Ok, I know I just posted, but I’m still amazed, so I want to share more fully with you what happened today.

The past few weeks, I’ve spent some time rewriting my first chapter of Ghost in the Park. I’ve known for some time that the first chapter was weak, but it took some advice from a writing buddy to give my brain the jog it needed to figure out what to do with it. The chapter is still weak, but it is much improved.

Then, last week, I did some major work on my query letter, with the help of the great folks at my favorite writing forum, Absolute Write’s Water Cooler. Posted the new version, got some great feedback. Some of it I agreed with, some I didn’t, but all was helpful. The ever wonderful and supportive fiancé, Brian, also added his two cents, which was super helpful, as he’s read the entire book.

Yesterday, I sent out a total of four queries, to agents vetted for legitimacy and coolness. This morning I got the first full request from agent A, requesting a 7-8 week exclusive read. That’s long, but not unheard of. I balked at the length and offered 4, but Agent A stuck to their guns. Agent A also took the time to email back and forth with me, explaining their process and answering questions. I was impressed by both their candor and willingness to take the time to explain. In short, I like how they talked to me. If they are willing to take this much time with someone not even in the process yet, they must be awesome with their clients. Feeling less nervous, I accepted the long exclusive read.

Then fifteen minutes later, I received a request for the full from Agent B, and had a micro heart attack! It happens. I emailed Agent B back, explained the exclusive I had out, and asked if I could send the ms when it was over. Agent B said yes, and asked to be kept in the loop. Yay for Agent B! Some agents just say no thanks, and give up on you when you tell them you have another agent interested. Not my intrepid Agent B!

Now, none of this means I’ll get signed. And I still think the first chapter and the query letter need some fine tuning. But sending out 4 queries and getting 2 requests for fulls tells me I am on the right track.

So, my fellow writers, never give up, never surrender!

This pic is from a number of years ago when it flooded in my neighborhood. That man is boating in the middle of the street. Seemed appropriate.