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 a while to get my first publishing deal. I started writing, ooh, ten years ago. My first novel only had four chapters at 90,000 words, which taught me a lot about structuring and forward-planning! A couple more novels down the line I’d had the odd positive response from agents, but became a little jaded at the rejections. Turning to short stories saved me as getting published that way validated my faith in my writing. I went on to make over 80 sales to women’s magazines. All the while I continued with my novels and finally landed an agent. A couple of years after that, after submitting one novel unsuccessfully, two offers finally came in for Doubting Abbey!
I’d like to say that was the moment I jumped up and down, but it wasn’t really. After months of trying, it felt odd – like an anti-climax. CarinaUK made an offer, so my agent checked with another publisher who was also considering my submission – and they wanted Doubting Abbey too. Both publishers offered good opportunities and it was a very difficult decision to make. Yet still this all felt a little surreal. I’d read about authors’ book deal moments over the years … Why wasn’t I jumping up and down or popping champagne?
But then it happened. 
An email pinged into my inbox, from my editor-to-be at CarinaUK. Attached was a sheet printed with pink speech bubbles, each filled with a quote from a different member of the CarinaUK team, explaining what they loved about my book – from the Editorial Director and Head of Digital, to the Senior Designer and various editors.I read comments like “the concept is fantastic”, “incredibly commercial and exciting” and “unputdownable”.
Could these industry professionals really be talking about my book, Doubting Abbey?
My stomach tingled. Finally I had my special moment. I remember printing it out and sitting with it in the lounge, that evening, staring at it. The news finally sank in that I’d landed a publishing deal. Further excitement was to follow when we accepted the offer and I spoke on the phone to Lucy Gilmour, my editor. And it’s been a wonderful trip ever since. I love CarinaUK’s covers, pricing and editorial input. Plus it is brilliant to be part of the bigger Harlequin (and now Harper Collins) family.
Game of Scones by Samantha Tonge is out now.