The difference this time around...

The difference this time around…

As many of you know I’m on the ‘Great Agent Search of 09’” Why 09’? Because I’ve done this before. If you’ve never done the great search than perhaps some of what I’m going to blog about will come as a surprise to you while other things may not.

Before I started this journey to become a writer, I did a lot of research on exactly what I needed to do to get a book published. Yes, I know the first thing one needs to do is write a book… but that had already been done. I polished and glossed my ms to the best of MY ability. (at the time I’d no idea about CP’s) but I really did think ‘my baby’ was ready for the world. *snort!

Anyway, my first thought was to get on the internet and put my feelers out with an e-mail query or two… or three. Two years ago there where a lot of agents who didn’t accept e-mail queries. This has changed, thank God. So my list of agents to send to was small. Surprisingly I was asked for a partial right off the bat… My mother’s voice in my head said… “Good things come to those who wait.” Being an impatient woman, I didn’t like that voice and loved my instant feeling of… “I don’t suck at this.” This unnamed agency offered to represent me with a ‘form letter’ ** WARNING** then went on to say that they would have me seek a critique with one of their people for a small fee. ***WARNING*** My smile fell! I then learned about the P&E list and sure enough this agency was in the top 20 DO NOT USE!

Needless to say, I didn’t sign a thing with this agency and moved on to other agents. Out of about 20 queries, I had several “This isn’t right for us at this time.” responses, and several agents who didn’t even bother to send that letter. I received one request for a full and a couple of heart felt, ‘we discussed this at length but…’ letters. In the end, the ms simply wasn’t ready. I learned a lot about rejection in those few months.

Why is it different this time around? I’m so glad you asked. First, I don’t query to any ‘WARNING’ agents right from the get go. This time, I send out 3 – 5 queries at a time, knowing that depending on the responses from these agencies I may need to tweak my query letter, which I’ve done twice now. Out of ten queries, I’ve only had one not respond at all, six ‘not right for us at this time’ responses, one – not this at this time but think of us in the future and two requests for partials.

Why do I think this time around is going easier? First, I have CP’s now and my writing is much cleaner when it hits cyber-space. My query letters have improved and many agencies are now asking for 5 – 10 even 20 pages along with the query so they can get a feel for the writer before asking for more. I also believe that with the internet and e-mail agents are quick to respond if for no other reason to avoid the flood of “Did you ever get my query letter?” e-mails.

The agent search isn’t over by a long shot, but I do think that one day I’ll be able to say the words… “_______, is MY agent.”

One can dream, right?

And the winner is...

Emma Lai

You've won my lil' contest. Send on your snail mail addy and I'll send you your goodies

catherinebybee@yahoo.com

Thanks for all the kudos, ladies.

Binding Vows in Print Today!

OMG! Here it is... completely unexpected. The print release of the first book in my MacCoinnich Trilogy. My official release date isn't until December 4th. In December those of you who will be picking up the electronic version of Binding Vows can purchase your copy.

So for today... I'm going to be sending one lucky winner a couple of promotional items along with two home-made Christmas Cards that you can send on to someone special. All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog.

Here is the blurb:

Duncan MacCoinnich’s task… Travel to the twenty-first century Renaissance Faire, deflower the Druid virgins, and go home. Only his job is not so easily accomplished with the virgin in question, Tara McAllister. Time is running out. The evil is closing in on them both.

Tara finds Duncan irresistible after what was supposed to be a mock Hand-fasting binds them.When Duncan whisks her to his home in Scotland she could accept that. But, can she forgive him for taking away her modern life when she finds herself in the sixteenth century?And is it love they feel? Or something else?

Click HERE for the buy link.

Thanksgiving Humor

I never knew Thanksgiving and Erotic Romance had so much in common.


Things You Can Only Say On Thanksgiving

1. Talk about a huge breast!
2. Tying the legs together keeps the inside moist.
3. It's Cool Whip time!
4. If I don't undo my pants, I'll burst!
5. That's one terrific spread!
6. I'm in the mood for a little dark meat.
7. Are you ready for seconds yet?
8. Its a little dry, do you still want to eat it?
9. Just wait your turn, you'll get some!
10. Don't play with your meat.
11. Just spread the legs open and stuff it in.
12. Do you think you'll be able to handle all these people at once?
13. I didn't expect everyone to come at once!
14. You still have a little bit on your chin.
15. How long will it take after you stick it in?
16. You'll know it's ready when it pops up.
17. Wow, I didn't think I could handle all of that!
18. That's the biggest one I've ever seen!

Here we go again....

Here we go again...

Last year I'd sent out a boat-load of queries and found myself knee deep in contracts all at the same time. Edits flew at me in all directions.

Well, here I go again.
Edits for my 2nd Black Rose will begin in the not so distant future.


I'm working through Chase's story, Kilt-a-licious, for Scarlet Rose.

And Fran sent me a wonderful shiny contract for Silent Vows, my 2nd full length time travel in my 'Vow's trilogy'.


I'm not complaining... it's all good. But if you don't see me around all that much, please forgive me. I'm reflecting on my good sense to pass on NaNo. *sigh