Friday, October 26, 2012

News! (And it's mine this time)

Wow. I'm not going to lie, there were times over the last nine months when I really thought I'd never get to write this post. Those of you who have followed my blog for a while probably noticed that in February, I quietly took the name of my agent off of my bio. I never made a public announcement that I had decided to part ways with her, but I'm sure most of you have figured it out by now. It was a gut-wrenching decision, and one it took me a looong time to make, for many reasons. The biggest being that she was so nice, and had worked hard on my behalf, and still believed in my books. But sometimes, things just don't work out the way you hope, and over time, you realize that even though you're both nice, professional people, you aren't the best match to be working together. But it was so hard to actually do it--especially because it had been so hard to get an agent the first time. I had really amazing family and friends (some who had been where I was and things worked out great for them the second time around) that encouraged me, and believed in me.

So I did it. I wrote her and waited my thirty days and then I was officially un-agented again. I was freaking out.

And then I started querying. I got requests. I started to feel hopeful. Until the rejections came in. Ouch, those really hurt. Especially when I'm questioning myself the whole time: why did I do this? Why am I querying agents again when I could be on sub with editors?? And the rejections were all the same: your writing is excellent, this story is great, but the timing is wrong.

In the meantime, we had a terrible tragedy in our family. Again, for all who've followed me for a while, you'll remember what happened at the end of February (right when my thirty days were almost up): we lost Josh to cancer.

I was in a dark place. I was full of grief. The stark reality of death for someone so young was hard to bear. But out of that grief came two books: I started them within a week of each other, but ended up putting aside the fantasy (which is what I usually write to some degree), and focused on the light sci-fi (something I'd never attempted before), because I thought the timing might be better. I finished that book, revised it, and when it became clear the book I was querying was just not going to make it because the timing wasn't right, I switched and began to query the light sci-fi one, FINDING JANE.

I got requests. LOTS of requests. I got such amazing feedback, but after four months, still no offers. During that time, I was trying to write the fantasy, but man... that book just didn't want to come out. As the months wore on, I was as low as could be. (You may recall a post or two about that, and me trying to overcome it.) I have hit rock bottom quite a few times on this LOOOOONG journey of mine. And every time I think I can't get lower. But then I do. But everytime, not matter how bad it is, I somehow drag myself up and keep going. This last time was the closest I've been to actually quitting. To walking away--forever. But I didn't. As I wrote about in September, I kept going, and I finished my fantasy, DAUGHTER OF WAR.

I sent it out to beta's. I waited. I read my feedback. I made myself think about it, mull it over, and then attack my revision with everything I had. I knew this book was special. I knew it was the best thing I'd ever written, and I needed to do it justice.

When there wasn't anything else to do to make it better on my own, I knew it was time to start querying. That was Monday of last week. On Tuesday night, I queried an amazing agent who requested the full in ten minutes. I was cautiously excited.

And then. The NEXT DAY--only about fifteen hours later--I got an email from this agent. I pulled over to read it (I was on the way to drop my son off at preschool). And I started screaming, laughing and crying all at once. We spoke that night and I was just blown away by her enthusiasm and love for my book.

But there were also other agents who had it, and who ended up interested in my book. I'll be honest, I've dreamt of being the girl with multiple offers from agents (it didn't happen the first time). It was so exciting and wonderful--but it was also SO hard. I really loved more than one agent, and I was so torn. But I knew after speaking to one particular agent that he was the right choice. Everything just clicked when I spoke to him and in our subsequent emails.

So it is with great excitement and happiness that I get to announce that I am now represented by the amazing JOSH ADAMS of Adams Literary!!!

This is has been such a long journey, and ended up in such a whirlwind this last week, my head is still spinning. But I am so excited for this new direction in my career and for all that lies ahead. I can't wait to share DAUGHTER OF WAR with you all--hopefully sooner than later!

34 comments:

Windy Aphayrath said...

Holy cow! What a ride!! Big time congrats!!

Anne Riley said...

Sara,

I've just found your blog via Twitter--you and I follow each other--and I'm so glad I did! I have a similar-ish story when it comes to agents... mine left her agency unexpectedly and nobody else within the agency felt like I was "right" for them, so I had to jump back into querying, too. Took me 8 months to get a new agent, but man, do I love her! So... I kinda get what you've been through, and I know how GREAT you must feel now that you've signed! Huge congrats, and Godspeed moving forward!

Nicole Zoltack said...

Wow, that's wonderful!!!

ilima said...

Yay! This is fantastic news. Big congrats!!!

Chantele Sedgwick said...

Congratulations, Sara!! I knew it would happen for you!! :D

Unknown said...

