Wednesday, June 13, 2012

It Takes a Village to Raise a Writer (Or: Agented!)



My dear sweet readers,

A couple of months ago, I made a blog post called "Belief," about having written a manuscript that I truly believed in with all my heart, even though it wasn't getting a great - or really any - response from my carefully planned and strategized querying efforts.

To be honest, I almost didn't post it. I thought it made me sound like an entitled, maudlin jerk.

But you all came on over and expressed your love and support, your "it's normal"s and your "ONE is fabulous"s, and your "keep on truckin'"s, and I felt better.

Your comments, and your love and support, pushed me to put it in just one more contest before I officially called querying quits - The Writer's Voice Contest. I was lucky enough to get plucked from the contest slush by Cupid, and my amazing teammates helped me polish ONE's query and first page to an even higher shine.

Three weeks later, I got this email:

I LOVED ONE. Merrin Grey is complicated, she's not waiting to be saved (THANK YOU SO MUCH for writing a heroine like this) and Elias is complicated and intriguing and the entire premise freaks me out in a good way...

You guys. This agent THANKED ME for writing Merrin. (Um, what do you even say to that? "You're welcome?") I figured I'd died and gone to heaven. 

Well, it got better. We talked on the phone, and the way she talked about my characters, it was like she'd crawled into their brains and stayed in there awhile, taking notes. She said she felt like she could fly with Merrin and Elias (cue copious tears.) But wait ! It gets better! She wanted to talk about TWO (sequel to One, if we ever got that far) and all the other projects I'm cooking up. (I mean, seriously. So surreal.) 

Tonight, I was delighted and honored to sign with Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary. Tomorrow, the paper contract goes in the mail, and we're officially super official.


There could not possibly be a better fit for this manuscript or for me, for so many reasons. Her excitement for ONE is palpable. She's squealing-excited, and we haven't even gotten to work yet. But I can tell she has big plans, and will do just about anything to see ONE and maybe some other things I dream up succeed. She gets the story, you guys. She gets it. She gets me. She's a truly amazing agent, part of an incredible team, and I can't believe my luck.

******

But that's not the real "How I Got My Agent" Story. Because, after all, in order for all that to happen, I had to have two things:
1) An Insane Amount of Luck and
2) a finished and polished manuscript that would catch Tricia's eye.

To get to that manuscript, I had to have the strength and perseverance to keep writing, keep working my butt off, even when my own better judgement told me that ONE was destined for a life in The Drawer.

How did I keep myself standing, and wading through the muckiness of Query Hell?
 You. Each and every one of you, who ever:
  • read a horribly messy draft and cheered it on anyway,
  • helped me tear my MS apart and reassemble it time after time after time
  • dragged me through the mud and muck of the query trenches
  • grabbed my bootstraps and pulled me up 
  • made me feel ashamed of wallowing in self pity
  • inspired me to write more
  • challenged me to keep going
  • guilted me when I said I would give up
  • made me feel ashamed about feeling sorry for myself
  • hugged me when I thought I couldn't take any more
  • loved my writing
  • loved me, especially when I whined and complained and really, really, REALLY didn't deserve it.
  • Who gave me chance after chance after chance at success.
Most especially, and never, ever to be taken for granted, my critique partners.
The sweet Gina, the energetic Maggie, the understanding Jamie, the reflective Jenny, the hilarious Megan, the cantankerously brilliant Chessie, the encouraging MarcyKate, the painstakingly proof-reading A.K., the fangirling Amber, the levelheaded Cait, the enthusiastic Kat, the supportive Rachael, the industry-insightful Jessica, the loving Jani, the ruthless Marieke.

You gave me exactly what I needed at exactly the right time to make ONE the best it could be before going out into the world, to survive the query trenches, and to come out having signed with exactly the right agent, in a way I never expected, never planned for.

That's how I got my agent. I leaned on all those people, I loved them the best way I knew how, and they gave back to me in spades. They carried me through all the writer's toughness and helped me come out on the other side intact, alive, and kicking. With a manuscript that's now, happily, doing the same.

Thank you. I owe you everything

Lastly, since I know you're wondering, some (terrifyingly abysmal) stats:

Queries sent: 127
Rejections: 89
No-response: 38
Requests from queries: 6
Requests from (three) contests: 4
Informal requests (AKA "ninjas"): 2
Offers: 2 (You never know how the offers will come. YOU NEVER KNOW.)

