Editor says...'we should talk'

Christine N. · Jan 15, 2011

Okay here's the sitch:

I met an editor at a major house (this guy is an editor for one of the most prolific and well-loved children's authors IN THE WORLD)while at a writer's conference last year. I gave an unintended pitch over lunch. He gave me his card, said 'please submit'. Okay, so I send the three chapters, etc... He was just being polite, right? He'll reject it, right?

A few months later he emails and says "I want to read the rest, please send it." Okay, so he's intrigued, but it's a really LONG SHOT. Right?

Today, he contacts me on FB (we're friends) and says "We should talk soon. Next week?"

So now I'm freaking out, just a little. Believe me, I don't want to get ahead of myself - he could just be giving me an extremely polite letdown, since we're not just anonymous writer/editor. I got an extremely nice and highly detailed rejection letter last week from an agent who had the full manuscript. I mean, as rejections go, this was pure gold. As far from form letter as you can get.

BUT, since he's putting a time on it, I'm thinking he might want to actually, yanno, CALL me.

This still could be nothing, right?

But let's say it's not (so I'm still freaking out). What do I ask? How do I not come over like a nervous idiot? Like I said, I have met him IRL before, so he's not a total stranger, but I need some advice on the most important things I should ask him.

Going to throw up now. Thanks for any and all advice!

Daddyo · Jan 15, 2011

I think it is quite okay to come across as nervous...maybe not as an idiot...but nervous would be quite normal. He wants to talk, so let him talk. Just be ready with answers about your work. See where it goes from there.

Perks · Jan 15, 2011

I don't want to fuel your freakout, but that doesn't sound like the leadup to a rejection to me.

keep us posted!

suki · Jan 15, 2011

If it were me...I'd keep an open mind and commit to nothing.

He may be calling to say many things - from a polite let down to an offer, and lots of options in between.

For example, he could want to say he's passing on this project but wants to know what else you have/ask to see things in the future.

He could want to ask for possible revisions - and then you listen, and tell him you'll think about them. To give you a chance to consider them not on the spot.

If he is actually making an offer or intending to make an offer, if it were me, I'd tell him I was interested but would like an agent to negotiate the contract. If he's legit, he'll understand. And then you email your top 10 or so agents you haven't queried yet, with a subject line OFFER FROM XYZ PUBLISHER - and tell them in the email you have an offer but want representation.

Or, you can get a literary attorney instead, to review the contract. That's up to you. For me, I'd think a legit agent can negotiate enough more in advance to cover their cut, and they will almost certainly get you a better contract than you will get if you are unrepresented.

That's what I would do.

So, you may have some decisions to make. Hopefully.

But, he may also be calling to pass, ask for other projects or ask for revisions - so, don't completely count on it yet.

Good luck

~suki

Christine N. · Jan 15, 2011

Suki, thanks for bringing me to earth!! All of those are possibilities. I'm trying to prepare for anything.

Unfortunately my top choice agent was the one who passed last week. And when I say this was the NICEST rejection letter ever, I mean it. There was so much she loved, but a few weak spots. If this editor would like similar revisions, I will probably do it, because I can see the point. None would change the essential story, just shore up some weaknesses.

Thank you. I would not commit to anything immediately (and yes, he is definitely legit. He's from a big six house, well known, which completely blows my mind. It blew my mind that he even wanted the full - this 'talk' request is better than anything I could have hoped for) and will definitely ask for time to find an agent should the unbelievable come to pass.

Good advice

Let's see if I have any fingernails left by the time this call actually happens.

suki · Jan 15, 2011

Christine N. said:
Suki, thanks for bringing me to earth!! All of those are possibilities. I'm trying to prepare for anything.

Unfortunately my top choice agent was the one who passed last week. And when I say this was the NICEST rejection letter ever, I mean it. There was so much she loved, but a few weak spots. If this editor would like similar revisions, I will probably do it, because I can see the point. None would change the essential story, just shore up some weaknesses.

Thank you. I would not commit to anything immediately (and yes, he is definitely legit. He's from a big six house, well known, which completely blows my mind. It blew my mind that he even wanted the full - this 'talk' request is better than anything I could have hoped for) and will definitely ask for time to find an agent should the unbelievable come to pass.

Good advice Let's see if I have any fingernails left by the time this call actually happens.

If the agent who passed last week left any bit of door open - ie, she'd be willing to see it again if you revised - then I'd go back to her if you get an offer. If it was a plain old pass, with no door left open, then move on. And then query others on your list with the offer if she passes.

