A GOOD AGENT
A good agent is like a good spouse: always looking out for your best interests, there to balance out your weaknesses, one who cheers you on when you're down but who knows how to put her size five boots in your backside when necessary. I have an agent like that: Karen Solem. She's not for everyone because she doesn't pull her punches. But she is TIRELESS in her pursuit to work hard for me.
I had that brought home to me this week. The project she took me on for was a historical. Or as Robin Miller would say, a HYSTERICAL. LOL It had some suspense, some romance, some women's fiction things, and some true historical facts in it. It is set during the Revolutionary War, never a great period to sell in CBA, on a Maine lighthouse. But boy, did Karen try hard to place that! Back in 2000, she sent it everywhere. And everyone turned it down. So it's been sitting on her self for EIGHT, count 'em, EIGHT, years! She has a contact with a publisher who sells mass market books through CVS drugstores. Just on a whim, she sent Freedom's LIght to the editor. Who LOVED it and wanted to bring it out. We had to get permission from my publisher and I'll be using a pen name for it (because it's a bit out of my brand, being a historical,) but oh the vindication of finally selling that book! And vindication for Karen who always believed in that story. And a fresh reminder that my fabulous agent is my friend, my advocate, my butt kicker. LOL
I reread the book for corrections and was amazed to discover I still love the story after all these years. But it brought home to me that if you're a writer you can NEVER quit. Be like Churchill and determine to NEVER give in to doubt and fear. Never, never, never. It took me seven years to get my first offer on a book. I'll never forget the day I found out Barbour wanted to publish
Where Leads the Heart. I screamed so loudly the cat hid under the bed and wouldn't come out for hours. For days, he flattened his ears if I came near. LOL Those seven years of holding fast to the dream were worth it. And this wait was worth it. It might not be a lot of money and few people will know it's my book, but I know. And Karen knows.
Give me a tough, tenacious woman like Karen every time. If you're looking for an agent, don't settle for just anyone who offers to represent you. Find the right agent for YOU. She/he is out there. Don't give in until you find the partner who will go to the mat for you. If you're not a writer, find a friend like that. One who is there through rain and shine, mud and snow.
Thanks, Karen. Oh that your tribe might increase!
How about you? Do you have a dream that you've been afraid to voice? Or even to think about too long? Find someone to come alongside you and encourage you. I would never have made it without my husband and kids. They're still my wonderful cheerleaders. Follow that dream. Hold it tight. See what doors God will kick open for you. But you have to take that first step.
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18 Comments:
Congrats, Colleen, on the sale and on snagging a great agent.
I posted this question to the loop, too, but I have to know: Do you kill anybody in this one?
Melanie J.
Sooooo.... if it's a PEN NAME how do we get our hands on it when searching for "Colleen Coble Historical Novel" doesn't bring it up? ;)
OH!! OH!! BTW!! I finally got Anethema into my Dad's hands. Too Funny. Apparently, he's not doing anything around the house but reading it! LOL Loves it. So, you have another convert from the male genre.
Thanks for the inspiration this morning. Did u know I needed that?!
Jaime, you mean Abomination? Or did you get an early copy of Anathema? It's shipping in a couple of weeks. Whoohoo!
Melanie, of course there's a death! More than one, in fact. LOL
Jaime, I went to your site, and we totally have to have an espresso slamming contest and see who is less jittery! Can you do it before bed, huh? Huh?
Colleen,
That sounds like my kind of book! Any hints as to your pen name so we can be on the look out? Initials at least?
Your advice on agents is so true of any person who we hold in high regard. It's always a good idea to have someone fighting for you and to be accountable to - in work and in life. :D
You girls have no patience! LOL The pen name is Colleen Rhoads. The book will be available in CVS stores sometime in the summer. I'll keep you posted!
Can't wait to read this one and find out who dies in it! LOL. And the pen name Colleen Rhodes: very classy. Sounds like a historical author.
My dream is... becoming a writer! God willing, it'll happen someday. For now I'm pressing forward...
Don't give up, Gracie! Keep working at it. Read books in your genre, read books on writing and network with other writers. Stay strong!
Thanks for the encouragement, Colleen. The reading and learning isn't as hard as the actual writing, but with God's grace I'll make it. : )
Wow! I love love love the Revolutionary War period. Why is that a hard period for CBA? Personally, I can't stand reading anything about the Civil War. I just want to toss it across the room for some reason. Anyway, I will be looking in CVS for it!
My dream is also to become a writer. I think if that happened I would be the happiest person alive.
Oh yeah. Duh. Abomination. :) That's what I meant (you can see what I'm truly anticipating - Anethema!) :)
Kristin, LOL, I used to slam espressos "before bed" and then my bedtime would turn into 3 AM and I suddenly became caffiene-induced ADHD!! Haven't tried it lately because all my espresso buddies deserted me! :) Let me know the time and place and we can go for it! LOL
You're on Jaime. We can have a slumber party and bring our PJs and give manicures!! Why does that still sound so fun?
One time my BFF went with me to a fancy spa where I won a weekend in college. It was at a winery and they provided a bottle of wine and she and I drank some with a bag of Doritos because we couldn't afford anything from Room Service. ROFLOL
Okay, I know this was serious about good agenting. Sorry. Lost myself.
Yeah, Colleen! How great!!
Rachel
Congratulations, Colleen!
I'm a little curious about your pen name. The first name I get, but the last name is a mystery. Care to share?
Blessings,
Beth
Hooray Colleen! I love to hear about tenacity and success. Sounds like you do have the right agent in your corner. My dream is getting our childrens story published. My husband and I wrote it together. What a blast.
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