Last, my (hopefully) non-condescending, non-platitude advice to aspiring authors like me:

Keep writing as long as it makes you happy.
Surround yourself with loving, supportive, encouraging people.
Keep sending your work out, if you believe in it.
Remember:You never know what's around the corner. NEVER. (Even though, if you're a control freak like me, that thought makes you CRAZY.)

Please wish me, Tricia, and ONE, the little manuscript that could, tons of luck as we send it even further out into the world! (We sure could use it, and appreciate it more than I can say.)


149 comments:

  1. I'm sooooooo happy for you!
    SUPER CONGRATS!
    I wish you all the luck in the world!

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  2. YAY! Congrats! I knew it would happen for you!

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  3. DUDE! WHERE THE HELL HAVE I BEEN???? This is FANTASTIC NEWS!!!! I can SO SO see you and Tricia being a perfect agent-author match. And now you're agent sisters with Ann! GO ONE!!! So, so happy for you!!! :D :D

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    1. Thank you honey! I'm sending big buckets of agent vibes at Monstrous, so it's armed with 'em right out of the gate!

      Delete
  4. I'm crying!! I mean, CRYING! I've said it a gazillion times since I've known you but one more won't hurt- I LOVE you. You are amazing. ONE is amazing. Your characters, your world, your writing--beautiful. I'm thrilled to death that you trust me to be your CP, and that I'm so damn LUCKY enough that you actually want to read anything I write.

    It just doesn't get any better than you, Leigh Ann. You've worked your ass off for this. Revel in it.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Dude. You modge-podged me a poster of my own book. I'M lucky to be YOUR CP.

      Love love love you to tiny bits. YOU are beautiful. <3

      Delete
  5. Happier than I thought was humanly possible to be for someone else--I am so, so excited for you, for ONE, for how perfect this pairing seems to be, for everything everything everything. I can't wait to demand my autographed copy when the time comes for ONE to hit the shelves. And CHROME. And TWO. Seriously, get your writing hand ready.

    CONGRATULAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATIONS!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DAHLIA!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Thank you for engaging in the email epicness today like you'd been in the crew for months. <3

      LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

      Delete
  6. Squee!!!!!! There are not enough words in the world express how THRILLED I am for both of you & for ONE!!

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    1. JENNY! I think you are the bestest CP/rabid fan I can think of! LOVE YOU!!!

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  7. Nothing more to say besides YAYYYYYY!!!!

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    1. <3 <3 <3 <3 Thank you for being in my first tortured round of readers. LOVE YOU.

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  8. That is so awesome! Congrats! I'm pretty sure I would have fainted reading that e-mail!

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    1. Uhhhhhh yeah. Especially since I opened it expecting her to pass. O_O

      Delete
  9. CONGRAAAAAATS!!! I'm so happy for you! *eeee*

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  10. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! what awesome news! YES! One had to be the ONE!!!!

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    Replies
    1. Hahahah Cristina way to be the first pun-maker. *snugs* Thank you!!!

      Delete
  11. Yay!!!!! This post is awesome, and you are awesome, and I'm certain your BOOK is awesome (because it sounds... Well, awesome. Bahaha). I am so, so excited for you!!

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  12. Wow, so amazing and congrats! Your perseverance is inspiring!

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  13. Congratulations! Your story is totally inspiring. :D

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  14. I am SO FREAKING HAPPY FOR YOU! Mad, mad, mad congratulations! EAT ALL THE ICE CREAM! DANCE ALL THE HAPPY JIGS! SING ALL THE SAPPY SONGS!

    But seriously, Leigh Ann. You deserve this 101%. I've been following your blog since the Third Platform Building Campaign, and I totally remember your Belief post. It's amazing and inspiring and wonderful that that belief paid off for you like this.

    Man.

    I am just grinning my face off right now. :D

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    1. ARIIIIIIIIIIII!!!! Hi doll!

      Thank you for grinning your face off, because mine can't take it anymore. Needs support. :D

      Delete
  15. Wooo! Congrats, that is amazing! All the best of luck on ONE making it out into the world so we can all read it :)

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  16. Aaaaagh, Leigh Ann! This is fantastic news, and I love your success! I'm SO EXCITED FOR YOU. Woot woot!!!! :D

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  17. MAZEL TOV LEIGH ANN!!!!!!!!!! I am off to shoot you a very very excited e-mail. Somuch congrats!!! xo

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    1. Ahhhh thanks darling! For your sweet blog post too! http://rachelwritesthings.blogspot.com/2012/06/congratulations-she-leigh-ann.html

      Delete
  18. Oh my goodness, OH MY GOODNESS!!! I am so excited for you right now, I am crying tears of joy! CONGRATS!!! I knew it wouldn't be long-- you and your book are amazing! I am SOOOOOOOO happy for you!

