Agented!

If you've been following me around from newsletter to newsletter, you know I've been seeking representation for a long time, starting way back with a superhero romance series, back when I didn't really understand how to query. Time passed, an independent publisher (Extasy Books) accepted the first two contemporary romance books I'd ever written after I'd queried them for a while. Then I queried Anoymously Ever After and then my newest book. It's been a nearly a year, and finally, finally, I'm pleased to announce that I've signed a contract for representation by Ivanka Dimitrova of Olswanger Literary!

There have been many frustrations, a lot of tears and bouts of serious self-doubt, and a few moments of "why am I bothering" along my querying journey, and it's a good thing that of my many traits (good and bad), my stubborness is stronger than my inner critic. As my friend Lee Ann Ward (of Writing Away Refuge) has said, there's a reason they call it the "querying trenches." I felt pretty battered and bruised for the effort. Having said that, Ivanka is going to be a passionate advocate for my work, and I could not be happier to have her support during this next phase of my writing career. Seriously--I'm still doing a happy dance two weeks or so after she offered to represent me.

Yes, I've been sitting on this (mostly sitting, anyway) for that long. But now I'm official, I've signed the contract, and I'm ready to do the work that comes next. This is my longtime dream. And I'm so grateful for you to have gone on this long, strange trip with me so far.

I also have to emphasize that without Writing Away Refuge, with its courses, master classes, workshops, and live pitching weekends, I don't think this would have happened for me. If you're a writer and you're querying agents, do check out this organization.

I'll definitely keep posting about my progress on my latest projects, news on the submissions front, and other cool stuff that isn't about me (like books and movies, or Catsanova, the Maine coon who runs the house--he's infinitely interesting. Just ask him).

With so much love and gratitude,

Karen