I’ve often said that finding an agent and publisher is just like dating. There may be times when you think you’ve found the ideal agent, but after months of waiting for his or her reply (including several follow-up e-mails on your part), you get the idea that the agent just isn’t into you.
When I found my agent, Carrie, I never had to question how she felt about my memoir. If agenting had The Rules, Carrie would be the model date, calling on a Tuesday for a Saturday night date.
Once we went into the submission phase, which means she sent my manuscript to editors at publishing houses, I didn’t know what to expect. Thank goodness Carrie was there to guide me through the process. We met with some rejection, but also encouraging praise for the story, and ended up rewriting the manuscript. When Stephanie Bowen at Sourcebooks sent Carrie an offer letter for GOOD CHINESE WIFE, I knew I’d found the perfect home for my memoir. I think I’m going to frame the letter; it was that amazing.
And while looking for an agent and editor can be likened to dating, I now compare the publishing process to having a baby. I’m about 9 months away from my publication date and have been working not just with my editor but also with the publicity department at Sourcebooks.
I feel like it’s still the early weeks of my pregnancy. In the months to come, I’ll release a new author website that will work well with my book cover. And sometime in the late winter, GOOD CHINESE WIFE will be available for pre-ordering.
Like any new mother, I’m not sure what to expect as my publication date nears. But I know it will be a major life event and one I’ll always remember.
Good luck Susan, will be looking forward to reading the process you’ll go through in publishing the book! I also wanted to be a writer since before I was even a teen, although my genre would be considered fictional sad love stories with Asian men/White women couples.
Thank you so much, Sveta! It’s never too late to be a writer. Your genre has a good market!
This is exciting! I am happy for you! Now I must keep my eyes peeled. I feel you write very well just by reading this blog.
Thank you so much for your very kind words, Eileen!
Good luck to you, Susan.
Thank you so much, Nicki!
That all sounds great – well done you!
Thank you! When I got the book deal, it was a good 16 months before my publication date. It’s hard to believe that 7 months have passed by this quickly!