    *wipes tears*

    *switches from crying to happy dance*

    I'm so excited for ONE to go out into the publishing world, and then for it to come out into OUR WORLD. So excited!!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. PEGGY!!!!!! Hi Honey!!!!

      Ahhhhhh thank you so much for your sweet wishes and happy dances! *high fives* You are the best.

      Delete
  19. Couldn't be happier for you :D I'm SO glad that everything worked out and I'm glad I get to share this special time with you!!! Love you so so much!!!!!!

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    1. *smooshes*

      Guys! It's my Megan! She read the first draft of One when she was supposed to be studying! FTW.

      Delete
  20. "Cantankerously brilliant"?

    ...I'll take it.

    ^_^ I believe I have already screamed enough about this over email.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I was just trying not to embarrass you. Because I've already done that enough by, like, associating with you.

      *tackle hugs*
      *runs away before you can retaliate*

      Delete
  21. P.S. I blogged about your AWESOMENESS.(news) and congratulations again! http://rachelwritesthings.blogspot.com/2012/06/congratulations-she-leigh-ann.html

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  22. AHHHHHHHHH!!!!! CONGRATS!!!! I can't SQUEEEEE enough!!!!

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    1. ERICAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
      NEWEST CP LADY!!!!!!!!!!

      SO GLAD SLOAN IS ON MY KINDLE AND YOUR FACE IS HERRRRRRRRE!

      Delete
  23. CONGRATS! I saw your sly little tweets and thought, she's got news I've just gotta wait for this post to come out and here it is!!! So excited for you!!! And congrats, Tricia sounds like an amazing agent and you and Ann will be agent-mates!

    :) :) :) :) :)

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  24. Awww...I'm feeling kind of anti-squee that I wasn't part of the process, helping you along the way. I'll keep an eye on the progress from here on out.

    [Oh, and thank @EricaChapman. Her Tweet sent me this way.]

    G'luck!

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    1. Hahaha my Twitter crew is just loud. Thank you!

      Delete
  25. CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so excited for you and ONE! I can't wait until I can buy my copy someday! :D YA is in need of more superhero stories and kickass main characters who don't need saving. I wish you all the luck (though I'm sure you don't need it) with the rest of your journey.

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    1. Aw, thanks darling! And yes! Superheroes FTW!

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  26. How great is this! Richly deserved. Best of luck as you go from here to submission.

    (Yes, Erica's tweet brought me here too.)

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  27. Congrats, Leigh Ann. Good luck on subs.

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  28. Congrats to my new agent-sibling! I look forward to getting to know you!

    p.s. Tricia rawks! You're in excellent hands *but I'm pretty sure you know this already* ;)

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    1. DAISY!!!!!!!!!
      *tackle hugs*

      What? They told us everyone was very close at EMLA. Right? Close? :)

      I have never been more confident in someone after only talking to her for half an hour. I'm so excited and not stressed AT ALL. She's awesome. So glad to be in the fam! <3

      Delete
  29. What an inspiring story! Congrats on finding a perfect-fit agent, and good luck as you enter the land of submissions! :)

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  30. Weeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! I'm smiling like an idiot right now reading this! Congratulations times a million, Leigh Ann!! Sending all the good vibes to ONE's success! I'm so happy for you and I seriously hope to buy ONE from my local bookstore one day! Meep! :D

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    1. Urrrrgh THANK YOU SWEETIE!!! You are just the best! FINGERS CROSSED!!! <3

      Delete
  31. All I can say is...I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! You work so hard and it paid off! Congrats! No one deserves it more than you. Thanks for all that you do for the writing community. You're our superhero!

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    1. Ohhhhhhhhhh you flatter me! <3 You guys are my heroes for putting up with me and my whining!

      Delete
  32. Welcome to EMLA, agent sister! Tricia is awesome - I had a similar experience with her when I signed. Like Daisy said, you're in excellent hands. (She also has great taste ;) Look forward to getting to know you better via EMLA forum...

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    1. Hiiiiii Melodie!
      *tackle hugs*

      So so so looking forward to hanging out and being "sisters!"

      Delete
  33. I've been following your story for awhile, and I am PYSCHED for you! Best of luck in submission land! (we might be trekking those waters around the same time, haha) :D

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    1. Ohhhhhhh submission land! *squeezes your hand* WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS.

      It's just like querying, right? Except you have a pro doing it for you?
      (just kidding. I know it's allllll the terrifying.)