Congrats lady! I can't wait to read your book!

Bethany Hudson said...

Congrats on your choice, Sara -- and the fact that you GOT TO CHOOSE!!! So many agents interested, and you got to PICK!!! It's finally happening for you, and I'm so, so, so thrilled to finally read this post. CONGRATULATIONS!!

prerna pickett said...

congrats! that's awesome! Hard work does pay off.

Aubrey said...

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! So glad that you found an incredible agent and I know that this was a big decision and you are thrilled with your choice! So...when are we going to Bennihana? ;)

Renee Collins said...

SO happy and excited for you, Sara!! This has been a long road for you, but I always knew it was just a matter of time.

Woo hoo!!!!

Sarah said...

Congratulations, Sara! You've earned this with some extremely hard work on top of your talent. I'm so happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Sara! This is wild good news! So much bigger than you let on, you sly thing. Congratulations and I LOVE the title name. But I'm a fantasy geek and that always appeals to me!

Christy said...

How exciting! Congratulations, and thanks for sharing your success and struggles with those of us who are still plotting and editing away.

Matilda Liljestrand said...

Congratulations!
I wish you and the book all the best! I hope I can read it soon :)
Greetings

Melanie Jacobson said...

Oh, hooray! HOORAY, HOORAY, HOORAY!

Juliann said...

Congrats Sara! That is quite the accomplishment. I'm so excited for you! I will totally read your books.

Kathryn Purdie said...

Sara, my heart is so full reading this happy news! I am THRILLED for you!!! And you know how much I love DAUGHTER OF WAR! Congrats, my friend!!

Janiel Miller said...

Wooo-fahreaking-Hooo! I am SO excited for you. :) After all you've been through you totally earned this and deserved this. I hope it is a wonderful association and has great success.

Can't wait to read DAUGHTER OF WAR. :)

Meagan Spooner said...

WOOHOO! I'm so excited for you, and so glad to hear that you've signed with Adams Lit! I know that you'd be just fine with any decision, but Josh is the best, and I can't wait to see where your career goes after this.

I'm so glad we're agency sisters! :D

The Dixon Family said...

Yay! I'm soooo happy for you! You deserve all the best.

Sara B. Larson said...

Thank you so much everyone!! Your comments all mean so much to me -- and even more importantly, all of your support and belief over the years. Thank you for making this wonderful day even more special!!

I love you all! <3 <3

Fiona McLaren said...

That's such an amazing and inspiring story. I have just found myself in the same situation, with a long time of despair and now an offer with the potential for more to come. Any advice on how to choose the right agent?

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Congrats!!! This business and career choice is filled with so many ups and downs. Always hang in there! I'm so happy for you. :)

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Geez, I go spelunking one day and miss such amazing news! Congratulations, girlie! So excited for you. It's been a long road for you, bumpy and full of potholes, but I hope this road continues on and on and on, except smooth as butter and paved with gold. Wishing you all the best. And you better tell me when that sucker sells!! LOL. Happy, happy day, Sara!

Carol Baldwin said...

COngratulations, Sara. You will have such a great agent in Josh. Thanks for sharing your journey.

Kimberley Griffiths Little said...

Congratulations again, sara! It's a pretty thrilling day. I'll never forget when Tracey called me and offered representation and we talked forever on the phone. It's quite a day when you get your Dream Agent. :-)

Looks like you celebrated in style, too.

You've worked hard this last year and it paid off. Good going, girl!

From another agency sister . . . Happy Weekend!

Unknown said...

Great news! So happy for you!!

DL Hammons said...

So incredibly thrilled for you Sara!!! Boo-yah!! :)

J.R. Johansson said...

Yay! I'm so excited for you, Sara! It's so fun when other writers get fantastic news and everyone gets to celebrate! :-) :-) Congratulations!!!

Keri Cannon said...

Congrats!!! That is amazing!!! Can't wait to read your books!

erica m. chapman said...

AHHHHHHHHH!!! SARA!!!!! That's so AWESOME!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!! <3<3<3

Elana Johnson said...

Congrats, Sara! This is such a great post. I may or may not have teared up a bit!

Lola Sharp said...


WOOHOOOOOO!!!! *cue confetti canon*
∴*★∵∶。◦°✩☆∴*✰*¨*•.¸¸☆∴*★∵∶。◦°✰*¨*•.¸¸✩

You deserved some GOOD news after having such a rough year, love. <3

You know I'm happy for you. SO HAPPY. :D

Love you,
L

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Came over after reading Lola's tweet. Wow. Thanks for this riveting account, which shows how your strength and heart got you through the dark. All best wishes as you go forward. I really want to read that book!