~suki

Jamesaritchie · Jan 15, 2011

I doubt there's much of anything you need to ask him until after you hear what he has to say. He may want to talk about change sin your manuscript, and at this point you'll know what to ask. He may even want to make an offer, and then you'll know what to ask.

At any rate, you'll probably be answering questions, rather than asking them, and the ones you do need to ask will be based on whatever he has to say.

Christine N. · Jan 15, 2011

Good point James. Thanks.

Astronomer · Jan 15, 2011

Christine, I don't know what to tell you, but please keep us posted. Here's hoping for every success.

Nen · Jan 15, 2011

I have zero advice, I just wanted to say this sounds so exciting and awesome. You worked very hard, and people are paying attention.
Best wishes!

CACTUSWENDY · Jan 15, 2011

WTG, fingers Xed for you.

(I would be peeing my pants by now.)

Christine N. · Jan 15, 2011

Yeah, I'm holding it in. If nothing else, this is the absolute farthest I've ever gotten with any manuscript.

But I'm trying not to let myself get too crazy

richcapo · Jan 15, 2011

Take a shit (seriously) and a Xanax a half hour before you meet with him. That's the best advice I can give. If you have no Xanax, engage in some activity that calms your nerves. I have no idea what that might be for you, but I suggest you get a grip on the situation, shake the nervousness out, clean up if you made a mess, and wash your hands afterward. And, yes, I'm being serious here, too. This is a huge moment for you, so do whatever it takes to be relax. Be inconspicuous about it, though. Don't shake his hand reeking of pot or anything silly like that.

Congratulations and good luck.

_Richard

thothguard51 · Jan 15, 2011

No matter how it goes, (and I do hope it goes well), something good will come out of this, IMHO...

Christine N. · Jan 16, 2011

Thanks! The call is set for Friday afternoon, so I have all week to worry about it

I'm going with revision notes at this point, so I don't make myself completely nuts all week.

Elaine Margarett · Jan 16, 2011

Think about your golden rejection from the agent.

It's possible any problems/issues pointed out in that rejection are things the editor also sees as potential areas for revision. If the editor brings any of those things up, it won't be the first time you've heard it and you can be prepared to WOW him with your insight and ability to grasp what he's suggesting.

Good luck!!

Christine N. · Jan 16, 2011

Thanks Elaine! That's what I was thinking - that maybe he sees some of the same things, and I have all week to consider how I feel about them. One place in particular I know I need to tweak, so if he mentions that I can say I've considered it.

On the other hand, it never ceases to amaze me how what one person doesn't like, another never mentions. He may have a whole other list! LOL. The agent asked for the full after ten pages, then found weaknesses in the next ten pages. The editor had three chapters, then asked for the full after reading those three chapters, so maybe that same thing didn't bother him at all.

And it's good that I've been starting to work out the plot for a companion book, in case he asks

.

This is the only business where I think you can sometimes count being unsuccessful as a victory.

PinkAmy · Jan 16, 2011

Christine N. said:
Thanks! The call is set for Friday afternoon, so I have all week to worry about it I'm going with revision notes at this point, so I don't make myself completely nuts all week.

If your luck is like mine, he'll take a long weekend

. I've been following your thread because aside from hoping things work out for you, I am also the most impatient person I know. The querying process is taking me on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

Christine N. · Jan 16, 2011

LOL! No, he picked the time, so hopefully we'll connect with no problem.

Perks · Jan 16, 2011

Christine N. said:
I'm going with revision notes at this point, so I don't make myself completely nuts all week.

That's smart and much more disappointing things could happen that revision notes.

I'll look forward to hearing!

Diana W. · Jan 16, 2011

Good luck! And whatever happens, let us know how it went.

dgaughran · Jan 17, 2011

And don't forget to prepare yourself for questions he might ask you - like the next few projects you have in mind and so on, and best of luck!

c2ckim · Jan 17, 2011

Good Luck! This sounds promising for you. I hope it works out for you.

Christine N. · Jan 17, 2011

Thanks, Dgaughran, I will have to remember that. I need to work on putting some more plot together, since I do have a companion book I've been working on. I have character sheets, setting research, and at least the first scenes mapped out. And I have at least one other book that's been brewing in my head for awhile.

Thanks c2ckim

Stewart · Jan 17, 2011

This sounds really great, Christine. Don't forget to allow yourself to be human. You can tell him you're nervous, for example. Main thing is probably to just speak clearly, naturally, friend to friend style. If he's interested as he says, there will always be other chances for more conversations in the future. I think you're past the tipping point now, can ride it without fear, and just be yourself (as best as you're able, under the circumstances).

Life is a series of trapeze swings, right? You've let go of one bar are reaching for the next. That's living!
Congratulations.

Editor says...'we should talk'

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