      <3

      Delete
  34. Ahh Leigh Ann, I can't even begin to find the words to express my joy and excitement for you! I'm so glad that Merrin and Elias will never see that dusty drawer! You are such an inspiration to me, and one of the sweetest human beings that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I feel so unworthy to even be included in your list (at least I think fangirl Amber is me…lol), because all I did was read (but I must say it made my fangirl heart squee and happy dance forever)

    Congratulations Leigh Ann! I can't wait for the world to meet Merrin and Elias, and for me to know that I was one of the lucky few who got to meet them first!

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    1. Amber. *I* can't even begin to tell *you* how much your fangirling has meant. And someone else to love the Wasp with me? And understand why Elias's last name is so damn cool?

      Love you lady. You are the BEST.

      Delete
  35. Congrats, Leigh Ann! So very happy for you :D

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  36. Congratulations :D I'm so excited for ONE (and the many more stories to come) and wish you all the best during submissions!!!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading it and slogging through my horrible spelling! Love you tons! <3

      Delete
  37. Aw Hon, I am SO SO SO SO SO excited for you and ONE! Tricia sounds absolutely amazing, and you're going to rock the publishing world with this story that just HAS to be printed! Eek, I'm flying myself right now :)

    Biggest hugs,

    Rach

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    1. RACHAEL!!! Thank you so much for reading! I can't believe you were willing to pour so much time and love into One when it was basically in the drawer. <3

      Delete
    2. You're so welcome - it was my privilege!!! <3<3<3 And anytime (and I hope to do the same for your next MS too *grins*).

      xx

      Delete
  38. This is so awesome, LeighAnn. And despite what you said in your post, you ALWAYS deserved this love and success. Amazing things are ahead for you! :)

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    1. Melissa! YOU are awesome. Thank you so so much. <3

      Delete
  39. Congratulations! That's awesome, and inspiring. :) Well done! I can't wait to hear more. :)

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  40. Yeah, not much else to add here but CONGRATS!!! I AM SO HAPPY for you! I can't think of anyone who deserves it more!! *Smooshy hugs*

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    1. JAMIE I SERIOUSLY COULD NOT FUNCTION WITHOUT YOU.
      And only you know how true this is.

      Thank you thank you. Can't wait to smoosh-hug you in person. <3

      Delete
  41. I am so INCREDIBLY happy for you!!! You have modeled for everyone exactly how to do the whole querying thing: find great critique partners, support others, be willing to look rejection in the face, and KEEP WRITING! I'm so glad you've ended up at the best agency EVER as a result. And I'm BEYOND THRILLED to get to launch into this next crazy surreal stage with you!!!!!!!

    YYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!

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    1. SIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      *tackle hugs*
      *gets up and tackle hugs again*

      Let's write books that make for stronger girls, huh?
      *high fives*

      LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

      Delete
  42. Congratulations!!! And a very inspirational post. I know I only just started following you, but I'm excited about your book and you as an author.

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  43. I just sent you a spazz email. Congrats and <3s! :)

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    Replies
    1. Lyla? LYLA.

      THANK YOU sweetie. Allllllll the love. <3

      Delete
  44. Yay!!! I've been rooting for this one since I first saw it (I believe in the Blind Speed Dating). I'm so excited for you and can't wait to grab ONE off shelves! It's also great to hear a Writer's Voice success story, and gives me a little more hope. Congrats!!

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    1. Oh, hey, honey! Thank you so much! Hoping you have ALL THE LUCK WITH YOUR SUBS!!!

      Delete
  45. Congratulations! :D Hooray for another happy agented ending ^_^

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    1. Heyyyyyyyy! Thank you!!!! You've always been such an amazing commenter-supporter. *snugs*

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  46. All right! Kudos. And it is so true that it takes a village. Well put. Good luck on your journey.

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  47. Congrats, sweetie! This is awesome news :D *gives you cookies* Celebrate!

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    1. Ahhhhhhhhhh THANK YOU! Still Fuh-reaking out! :D

      Delete
  48. Well this is the first I have seen you and your blog (through a tweet by Krista Van Dolzer) but I wanted to give you a great big congratulations! I met Tricia at a conference in April and she is a very, very nice lady! She is on my list to query if I ever finish my MS! :-) Good luck on your journey with her!

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    1. Hey! Welcome to my place! Great to see you over here. :D

      Thank you so much for your good wishes! Tricia is a DREAM and a POWERHOUSE - good luck querying her! <3

      Delete
  49. I love this success story! Congratulations!!! I came over from Rachel's blog. *waves hi* :)

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    1. *waves hi* *jumps up and down* Great to have you! Pull up a seat and stay awhile. :D

      And thank you!

