When the Editorial Director contacts YOU

Also: Alle’s novel spotted in-medias-read on NYC subway.

My cousin-by-marriage was on the subway, hanging on a strap and minding his own business, when he noticed a woman reading my novel.

I have never felt so “arrived.”

Continuing:

Paraphrased from an Original Poster on Facebook:

I have a book coming out within the year. It’s with a well-established press. The Ed. Dir. contacted me about an idea for a book. It does sound like an interesting project, though not one I would have ever come up with.

I have completed fiction and non-fiction manuscripts, both of which need homes. I want to use this meeting to my advantage for future projects.

Alle sez:

First of all, mazel tov on being in one of the finest positions a writer can hope for. As you seem genuinely interested in the Ed.D.’s project, I suggest going for a three-book contract with this publisher.

Why not go to your first meeting with the Ed.D. intent on listening to her talk about the project. If you agree to proceed, maybe float the idea of the two manuscripts you have at the ready. If I were the Ed.D., I would ask to see them immediately—if only to better the chances of you signing on to her project.

If the E.D. does not ask to see your manuscripts, turn to a quick undertaking of the whole agent thing.

Start with a simple email to five of your dream agents with a subject heading such as:

• CONTRACT OFFERED by (insert PUBLISHER’S NAME); or

• CONTRACT OFFERED by (insert EDITOR’S NAME).

If any of those agents don’t respond that very day:

• Have lined up three to five additional agents.

• The following day, submit to one additional agent.

Every time a sub comes back rejected, another goes out. That day.

Have your feelings with the next sub in the pipeline.

In your agent query letter, introduce the Ed.D.’s project for which you are seeking representation. Then, briefly describe the book slated for publication, and then bring up that you have two manuscripts at the ready.

I have every confidence you will sign with an agent. When — not if; when — you sign, your agent contacts the publisher with the information that they now represent you. DONE. Completely industry standard.

Who feels that if you followed the above protocol, you’d be asking too much?

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