Last February sucked — along with the kiddo and I contracting that crazy swine flu that kept me in bed for a week, I was still recovering from bad news about a potential offer, and then our beloved labradoodle, Quincy, died. Not to mention we were still buried deep under ice, snow, and frigid winter temperatures, and the promise of things improving seemed too far off to count on.
But in the middle of all this, there was a very bright spot: Michelle Meade, an editor at MIRA books who had taken my manuscript to acquisitions the day before, emailed my agent (here’s a VERY long post about how “the call” went down with Carolyn) to let us know we had an offer. For two books.
(side note: Why, WHY does everything always happen at once?)
Even in my sick, sad, state I managed to celebrate with more than Advil Cold & Flu and ginger ale — as one should when she gets a two-book offer!
A few days later, and one day after we had to put Quincy down, I had a call booked with Michelle to welcome me to the MIRA family. I was in a daze when I had that call — overwhelmed by everything that had happened — sitting in a ski chalet while my daughter took a lesson, and trying not to cry every time I thought about the dog. Now, Michelle probably doesn’t remember that call like I do, but she started by telling me how sorry she was to hear about Quincy, then said a whole string of lovely things about me, my writing, and the book. It was exactly what I needed to hear in that moment and when I hung up I had the feeling that things were about to change.
(I would have tackle hugged her in person if I could have — she’s lucky it was only a call…)
Carolyn had continuously reminded me — through the twists and turns of submission — that it only took one editor to love the book enough to champion it through acquisitions, and that we would find that one. She was right — MIRA, and specifically Michelle, have truly exceeded my expectations. I know I’m not Michelle’s only client, but she definitely makes me feel like I am.
We’ve had many calls since that first one and I expect we’ll have many more. But that first one is the one I’m always going to remember.
Yay! A gif! You poor dear – you seem to have the worst luck with business and illness. I hope that means you are in perfect health when you go on vacation!
Ha! Well, thinking back I’m pretty sure most of my vacations HAVE been illness free 🙂 I think it has less to do with luck and more to do with having a young child in elementary school, as our house is often a petri dish of germs!