Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Hallelujah!

I’M GOING TO BE PUBLISHED!!!

Holy dark chocolate, batman, does it feel amazing to be able to say that! It’s the phrase I have dreamed of saying a thousand different ways in the last few years, and now that it is here, I can hardly believe that it’s real.

Quick note: If this is a dream, please no one wake me!

In all seriousness, I have been in a fog of giddiness ever since I got the news that one of my top pick publishers had made an offer. It’s not everyday your dreams come true, after all :) Today, proof that no pinching is necessary will come in the form of the Publisher’s Marketplace announcement:

Erin Kelly’s Golden Heart finalist and debut historical, MORE THAN A STRANGER, a Regency-style YOU'VE GOT MAIL, in which the heroine falls for an enigmatic stranger, unaware he is her brother's oldest friend and the same man she shared a childhood correspondence with before he broke her heart, at auction to Kerry Donovan at NAL by Deidre Knight at The Knight Agency (World English)

How official is that?! Publisher’s Marketplace, people! THE place for industry news and deals. As silly as it sounds, I’m totally framing that blurb!

So, for those of you that wanted to know how it all went down, I’ll start with the fact that I had no idea when I turned my last revision into my agent, Deidre, that she would love it and have it turned around on submission to all the major houses in less than a week. Don’t get me wrong—I was really happy with the current version, but I think I had become so mired in the revision process, I just assumed there would be more. Suffice it to say, I was shocked when I got the news that we were ready to submit.

The submission went out the Friday before I left for Nationals, meaning I was a whole ‘nuther level of neurotic once I was there. First the Golden Heart awards to think about, and now the fact my manuscript was actually in the hands of the editors I had only been able to read about and lust after from afar? On top of that, I was trying to keep the whole thing on the down low, though I’m not sure how well I succeeded.

I was, in a word, a wreck.

During the course of the week, I actually met with a few of the editors who where reading my work. I couldn’t believe it—I thought for sure no one would pick it up until after the craziness of Nationals. Yet there they were, quoting from the book and laughing about their favorite scenes. I ain’t gonna lie—it was amazing! These women, who I respected immensely and truly enjoyed meeting, really seemed to see something in me. ME! Little old me from backwater North Carolina, with a science background, no less.

Once conference was over, I came home and began the waiting process. A week later, when Deidre told me one and possibly two of the editors were considering making offers, I nearly came out of my skin. Those few days were the longest of my whole life. What if they changed their minds? What if the powers that be decided I wasn’t right for them? What if they came to their senses and realized I was just a hack?!

Poor Kirk. I think he was relieved when, last Sunday, he had to pack up and head out of town for work. I know I wouldn’t have wanted to live with me as I obsessed about whether or not anything would come of it. And then…

And then The Offer came in. The feelings I had were nearly indescribable—joy, excitement, the overwhelming gratitude to God, to my family, to all the people who had helped me. I also remember an immense feeling of relief, so powerful it was like liquid silver in my veins, slipping and sliding through me, touching every cell in my body.

The absolute worst part was that I couldn’t share the news with anyone. It was TORTURE!! That night, I went to the ATM and got a twenty out, then headed to the local organic farm that also sells homemade ice cream. Handing over my cash for a cone, I asked the girl if she knew who I was. She shook her head, more than a little bewildered at the erratic, flushed customer with the wild eyes and maniacal grin. Knowing that the cash kept me anonymous, I spilled the news. “I’m going to be published!”

She smiled and nodded. “Um, that’s great.”

But it only got better. The next morning, another offer came in. What?! How was it possible that TWO publishers could both want me? Over the next twenty four hours, I waited with my heart in my throat as the two went to auction. The poor dogs—the only witnesses to my craziness—didn’t know what to make of me. It was beyond surreal at this point. I was delirious from not being able to tell anyone, exhausted from lack of sleep, and wound tighter than an eight day clock with anticipation for the outcome.

When at last the dust settled, I ended up with the fabulous Kerry Donovan at NAL (an imprint of Penguin) with a three book deal. I literally jumped for joy, right there in the middle of my day job, whopping like ten year old girl and grinning like a fool. Next to when my husband proposed to me, it was the single greatest moment of my life. That single moment has been followed by a thousand smaller ones, thanks to all the congrats, kind words, and shared celebrations from all of you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

Dreams really do come true, my friends.

(Actual jumping for joy, lol!)

Though we don’t have a release date yet, we are looking at around early spring 2013 for release of the first book. When that day comes, I do hope one of you will be kind enough to bring a scraper to peel me from the ceiling ;)

(PS - I’d take the opportunity to thank all those who helped get me to this point, but I’ll just refer you to last week’s blog instead, lol!)

