On December 8th, 2022, I received an email from my agent simply stating, “Give me a call when you can. I have news.”
Cue the pounding heart and injection of adrenaline.
When I called her a nanosecond later, she shared the amazing news with me. An editor with Flux Books loved my book and wanted to run an edit letter by me to ensure our visions aligned before she took my book to acquisitions (discussed my book with her publishing house and made the final decision whether they would publish it or not). The edit letter she had for me was filled with compliments and appreciation for not only my writing, but specific emphasis on the themes in my book. It filled me with so much joy because she GOT IT. I don’t think I can even explain the thrill I felt that an editor understood my vision. Not only that, but the constructive feedback she did have was so on point. The dwindling flame that had been left of my inspiration ignited with her editorial letter. I could not WAIT to begin working on my book again.
We had a zoom meeting to talk over the edits and went back and forth on a few ideas. What I appreciated so much was that she didn’t steamroll my vision. While I was on board with most of her edits, there still were a few points/characters we didn’t quite see eye to eye on. She encouraged me to explain a little more and she actually listened, agreeing to focus on other edits to help sharpen my vision rather than change it. I knew then she was the editor for me.
Working with a literary agent and then later an editor is an important relationship. You’re partners. The respect should be mutual. If you’re scared to discuss differing creative opinions for fear of retribution, you’re not in a healthy working relationship. As a writer you’re bringing your heart and soul to the table with your story. The people you choose to work with should never steamroll your vision or ideas with their own. They are there to help support you by bringing their expertise in to elevate your story.
That zoom meeting sealed the deal for me. I knew I wanted Meg as my editor and was so freaking grateful for my agent, Michelle, and all the work she did bringing us together. To give you an idea, October 26, 2021 was when I went on submission (my agent pitched/sent my book to editors and their publishing houses hoping they would fall in love and buy it). For over a year I waited to hear back from editors while Michelle adjusted my list, pitched to new editors, did everything she could to give my book a fighting chance. She believed in my book and encouraged me to hang in there.
Fun Fact: My optimism and enthusiasm had totally plummeted after being on submission for over a year with only rejections to show for it and so I asked Michelle for a pep talk. We had a nice zoom meeting and I kid you not….a week later… A WEEK…we got the email from my editor saying she was interested. Like what even is this life? lol
People in the book industry know that publishing more or less shuts down for the holidays. So while I was given the amazing news that Meg loved my book December 8th and would be taking it to acquisitions, I had to wait until January 6th before I received an official offer. A WHOLE MONTH! I was dying the whole time.
Thank God it all worked out and the rest of Flux fell in love with THE LAMPLIGHTER, as well.
For the next few months my agent went back and forth negotiating with Flux on my behalf until we officially accepted their offer and signed the contract on April 3rd. While that was going on, I got to surprise my family and friends with my amazing news, while keeping it secret from the rest of the world (and chomping at the bit to be able to share the announcement). I filmed everyone’s reaction in part because I thought it would be fun for others to see it like a quirky version of a pregnancy announcement (it is my book baby after all). But also, because I wanted to show people how it really does take a village to continue fighting for your dreams. Yes, I’m doing all the work. I’m writing the books, creating worlds and characters, and putting it all together in a cohesive manner to share with others. To entertain, entrance, beguile, what have you. But there were many times I wanted to give up. I pushed through crippling doubt, tears, anger, and grief for years. When my loved ones checked in, asked how the writing was going, encouraged me, showed interest, asked to read…it meant the world to me and kept me going. Truly.
I’m so excited to be able to share THE LAMPLIGHTER with readers. It honestly is a piece of my heart and I hope if you read it that it helps you forget about the here and now. That you find yourself falling victim to the intrigue and intensity of the roots, shadows, and fog of Warbler Seaport.
May you eventually find your way out of the fog when you’re done, though. See that tiny flame flickering in the darkness?
Follow it. Never give up on it.
THE LAMPLIGHTER will be available for purchase Spring 2024 (14 years after I began this crazy journey into publishing). I promise to post updates as they come. Thank you for reading this second part of my publishing story.
If you’d like to see one of the videos, click HERE to see me telling my writing group about my publishing news.