It’s been a weird (good) month.
An unexpected email
So, it was a Monday. I had just finished the final copy edits on the manuscript of After the Siren and sent them to my wonderful graphic designer. I was patting myself on the back for getting that done. We were nearly ready to print the book and get ready for the launch.
And then I got an email. The email was from someone at a traditional publishing house. I’d submitted ATS to a couple of publishers before I decided that the process of submitting to publishers was soul-destroying and was crushing my joy in writing.
That email didn’t end up in a publishing deal. But it did, through a bizarre and serendipitous sequence of events (including the indispensable advice of the wonderful Anna Cowan), lead to me being connected to two amazing literary agents, Rochelle Fernandez at Alex Adsett Literary (Australia) and Kate McKean at the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency (United States).
I am sure you, dear reader, do not want to hear about the intricacies of publishing and literary agents, but getting an offer of representation from two amazing agents was so far outside my expectations/aspirations that my mind is still a bit blown. I’ve decided to hit pause on self-publishing to give Kate and Rochelle an opportunity to see if they can find a traditional publisher to take on ATS.
But why?
My plan was to self-publish ATS, and I was so proud of where the book was at, including the phenomenal cover design by Jess Cruickshank. I did not want to let go of my Nov 27 release date, let me tell you. (When I make a plan, I stick to that plan). Also, there are lots of things about self-publishing that appeal to me. Well, it’s mainly just one big thing, which is the level of control.
However, I also want to get ATS into as many hands as possible, and I want to try and make writing sustainable for me (there are more AFL books in my brain/partly on the page). I have learned so much while getting ATS ready for self-publishing, and met so many great people, but traditional publishing would definitely take some of the financial and time pressure off me. A traditional publisher also has distribution powers I do not, no matter how dedicated I am to posting books from my garage.
So what next?
Of course, having agents representing me doesn’t guarantee me a book deal with a traditional publisher. It might sell, it might not. My job is going to be to try to wait patiently, and to keep working on the ATS sequel. (I am actually so excited to start talking about the sequel at some point, omg).
Also, taking some time to explore this option is definitely pressing pause on self-publishing, rather than pressing stop. If there isn’t interest from a traditional publisher, I will absolutely be self-publishing this book. Jake and Theo will be going into the world, one way or another. I am determined.
I’ve been quiet on social media recently because I haven’t wanted to be posting about ATS as a book coming out in November when I knew that probably wouldn’t be the case. However, now I've been able to tell y’all what is happening, I am going to be back posting weird footy trivia/history, character info, writing snippets etc.
To those who are excited about reading this book - I am sorry you won’t be getting it in November. Please just bear with me a bit longer. It will be worth it, I promise!
Darcy xx