This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
It took me ten years of writing and then submitting to get my book deal moment! So, to any keen writers out there who might feel it’s just too far out of reach, or who’ve just had yet another rejection – don’t give up. Perseverance was definitely the key for me.
After a lot of hard work, picking myself up, learning from my experiences and carrying on writing, it finally happened. It was July 25th 2014, I remember that day vividly, a lovely sunny day, when not just one but two publishing deals were offered to me! In the morning I received an e-mail from Kimberley Young, Publishing Director at Harper Collins, who I’ d met a year before through the Romantic Novelists’ Association and had recently resubmitted to, asking when it would be best to contact me by phone. Gulp… could this be it? My stomach felt like a washing machine, but I tried to stay calm. Would they contact you by phone just to say no, it’s not for us? Then, I had a further e-mail from another publisher, who I’d just had a 1:1 pitch with at the Romantic Novelists’ Association Conference, again asking for a contact number. Could this be the day my world was about to change?
So, what to do whilst I waited? I decided on tackling the housework and set to with the hoover; I had to keep busy. But I didn’t want to miss the call, so I had my hubbie on phone duty to pick up and check exactly who was calling – I didn’t want any confusion between the two publishers. Publisher Two called first, saying they loved both my books and offered me a two book deal. Wow, ten years of struggling and this was really it! I was so excited, but I also wanted to find out what Harper Collins had to say. So, I had to respond (thinking what am I doing?!) that I’d like the chance to speak with Harper Collins, consider my options, and could I let them know. How unbelievable was that!
I bounced around like Tigger for a bit, and then waited for the other call to come in. After a while, I thought I’d better check my phone messages. And there, at exactly the same time as the first publisher had called, was a message from Harper Collins – could I phone them back. With trembling fingers I made that call. I had a lovely chat with Kimberley Young and I was offered yet another two book deal. I liked both companies, but my instinct was to go with Harper Collins, and I’m so pleased I did, as it has worked out brilliantly for me. The HarperImpulse team have been lovely to work with.
What a feeling and what a moment! I celebrated with champagne in the garden with my husband – it was such a surreal and wonderful day. Sometimes dreams really do come true!
Caroline’s second novel The Cosy Teashop in the Castle is out now!