At any rate, I have news. Oh, yes, good news. I took leave to attend the absolutely amazing Romance Writers of America's Writer's Conference in Anaheim and had the best time ever. It's Disney World for romance writers, without a doubt. I thought I'd died on the way there and landed myself in heaven--met tons of new people, fan-girled over fav authors, met blog and Twitter buddies, learned a lot about craft and publishing, and came home with over $1500 in free books, mostly autographed. Wow. That's all. Just WOW. Go, if the opportunity arises for you. That is my advice :)
While there, I met the smart, wonderful, fabulous Nalini Akolekar of Spencerhill. It might have been my last minute scramble to get to my meeting with her on time, but I was so at ease with her, I didn't even need to hold my crutch (heh--my note cards). I felt really good about her. So we emailed back and forth a few times, and then I got The Call. And just like that, I am now represented by Nalini. Okay, well, no one ever said when the call came it would last an hour! But it was one fantastic, giddy hour, and if you've gotten the call before, you know what I mean. Did I forget to say it's like winning the lottery (and nearly as difficult)??? I think it multiplies your chances exponentially to meet agents face to face.
So what do you think? Are conferences effective, worth the price if you can swing it? Have you had more editor attention than agent interest like I have?
*PS, I have more good news, but it must wait until I have more information. Plus I have greatly missed being able to get on here and keep up with everyone. Glad to be back. Again...
Hey Angela!! You have an agent now? Congratulations! And sorry about the exile, but glad you're back now.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I think landing an agent more than makes up for your exile and incomplete A to Z. Congratulations, Angela! And welcome back to the land of electronic gadgets! (I like to go off the grid myself at times, but at least I get to choose when.)
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've read from agents, they're much more likely to request pages or offer representation to authors they've met at conferences rather than through the slush. If I ever finish this novel, that'll the route I take.
Congratulations on your agent Angela!!!! WOOT!!!
ReplyDeleteI came home from RWA National with an agent too!!! It's definitely worth attending!
Lisa :)
Congratulations on landing an agent!
ReplyDeleteNow you're just a few years away from being published. :D
In all seriousness, I wish you nothing but the best with your agent and hopefully you can land a publisher toot sweet.
I actually tried the agent route while I was querying my novel, but because of the subject matter (adult fantasy/borderline erotica) I don't think I would've found any takers for it.
Fortunately I found a small-to-medium sized publisher and so far, things are going good. Come check it out when you get a free moment.
I envy you going to a writer's convention. As a harried rare blood courier, I will never get to go. And congratulations on getting an agent!! I have never gotten the call. You are right: face to face is an edge in getting an agent I believe.
ReplyDeleteThank you for tweeting about THE LEGEND OF VICTOR STANDISH. It meant the world to me after Hurricane Isaac and getting hit while on foot by a runaway car! You made my evening! :-)
Thanks, everyone, for coming by and commenting! And thanks for all the well-wishes. I sent you all emails. I'm very lucky to have such great blog buddies :)
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