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| Image by Matthew via Flickr |
One of many things that writers, including myself, look forward
to while traveling the long and trying journey to publication is The Call. We dream about it, prepare for
it, look forward to it, and anxiously anticipate it. But should we be waiting
for it?
I say, no.
Along this journey I have learned that time is going to
elapse regardless, and it’s important to always be preparing and anticipating
the next move toward your goals. I received the, renowned, call over a year ago. Although I was very ecstatic to receive a
call from an agent, it wasn’t exactly what I had expected.
I had done my research, so I knew that the call didn’t always mean I’d be offered representation on the
spot; however, I hadn’t expecting to continue working with that agent without a
guarantee for representation over a year later. You might be thinking, why would you waste your time?
Well, for one, I believe my particular situation is unique
since my manuscript is being considered for a specific book series. In addition,
I have researched the agency facilitating my proposal for this project, and I
trust that they are honorable and looking out for my best interest, as well as
theirs.
In most other cases, I would say it probably isn’t wise to invest
so much time into revising, editing, and, in some instances, completely
changing your manuscript without a contract with an agent. But even more
importantly, it isn’t wise to sit and wait.
If you’ve sent out a handful of query letters, if an agent
has requested to see your full manuscript, or if you’re waiting on an editor to
approve you manuscript for publication, don’t wait for the call. You’ve heard
the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” What if the call never
comes? What if the call isn’t really the
call? Instead of waiting, keep writing, and anticipate the call to come
when the time is right. It’s okay to be excited about more than one project. We write because we have a creative talent that we want to express and share, so
why would you wait for just one to become successful when there is potential
for many more to come?
I would be lying if I said I don’t look forward to the call – the confirmation that all of
my work has paid off, and that the story I’m so passionate about will be shared
with a mass audience. On the other hand, I don’t like the idea of feeling as
though I have hit a dead end if my manuscript is rejected, and that all hope is
lost. I don’t want to have passion for only one project. I will not limit my
talent to one story, one chance, and one hope. Nope! I will keep writing things
I am passionate about and excited to share. I will look forward to the call,
but I will NOT wait.
