Last night, I received something in my inbox I’d never received before: 2 back-to-back requests for 2 separate, full manuscripts.
I couldn’t stop grinning. Afterall, I’d sent the first five pages off to the publisher with the only goal in mind to get a professional opinion, a critique. I wanted to know if I was on the right track, and if not, what direction I needed to go. What did I need to work on to improve the narrative and the manuscripts? Did I grab the attention of the publisher in the 1st 5 pages?
I have to say I was surprised at the speed they got back to me. BIG plus in their favor. I also understand they have a three step editorial process once they accept a manuscript…another huge plus. AND they have a great reputation as being amazing to work with and they pay well and on time. (Yes, I checked them out before and after submitting the 1st 5 pages).
As to the manuscripts: one was marked up more than the other, but only by a couple of suggestions.
The other, my baby, the start of my Y.A. fantasy trilogy that I’ve been hammering to perfection (if there is such a thing), got four MINOR suggestions and a compliment on a scene for its imagery and the feelings it evoked. At the end was the following comment from the content editor:
“Your story has me intrigued—I want to read more in the worst way! I already feel a connection to the characters and setting. You are being fast tracked!”
I must have read that line a hundred times: “I want to read more in the worst way!” Even reading it now sets my soul aglow. I think those words are what every author wants to hear, especially after a publisher reads those first crucial 5 pages.
To be honest, I’d expected so much more red-lining. This was a publishing house. Even though they are a small, indie press, they still see hundreds if not thousands of manuscripts, and from what I understand, they are quite selective. While I felt confident on both stories to an extent, I certainly wasn’t expecting requests for 2 full manuscripts. Not only that, I’d been fast-tracked on both. That’s like HUGE. My foot is in the door.
To say I’m thrilled is an understatement. Am I nervous? Yes and no. There is still work to be done on both before I submit the fulls. I also want to throw my big baby out there to a couple more betas/critiquers for their comments before I let it go completely.
At least now I know I’m on-track with both manuscripts (according to this publisher), and I have to say the experience has been phenomenal. Thank you, publisher and lovely content editor for your time and critique. Thank you, Scrib sister who gave me the confidence to go for it, but most of all, a million thanks to my beta readers, (especially my Jersey girl. You know who you are!) I couldn’t have come this far without your keen eyes, your opinions, your sense of direction, and your blatent, hard-line honesty smacking me in the face, even when I didn’t want to hear it. I would be lost without all of you. I bow to your greatness.
Now the hard work begins. I’ll keep you posted.
WOW, congratulations are greatly in order! Great job!!
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I’m so excited for you. I would probably have a heart attack or stroke. For sure, you would hear me screaming all the way on the right coast.
And, yes, to read those words from an editor would be unbelievable positive reinforcement for all the time and effort (blood, sweat, tears and prayers) poured into a manuscript.
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Your day will come soon. You’ve completed your novel. Soon it will be ready to send off. Keep holding onto the faith. It’ll happen for you and I’ll shout from the mountain tops with you!!
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I’m over the moon!!! Wow!!! This couldn’t be happening to a more deserving writer. Your success is inspiring! *hugs*
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Aww, thanks, Tristan!! I miss you and Lisa. When are you coming home?
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Not sure yet. We’re hopeful for somewhere in the March to May timeframe.
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This is SO exciting, Jenny. Congratulations! 😀
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Thank you!! I still don’t believe it. Now to brush them up a bit more, a couple more beta reads and off they go.
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I’m super-excited for you. I expect even better news later this year. You’ve worked so hard and paid your dues. “Your time is nigh” (Did I spell “nigh” right? Whatever… you get the reference.)
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Yes, my time is nigh. Be brave! LOL!! Your big one is coming this year, too!!
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Huge congratulations!
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Thank you, Sherrie.
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I knew you could do it! Keep us up to date!
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Thank you so much for leading the way!!
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The fast track . . . why are you so surprised?! [quoting Marianne Williamson] “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Congrats, friend! Live on the edge and hold onto faith. ❤
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Jamie, thank you so much. Your words mean the world to me. Thank you for the quote. It is so true. We are afraid of our own abilities. I’m just so thankful I have such amazing friends and an awesome group of writers and readers around me.
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This is fantastic, I felt the excitement exuding from this post! Hurrah!!! You totally deserve it 🙂
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🙂 🙂
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Eee, so exciting! I hope it comes through. Publishing is a lot about relationships, so build this relationship as much as you can.
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I’m going to make the best out of this experience as I can.
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How exciting! I am so thrilled to hear your news. Jenny. 🙂
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Thank you, Erika. 🙂
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Dear Jenny,,
Thanks for putting a link to my blog 20 Reasons to Submit Your Manuscript here with your article. Congratulations on being asked for two full manuscripts. Go, J.Keller Ford, Go.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
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Thank you, Joan!!
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Fantastic news!! Good luck with the process. Must be very exciting!
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Thanks, Carrie. I’ll keep you posted. 🙂
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Wonderful l news Jenny Congrats. Love and hugs Katy.
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Thank you, Katy!!
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awesome!…way to go!
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Thank you!! 🙂 I can’t stop smiling.
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Oh Jenny!
I couldn’t be happier for you…especially the lines: “Your story has me intrigued—I want to read more in the worst way! I already feel a connection to the characters and setting. You are being fast tracked!” That would set any author’s heart aglow.
This couldn’t happen to a nicer person…except for, you know…me. Congrats and big hugs. 😀
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Your day is coming really soon, Michael. A wonderful, beautiful lady is up there, egging you on. You have such wonderful talent. Now chop chop. Git ‘er done! 🙂
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Yes! And thanks for the words of encouragement. They mean a lot. 🙂
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Such wonderful news, Jenny! I’m thrilled for you!
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Aww, thank you, ladies. I’m stoked.
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Double great news! Best of luck! 🙂
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That is brilliant news! Congratulations! I’m looking forward to hearing more as the process goes along as well as reading the books of course x
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Thank you!! and trust me, when this novel is published, you’re one of the first I’m hitting up for a review! Be prepared! bwhahahahaha
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This is fantastic. Congratulations!
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