Bridget requested my full 5-2012. Last September, we spoke on the phone where she requested an exclusive revision. Basically, she asked me to re-write the second half of my book! The re-write took six months to complete. We spoke again 4-2013. She requested a few more changes to make the book more marketable (which took only a few weeks). During our third phone call (this month), she offered to represent the book, and I accepted.
Her conduct over the phone was highly professional. While she was always polite and very nice, she stayed focused on communicating what she thought would improve the book, which is absolutely what I wanted to hear.
While at first, I was also surprised by the marketing statement, the more I thought about it, the more I appreciated being asked for this input. Who knows our books better than us? I spent a long time imagining my readers, and I enjoyed writing their names down: Mom, Dad...
After I received the contract, I sent her a page of questions which she responded to fully. She wasn't flustered or put off by any one of them, even though some were pretty tough. While I already felt very drawn to her because of the editorial guidance she gave me, her knowledgeable manner during our phone calls, and her prompt e-mail replies, her pleasant and satisfying responses to these questions spoke volumes.
It wasn't an easy route. I sometimes thought the re-writes would kill me! But I'm thrilled with the result, and in the long process, became convinced that Bridget has the unique combination of background, personality, and ability to best represent my book.
