Sipping The Wine

Yikes! A month has quickly come and gone since my last post. While this is a no-no to blogging, I have good reason; I was presented with a contract to publish my third writen novel - the first to get a contract! How exciting and flattering to get that news.  Publication is what we strive for, right? Well, to the right publisher, yes. I received validation as to why my book is worthy for publication, how the topic is relevant and was congratulated for being their newest author!

Wow! How does one feel to get that news? Ecstatic, to say the least. But, something seemed a little askew. I was intuitively getting the Whoa Nelly. After all, this was my first contract - I needed to slow down and sip the wine.

Any writer might agree that it is far easier to write a novel than to do the riggorous after-tasks of researching publishers, writing query and cover letters, considering details in the synopis and sending manuscripts to publishers you hope will want to make a home for your work. After all that, we cross fingers and hope for the best. 

I took the publisher's advice and ordered, The Writer's Legal Companion, by Brad Bunnin and Peter Beren, which after review, does look like a great investment. While waiting for the book to ship, I reveiwed the contract with writing friends, who have more experience with publishing than I. Thank goodness for great friends, who pointed out to me some aspects of the contract that undermined me as an author. My greatest concerns came to light - my whoa nelly syndrome was validated.

I am a novice to getting published and I will share that this is the second time that I've found out after the fact that I was Red Ridinghood approaching a book pubisher donning Wolf fur, who wanted to take advantage of my hard work and money!

I can say that it's a good feeling to know that I almost made it, and that I didn't let my ego get ahead of clear thinking and good decision making. Since then, I have done more thorough research and re-sent my manuscript. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the publisher that I am petitioning now, is the right one for my work. While I wait to hear, I will hold the stem of my glass, swirl the Merlot, take in the bouquet and sip the wine.