I should explain

I'm seeking an agent because …um…what if it all works out?!!

Here is how it started.

Last year I’m at the fun filled Lori Foster Get Together Conference. Prior to the event two professional friends give me a hard time about not scheduling pitch sessions with the agent and editor attending. I repent my shy ways and at the last minute find it’s to late to sign up for the editor, but there is an opening for the agent.

I have an agent appointment. I’m panicking. Author friend and the delightful readers we share lock me in a room with them and we do a group pitch-brainstorming thing. Perhaps two hours later (it seemed longer) I have a pitch, thanks to my pals.

Next day I’m waiting for my turn with the agent. Of course my loyal buddies are there for moral support, or to make sure I don’t cut and run. The editor’s assistant comes out and states the editor will be done with her appointments early, would anyone else like so sign up since she has so much extra time?

I hear –“Scary Editor is so good at rejecting, she needs a few more victims to fill the time slot.” My friend, the author, grabs my shoulders and shoves me at the assistant saying, “She wants an appointment!”

Remember, I haven’t even stumbled through my first ever pitch to the agent yet. Now my name is on Scary Editor list too.

First ever pitch goes reasonably well. Apparently I was speaking English. Nice agent nodded and stuff. Then she asked me for a query and partial.

Whew!!!

Not two minutes later I’m sitting in front of Scary Editor. I do my pitch. She seems to understand the words. She asks me a few questions and the last question is: “Is the manuscript done?” I nod and give her the word count. Scary Editor then made a huge mistake and asked me to send her the manuscript. So I help her out by correcting her. “You mean a synopsis and first three chapters.”

The amazing Cindy Hwang of Berkley smiles at me a little pitifully and says. “No. I asked for the full manuscript.”

I have no clear recollection of saying goodbye to her. I hope I didn’t just get up and drift out in a daze. First pitch to an editor and she wants the FULL!

The manuscript is sent. I know it takes forever to hear accept or reject. I’m thinking if the worst happens and she wants my book, which is one of a three book series, I really should have an agent.

There ya have it. I’m seeking representation. The world of NY Publishing is a completely different predator than the e-pub beast and I’m fresh meat. Not so much in the yummy steak way. More the idiot who has lost track of the herd and is easy pickings, way.

Wait, those are both the same thing. See what I mean.