Let me just start by saying that my query experience with my second book was night and day from querying my first. (And by night and day, I mean the 20 hour Alaskan Winter Solstice night versus the 20 hour Alaskan Summer Solstice day).
What I learned from querying Book #1 will fill several posts (all soon-to-come!), so this one will cover how I found and ended up signing with the fabulous Marlene Stringer.
Here’s my timeline:
October 2010: I started the first draft of THEODORA: THE SECRET HISTORY, urged on by an opening line blog contest.
May 2011: To the Revision Cave, Batman! I knew I wanted to enter the Baker’s Dozen Auction at Miss Snark’s First Victim so everything had to be ready by December 2011.
November 7: My logline and first 250 words were accepted as MSFV!
December 6: The bidding war on THEODORA at MSFV! Woohoo!
January 3, 2012: I sent my query to Marlene. I would have queried her sooner since she was at the top of my agent wish-list, but she was closed to queries through the holidays.
January 4: Marlene requested the full. She wrote, “You had me at Istanbul.” (How cool is that?!)
January 11: I received the email requesting “The Call.” (Cue much re-reading of email and an Egyptian happy dance!!!)
All told, I sent 21 queries for Theodora with 8 requests. Before Marlene and I spoke, we were emailing stories back and forth about our visits to Istanbul. I’m beyond thrilled to have an agent who really “gets” my work!
And now we need to celebrate! Amid the craziness of the last two weeks (I’m talking EPIC craziness, people), I’ve put together two writerly prizes to say thank you to this amazing blogging community. I never would have been able to keep at this had it not been for all of you out there!
Writerly Prize #1
– A QUERYTRACKER PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP
– The Pocket Muse: Endless Inspiration by Monica Wood
– Publish This Book: A Premature Memoir by Stephen Markley
– Alaska Wild Fireweed Honey (great on cheese platters!)
Writerly Prize #2
– A QUERYTRACKER PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP (Compliments of Patrick at Querytracker. Thanks, Patrick!)
I seriously don’t know how I would have kept my sanity while in the query trenches had it not been for Querytracker’s ability to see each agent’s individual requests and response times, a super cool feature of the Premium Membership. (It’s kind of like stalking, but not as creepy).
How to Enter
1. Leave a comment on this post.
Seriously. That’s it. The contest will close Sunday, February 12th at 11:59PM. International entries are welcome!
Thank you again to everyone for your warm wishes–you guys are the best!
Great story. So happy for you, but I knew I would be seeing your books out there. Fingers crossed you will get a deal soon.
You had me from the first line!!
I'm so excited you found someone who loves this book as much as it deserves.
Wow! What a journey. So happily envious.
Many blessings to you and your new agent, Stephanie!
I'm soooo happy for you and love this telling of your journey.
did you really mean to close the contest on yesterday's date?
Again, congratulations. It's very exciting.
Good catch Tricia! I meant to end the contest NEXT Sunday. Oops!
Congrats to you! Querytracker is completely awesome.
A great way to find your agent, especially one that really gets your work. Yay! Congratulations.
I love reading the publishing timelines and journeys of other writers. They're all so different and wonderful.
Your happiness shines through. I'm still thrilled for you. 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! What an awesome match. She will definitely do your books right. 🙂
Glad to be entered…I'm about to query for my THIRD agent. Oh, the importance of finding the right match! I could really use a Querytracker membership right now so I've got my fingers crossed that the randomizer gods are on my side.
Thrilled for you! You must be on Cloud 9. Can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve for the next couple novels.
AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Stephanie! O-M-G!!!! How did I miss this news??? And MARLENE STRINGER!!!!!!!!! Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!! I am full of monster-sized happiness for you — truly!!!! WOO-HOOOOOOOOOO! 🙂
Congrats! I am really interested in your story/book on hatshepsut…..she and I have a lot in common 😉 look forward to your continued success.
Congrats! I am really interested in your story/book on hatshepsut…..she and I have a lot in common 😉 look forward to your continued success.
Super fun to read about your happy news and timeline. It's awesome that you two hit it off like that! 🙂
Congrats again! I'm so happy for you!
Awesome, Awesome Agent News! Congratulations!
I can only imagine how over the moon you must be. I hope to start querying this summer, so can't wait to learn what you did different between book #1 and book #2. 🙂
PS. I follow you on Twitter…sure hope you're feeling better.
Wow, what a great story for you! Glad it's working out so well:) Keep us posted:)
Having read a big chunk of The Secret History, I'm so glad you found someone who gets it and has that same love for Istanbul that you do. Best of luck to you always!
Congratulations and best of luck to you for the rest of this journey 🙂
That's awesome! It's great to hear how well the two of you 'clicked'! Still doing that happy dance for you!!! 🙂
Wow, what a great contest! And thank you for sharing your story. I just love reading about happy endings!