Secret Agent? Are You Kidding Me?

I'm pretty good at keeping secrets, even if it is extremely difficult sometimes. But this is something I just can't keep to myself. And even if I could, I definitely wouldn't want to. This is news I just have to share. If I don't, I think I'll burst. And that, folks, would not be pretty.

So.... deep breath...here goes...

I HAVE AN AGENT!

Yes, it's true. I am now represented by Terry Burns of Hartline Literary Agency.

I saw Terry at the ACFW conference but never officially met him - just said hi as we passed. I know of his wonderful reputation because a couple authors I know are represented by Terry and have attested to his greatness.

Upon returning from the conference in September, I sent Terry a full proposal of my manuscript, Mind over Madi. About a month later, he requested the full. Actually, that request came on December 6 - the day we celebrated Christmas with my side of the family. So Terry has had my full manuscript for almost two months.

Honestly, every day that passed, I was more convinced I would be rejected. I mean, please. Mind over Madi is the first manuscript I've ever submitted. I needed a few rejections under my belt to toughen me up, right? (Did I actually type that out loud?). I was mentally preparing myself for rejection (working on that self-confidence thing).

So when I saw the email from Terry come through on Saturday, I sat and stared at the computer for about two full minutes. I wanted to open it, but I didn't want to open it. I was in the middle of cleaning my house for an open house we had on Sunday and was in no mood for rejection.

I finally gathered the nerve, closed my eyes, and clicked on the email. When I opened my eyes and they actually focused on the words, I sat in shock.

He really loved the story and wanted to represent it. Represent ME.

WOW.

My sweet and observant daughter took note of my dazed and delirious state and she immediately called my husband in to share the news.

I have yet to sign the contract, but it all looks good so I expect it'll be official sometime this week.

Talk about humbly bowing before the Lord. God is so good and has opened more doors for me than I deserve. His grace, love, and favor never cease to amaze me.

I'm sure I have much work ahead of me but I am thrilled, honored, and slightly petrified, to be one step closer to my dream of becoming a published author.