33 comments:

  1. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I can't wait to read it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, Jenn!! I still can hardly believe it :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. HUGE congratulations!!! You must be rightly OVER the MOON! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. That is AWESOME news Erin!! Congratulations and I can't wait to buy and read your book.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Over the moon, indeed, Rachael! Actually, I think I hit Saturn at one point, lol :) Thanks so much for stopping by to celebrate with my!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is sooo wonderful! And I love the story, Erin! I'm so happy for you! Can't wait to read this book.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you, Pamela! I get a little misty-eyed when I think of seeing my books on the shelves - but in a good way! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. You're a doll, Marnee - thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is so exciting to me. I'm so stinking proud of you, I don't know what to do with myself. I'll be sure to buy a scraper. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. LOL, Catherine - its good to know someone will be prepared :) Thanks so much for everything, sweetie!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Erin, I'm adding my congrats here to the Twitter congrats. Just like cupcakes, you can never have too many congrats. :)

    I wish it wouldn't be so long before your book is available. LOL It sounds delightful.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I know Donna - 2013 sounds like a decade away to me!! Thanks a million for the multi-congrats and kind words. I honestly can't wait for the day when we can meet in person and toast our cupcakes :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. YAYAYAYAYAY!!!! I just KNEW you'd sell your book "quickly"- and at auction. Okay, so I didn't know THAT, lol!

    Congrats and it couldn't have happened to a nicer, more deserving or talented woman!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Congrats again! And LOVE LOVE that pic of you jumping for joy! :) Have you come down off the ceiling yet? :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. And you never wavered in your belief that it would happen some day...who knew some day would be so soon! It is truly miraculous and a testament to your hard work and determination, and of course, talent. I remember trying to manage your expectations sitting you down when you first started writing and telling you how hard it was and how long it might take and that NO ONE sells their first attempt so just to enjoy the process - HA! I am happy to be eating crow on that one:) You are an inspiration and I can not wait to see your name smiling at me from the book shelves!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hehehe, Marquita - we have GOT to get together soon :) Thanks so much for celebrating with me, my dear. I have all my fingers and toes crossed that I'll be getting a similar call from you very soon!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks, Aimee! Since I couldn't pick up the phone and call anyone, I had to do something! Now, I'm really glad I have it. I also have a video that makes me tear up every time I watch it. It's been wonderful to celebrate with you - thanks again for all the support!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh heavens, Kara, where would I be without you? You truly helped keep me sane during this process - and I never would have even tried to be a writer if it weren't for your example :)

    As for my first attempt - in all fairness I have completely rewritten that book about seven times, lol! I knew I should tuck it under the bed and keep writing, but I couldn't abandon Benedict and Evie's sweet story. It would have felt like a betrayal!

    Thanks again for everything you have done for me along the way—I am beyond blessed to have you for my sister and friend!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congratulations! I am excited to share this news with my family. I am very proud of you :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Congratulations yet again. I canNOT wait to read your book. It sounds just like the kind of thing I eat up. And yeah, isn't the waiting when you're not allowed to tell anyone terrible? I couldn't stand it.

    ReplyDelete
  21. EK, what can I say, you're a rock star. Congrats again!

    ReplyDelete
  22. How sweet of you to stop ny, Kristina! Thanks for the well-wishes, and please tell yourwq lovely family I said hello!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks so much, Ashlyn! I love that us regency ladies are all starting out together like this- what a great connection to have :). I hope your book is coming out sooner than mine- I can't wait to get my hands on it!

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a trio we turned out to be, eh Andy? We've got music, movies, and now books covered: the only question is, which of us is Pinkie, and which is The Brain, lol!!
    Thanks so much for your support, brother. It means the world to me :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. My book isn't much sooner. No firm date but late 2012/early 2013 is the estimate. Valerie's and Anne's will be out before ours.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Congrats Erin!! I can't wait to see your name in print and celebrate!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you, Nicole!! It's so great to hear from you! We'll have to get together next time I'm in town and share a toast :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. AWESOME NEWS! I'm so happy for you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks, BookGeek!! One of these days I'll come down off the high - but not yet :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. CONGRATULATIONS! I am very happy for you. This is amazing and you have every right to be bouncing off the walls. I would be undealable too. I can't even imagine how one would handle all of this.
    I look forward to reading your book :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Why thank you, Jenny!! It's been over a week and I still haven't stopped giggling :) You are so sweet to offer your congrats - it means a lot to me!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am so excited! Soon I will be able to pick your book. I can't wait!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thanks so much, Ninoska! Believe me, I can't wait for that day, either, lol! Thanks for stopping by - I so appreciate it :)

    ReplyDelete