Ode to Smish

I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to someone without whom I probably would have given up on my writerly dreams long ago, and that person is Smish.

I'm embarrassed to call myself a writer when I am unable to think up the perfect words to express my gratefulness for everything Smish has done for me, for everyone: the critiques, the monthly prompts, the support threads here, the fabulous contests, the bouncy cheerfulness and the all-around encouragement. You fabulous mod, you! You make this place so supportive and constructive.

And you got me an agent.

It still stuns me to write that sentence. I have an agent. This morning, I accepted representation from Molly Ker Hawn of the Bent agency.

Oh, crap, this should be an Ode To Everyone in the Writing for Children section of AW.

You ALL helped me get to this point. I have a character in the book I call the "Judy" character because Judy suggested I put a person in there and tell the story in dialog, instead of internal thoughts. Most of you have beta-read at least parts of my story in SYW, and many of you have read the whole thing.

So, thank you, everyone.

Thank you so much.

I know having an agent doesn't mean my book will sell. But it's further along this road than I ever hoped to be, so I'm thrilled. I know some of you are frustrated with the whole query process, and I have to say, there is nothing I've gone through that has kicked me to the ground more than querying. As I sat on my pile of rejections, looking down on my confidence as it got further and further away from me, I was fortunate to have people who told me not to give up. It only takes one.

I'm still stunned. And overwhelmed with gratitude. I think I'm going to cry now.

Thank you!!!

Joy, heza and Alessandra - Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Joy - I'm sure Smish is going to agree with you, but too bad, ha ha!

I was hesitant to post my depressing stats, but here goes:

I started querying this story much too early. I was buoyed by some really enthusiastic critiques, but I should have known it needed more polish. My first 12 queries came back as form "no"s. I got my first full request in March of last year (2011), which turned into an R with some nice notes. 7 more form "no"s followed. Then and R&R at the beginning of this year. Another full (which the agent never responded to, after her assistant totally gushed over the book - arg, that was frustrating). This pattern continues for many months. In total, I sent out 64 queries, had 13 no response, 11 full requests, three offers of rep, and now, an agent.

Thanks Ruth, bloodfiend, sissybaby and britwriter!

Sissy - I would like to see that dance. It couldn't be any worse than my own! My kids think I'm crazy.

Thanks spiral!!

Smish!!!!!!

MsJudy said:

Oh, Sheila, I'm so happy for you. I know how hard you've worked on your projects, and I'm thrilled you never quite gave up hope through that long uphill battle.

Can't wait to hear more good news soon! (glad I could help a little, too.)

You're also inspiring me to send out a few more queries soon--maybe the glad tidings will be contagious???

Click to expand...

Thanks Judy. And you were more helpful than just that one thing, too!

64!!!! I had a few more on my list, too! And it only takes one. Don't give up.

Thanks Kitty and Sage!

Sage - your enthusiasm really charged me up. Thank you so much for being an early beta. I can't tell you how helpful you were! Amazingly helpful.