December 20, 2007 | DA Series, The 4-1-1 on Me, Writing Movements
I’ve noticed lately that my posts seem to consist of weekend wrap-ups. Sorry ’bout that. I’ve been meaning to post about other stuff (like the fact that JAMIE LYNN SPEARS IS PREGNANT AT 16!), but I’ve been frantically cleaning up the first 50 pages and the synopsis of DA Book One to submit to The Editorial Department contest. The grand prize isn’t money, but a full MS edit. My intention was to start revising Book One next year anyway. I’m going to try and get it done for free. I was going to go with this company anyway because, if you visit the website, you’ll see the special program they have.
I was pretty much sold.
The contest ends on the 22nd and I found out about it last week. It’s been going on since Nov 1st. Wish I’d known about it way back when or I would’ve started on it way back when. Anyhow, my Dad’s been helping me with something and the more leg work I’m doing, the more I’ve been thinking..
Do I really want that book deal?
It’s going to get me an advance and space on a shelf. Annnnnd that’s about it. As a new, unknown author, I’ll still be responsible for marketing and promoting. I won’t get a check for years (not until I make back that advance, anyway) and the what if’s are killing me:
What if they only want the one book?
What if the series never sells?
What if they only want three books and I have more?
What if I don’t like the book cover design? I’m obsessed about that and I don’t know if I can ever let that go.
I had every intention of getting Book One edited next year and starting the whole agent submission process all over again. I even bought the 2008 Guide to Literary Agents and dog-eared some pages, but…
I guess I’m having third and fourth thoughts now. I went back and forth on this issue whole “traditional route” last year: I’m gonna do it. Now I’m not. Now I am. And I did. But this thing my Dad is helping me with is making me excited about the new direction I’m taking and it’s stirring up some thoughts. I’m feeling….I dunno.
I just…
I just don’t think I want it as badly as I once did.
Technorati Tags: The Editorial Department, 2008 Guide to Literary Agents
