Are You Waiting For The Call?

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.

Are you waiting for the call? Are you continuing to work toward your goals while you wait? Have you ever received a call from a literary agent or editor that wasn’t really the call?