Weeks before her wedding, Amy Byrd suffers a searing dual betrayal at the hands of her fiance and his sister, her life-long best friend. She tries to heal by visiting a foreign place, taking a trip to England with a group of Rotarians to work in a sailing-for-the-disabled program during the week that was supposed to be her honeymoon. She questions herself and fears connecting with those around her. Over the course of the week, the cast of dysfunctional do-gooders show her the redemptive power of true friendship. She learns that gratitude is sometimes what happens when life strips us of everything else.
Designed for book clubs, my character-driven novel is upmarket fiction, with multiple layers to engender discussion. I am seeking agent representation. If you are an agent, or an author with an agent, or someone who likes my writing and knows an agent (or several), please – FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND EVERYTHING THAT IS HOLY – help me make a connection by providing details below in a comment. I won’t forget to thank you someday.
Andra, I was just re-reading some of your info here, and had another of those lightbulb moments.
One of my cousins in Albuquerque (whom I have not seen since 1982) has a son (who was a VERY small boy the only time I ever saw him), who is, I’m told, quite successful in the PR field. I just Googled his business and am sending you the link: http://dalynmillerpr.com/ You will note the first item at the bottom of that page is “Publishing” . . . Geographically, this might not be a fit, but who knows?
Whether this is useful or not, however, I am wishing you all the best as you move forward in your quest to find the right publisher.
Karen, I follow every single lead anyone sends me. Thank you. I will look at this today, and I will let you know what transpires.
Great! Also, have you checked out Old Line Publishing, that published Sean Keefer’s novel?
I have their information, yes.
one of my friends, Elizabeth West, did the self-publishing thing for a book she just finished writing
http://eawestwriting.com/
In the interim between now and a ‘proper’ publisher taking you on have you considered Lulu.com? I use it – though to be honest not to great effect. Your work can be published in both book and E-book formats. There’s a link to my Lulu Store Front on my blog. Take a look – it will give you an idea of how they operate. I’ve actually sold a few books this way!
Tooty, I haven’t heard of Lulu. I will check it out. I may have to write some things and self publish them to get anyone to seriously consider me, though I hope one of the agents currently reading will choose to take me. I can always dream, can’t I?
The book seems promising, indeed.
Lulu is a starting point which can, as I am able to testify, lead to other things. Including, as in my case, an unsolicited approach by a publisher after they bought a copy on a scouting exercise.
If one writes a book, one is an author. Even the Lulu route changes that to ‘Published author’!
Beware of self-publishing or semi-self-publishing routes that are just out to extort funds bit by bit, hoping you won’t notice.
Thanks for these pieces of advice. Several people have mentioned Lulu. Awesome that you got an offer to publish from it.
My friend Shawn Bird, just went through this experience….you might find it useful to hear how she got her first book published. I know it was difficult, especially when her first publisher closed its doors just before her book was due to be released.
http://shawnbird.com/grace/
Good luck and all the best, Andra.
You may want to check this guy who commented on my post which got Freshly Pressed. He’s an experienced author and may give you good tips to get your book published:
http://www.matthewwright.net/
http://mjwrightnz.wordpress.com/
Malou, thank you so much for sharing this link. I will definitely check it out and let you know what I find.
I have never heard your voice, but I can almost place a bet on knowing you. Your writing makes me feel like we are old girlfriends sitting in our living rooms (at different intervals) sipping tea and laughing, even examining the intricacies of life. From one writer to another, I totally admire your writing. Write on! If you get a hold of that perfect agent, please feel free to share the info. I promise I don’t write upmarket fiction.
Peace, Res
Res, thank you so much for this note. As you know, this is a lonely, sometimes frustrating business. Words like yours can make me soar for weeks. Thank you for reading and for reaching out. I look forward to getting to know you in the blogosphere.