The Other Side of the Line

You never know what's coming right around the bend.

For those of you who are working on a goal you're afraid will never pan out, I hope this strikes home. Today I read a post from an author who just got signed with her literary agent. She spoke about months and months of putting her stuff out there and receiving either no or little feedback--most of it terribly demoralizing. Then, suddenly she got "the email." (Followed by a phone call.) An agent had her manuscript nine months before offering representation.

The author marveled at how close she'd been the entire time and pointed out that the line between endless (nightmarish) querying and success is so thin.

I'm hoping for myself that holds true. Some of you may recall me ranting about Pitch Wars a month ago. Well, it's finally over. I placed second (out of 600 original entries) receiving only 1 less request than the winner. My FULL manuscript was requested by 7 agents--7 DIFFERENT literary agents. The very next day #pitmad took place, and my coach from Pitch Wars was out there tweeting my pitch. (Sharon, you are amazing!) She dragged me out of my hiding place and between the both of us, we landed 3 more requests.

Now the hard part: waiting. I've sent out my manuscript, and while it's burning the inbox or "to read" folder of agents, I'll be penning out the draft of another book.

It only takes one "yes", one to light the world on fire. I'm encouraged by the reminder that the line is so thin. One brave step stands between me and the other side of the line.

What are you working on now? What are your goals and hopes? How are you holding up?