Monday, February 1, 2010

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.

28 comments:

Mia said...

Wow, congratulations! That's so amazing :)

Herself said...

Congratulations, Lynda!

Sandra Heska King said...

Awesome, Lynda! Congratulations.

Yvonne Blake said...

Yay Lynda!!!

That is SUPER DUPER GREAT!

Terri Tiffany said...

WHOOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!! I am soooooo happy for you! I feel like I have watched your amazing process and to read this just fills my heart with excitement for you!!! I remember the name of that story too:))

Faith said...

Congratulations!!! That's wonderful news. What a way to start off the year!

Julie Arduini said...

LYNDA!!!!! This is fabulous and just another confirmation you are truly on the Write Track. I can't wait to see what happens next. Congrats!!!

Dara said...

I know I've said this on Facebook but congrats! I'm so happy for you :) I love reading about my friends getting offers of representation.

Jan Cline said...

Oh Lynda, sooooo happy for you. What a thrill. It's so nice to have our hard work recognized.

Cindy R. Wilson said...

That is sooo exciting--and such a wonderful agent, too! Congratulations :D

quietspirit said...

Lynda:
CONGRATULATIONS! I hope this will be a good relationship.

Karen Lange said...

Congratulations! What wonderful news; I'm excited for you:)
Blessings,
Karen

Debbie Dillon said...

Oh, that is SO exciting! Congratulations to you - you've worked so hard and for so long to get where you are. What an awesome achievement!

Coleene VanTilburg said...

How could you not share this news. Wow, such a blessing! Things just have been going great for you. I wish you all the best of everything, you have worked hard! your FW friend, Coleene

Jody Hedlund said...

Awesome, Lynda! Congrats!!

joe doaks-Author said...

I'm a "drop by" from Terri's blog.

This is great news and well deserved. Now, go out there and make a career of it! Good job.

Best Wishes Galen.
Imagineering Fiction Blog

Vickie said...

Hi Lynda, I am dropping by from Terri's blog to say congratulations. I am very happy for you. Great news. Hope it all works out well.

Blessings,
Vickie

Heckety said...

Terri sent us lot over to congratulate you!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Well done to you!! And all the best in the time to come!

Tana said...

HUGE congrats! Terry is great, you are very lucky!!!!

Elana Johnson said...

Congratulations!! Such exciting news. :)

Jennifer Shirk said...

Wonderful news!! You must be over the moon! Congrats!!

Susan said...

Your news was so awesome, Lynda!!! How absolutely wonderful for you. I send you many kudos and a hearty congratulatory hug! Sincerely, Susan from writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Lynda, this is awesome news. I'm so happy for you!! Be sure to share the rest of this journey with all us bloggers.

Jessica Nelson said...

Lynda, that's so exciting! My crit partner is repped by him too and I've heard nothing but good things about him.
I feel like I've heard or judged your story somewhere, and liked it. Congrats!

Lillian Robinson said...

A little birdie told me your news, so I had to pop over and congratulate you. Awesome news!

Carmen said...

Congratulations Lynda! I'm so excited for you. I hopped over from Terri Tiffany's blog (love that name).

Clementine said...

How wonderful! Congratulations Linda! I heard the news over at Terri Tiffany's blog.

Diane said...

Just heard the great news from Terri. So exciting! :O)

www.dianeestrella.com