I Have an Agent

I'm posting off schedule this week because I have a big, BIG announcement and I can't wait to share!

 

I have a Literary Agent! And not just any agent, I'm honored to be represented by Mary Keeley of the Books & Such Literary Agency, one of the finest agencies in the industry.

For those of you who have been following this writing journey with me, you know I've dreamed of being an author for as long as I can remember. God called me to lay down my pen for a season (called parenting infant twins), but last January He told me to pick it up again. Since then, it's been a whirlwind experience and I've seen His hand at work in my life in mighty, everlasting ways.

I started this blog last February and since then I've met hundreds of authors, agents and editors, online and in person, creating lifelong friendships with many of them. I attended my first writer's conference, I went to two major writing retreats and I've spent countless hours learning about the craft of writing through blogs, craft books and fellow authors.

While at the ACFW Conference in Dallas, Texas I had a conversation with a writer friend of mine. She offered to read my manuscript and, if she thought it had potential, she would be happy to recommend me to her agent, Mary Keeley.

I was so excited with her offer because I've been a huge fan of the Books & Such Agency and I had heard many wonderful things about Mary.

I sent my manuscript to my friend and three days later she replied with an encouraging email, telling me she couldn't put my story down. She offered to recommend me to Mary.

I sent a query letter to Mary, my friend emailed her recommendation, and the next day Mary asked for my full manuscript.

And then the waiting began! For those of you who have experience "The Waiting," you know what it's like.

But two weeks ago The Waiting came to an end and I received a lovely email from Mary. She asked for a phone conversation to talk about my book and possible representation. To say I was excited is an understatement. But I had three days to pull myself together.

Mary called on Thursday, March 21st and we talked for over an hour. It was a wonderful conversation and I knew instantly that I had found my dream agent. We talked about writing, about my book, about my future story ideas and so much more. When Mary offered representation, I accepted. I had already prayed about it, and talked it over with my hubby, so I knew if the phone call went well, it was the right move to make.

The author-agent agreement arrived in my mailbox on Friday, March 29th, on my twin boys' third birthday. The significance of this date is not lost on me. A couple of week after I found out we were expecting our twins, I had a long conversation with God about my writing. With tears in my eyes, I accepted His choice to lay down my pen for a season. He whispered in my heart a promise, one I've clung to for the past three years. He promised to fulfill my dream to be an author--in His timing.

To receive the agreement on the boys' birthday was a confirmation that all of this is in God's hands. He's weaving an intricate tapestry right before my eyes. One I haven't had to fight for, or struggle to achieve. He's been placing each beautiful strand in place, creating a pattern so exquisite I want to weep as I watch it unfold. It's Him. All Him.

I'm honored, humbled and awed by this writing journey. My prayer remains the same. Lord, use my writing for your glory.

 

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For my non-writing friends, I will be sharing a post on Monday to explain what a literary agent does for an author. It's an exciting step on my journey and I'd love to answer your questions!