wow… I was totally blown away, blessed and overwhelmed by their support and encouragement.
Oh, LORI!!! HURRAYYYYYYY! What a blessing….
Sherry from literary/writers/whatever it's called now 🙂
Sherry, all those names work for me. I still can't get used to Books & Writers Community (or whatever) and it's been years. It'll always be the Writers Forum.
And thank you!
Woo hoo! Snoopy dancing with you!!!! That's awesome, Lori!
Congratulations on signing with Wendy. That's great news, Lori.
Thank you Keli! And thanks for following my widdle ol' blog. 🙂