I’d have my book published by now and be living happily ever after. The reality is that I’m only about 86% of the way through my latest edits, and though I think I’m getting near the end, I’ve been here before. What’s different, this time, is that the edits are much, much smaller. So I may really be near the end. Good.
But that’s just the beginning of the next phase. You know, that part where you reach out and put your work on display for the first time to hook an agent? And what do agents do for their 20%? Well, they are the ones who know the ones in the business, so you really have to hook one. Unless, of course, you already know the ones in the business – then you can probably skip this phase. Of course it would be a little easier if agents were at least consistent in their opinions, but no, that would be too easy. Instead, there are a zillion different agents who have their own requirements. Sure, you can blanket them and hope for a hit, but one of the top rules is the personal approach – each agent wants to feel like you’ve gone to them and no one else.
And would I really be living happily ever after? Odds are no. But I’d gain some confidence in answer to that nagging saying about life being too short. I’ve invested years in this book and the last thing I want is to find out it’s all been a waste of time.
What amazes me is the fact that the right word from the right person could launch this project into orbit. Who you know makes all the difference in the world.