      Delete
  50. I've followed your journey through the query trenches and contest entries. I'm so happy for you! :D

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    1. Hey, I know you! Thanks for coming by - you're the best!

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  51. Hooray again--as you clearly already know, you're in excellent, excellent hands. =) Best of luck with the upcoming steps. Now go have a pint of Jeni's--you deserve it!

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    1. *tackle hugs*
      AGENCY SIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Every time I go to Jeni's now, I'll be thinking of which flavors Gladys would like best....hmmmm..

      (thank you!)

      Delete
  52. Eeeee! CONGRATULATIONS! I don't know anybody who is more deserving of this than you. Seriously. So, so happy for you! <333

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  53. Congratulations!!! Soooo happy for you. Can't wait to read it!

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    1. SUZIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!! Hey girl! Thanks for coming over! <3 you to bits!

      Delete
  54. Great to see that your hard work and preserverence paid off! Congratualtions and here's wishing you and your MS tons of luck!!! (And yes I'm yelling this for excitement!!!!)

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    1. Dude - by the skin of my teeth. The SKIN. :)

      Thank you so so so much!!!!!!!

      Delete
  55. I am sooooooo happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I knew the first time I read anything from One it was a winner. I'm jumping up and down. This is awesome and well deserved.

    YAY!!!!!!!

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    1. Jennyyyyyyyy! Hey lady! Thanks for stopping by, and the congratulations! You are THE BEST! <3

      Delete
  56. Love that you posted your query stats and found a way to turn the odds in your favor! Congratulations, and look forward to reading ONE when it's on the shelves!

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    Replies
    1. *shudders* I'm gonna try to never look at those query stats ever again.

      (Thank you!)

      Delete
  57. Oh MY GOSH!!!!!!! Congratu-freakin-lations! I smiled through this WHOLE post! I am SO excited to keep following you, and can not WAIT to read ONE! I was just telling my husband about it the other day and how I was thinking of asking you if I could read it, and now I just have to wait... WAIT! I hate to wait! But seriously, words cannot express how excited I am for you Leigh Ann! You're amazing, and if anybody deserve the perfect agent-writer relationship, it's you! Enjoy it!!!

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    1. DARCIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!

      *Love piles* (That's like a tackle hug but BIGGER.)

      Love you to bits, honey. Bits and pieces. Thank you so much for your sweet post. If this ever gets published, I'll send you an ARC. Swear. Take a screenshot. You are just the absolute best.

      <3 <3 <3

      Delete
  58. Congratulations again! You're a poster girl for perseverance, and so inspiring. It makes me feel a lot better about my own query stats to read about your own and see how you came out awesomely on top in the end! I hope this is the start of a long and fruitful relationship and career for you and Tricia.

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    1. Hey lady! Thank you so much. Yeah, my query stats were...*shudders again* It was pretty hellish. Thank God for Cupid and an awesome team. Yay contests!!!

      Delete
  59. "Remember:You never know what's around the corner. NEVER. (Even though, if you're a control freak like me, that thought makes you CRAZY.)"

    THIIIIIIS You inspire me to keep going even when the uncertainty is driving me nuts!!!

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    Replies
    1. You never know. Which is totally crazy making.

      Thank you so so so much! <3

      Delete
  60. Oh I'm SO SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU. I got all teary reading this. Again. I'm SO excited and SO proud of you. You are AMAZING and ONE is freaking GORGEOUS. I can't wait for the entire world to meet and fall in love with it. And its writer, OF COURSE.

    LOVE YOU LOADS <333

    (But *ruthless*? Tsk. I DID NOT EVEN MAKE YOU REWRITE IT.

    So there.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MARIEKE!!!!!!!

      Love you so much, words can't express. Thank you for your beautiful post. I'm not worthy really. And thank you for ALL the time you've poured into this sweet little MS.

      And, yeah. Not so ruthless to me. And I'm counting on you for that blurb.

      LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

      Delete
  61. Awesome awesome awesome! Thanks for sharing.

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  62. Congrats!!!!! Just found you through Rachel's blog and wanted to come check it out! I live your advice and your emohasis on how important the people you surround yourself are. Good luck!!'n

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    Replies
    1. Aw, isn't Rachel the coolest?

      I really believe we're only as good as the people who hold us up. I'm lucky to have an amazing crew. <3

      Delete
  63. Wow! What an inspiring story. Congratulations on finding your perfect-for-you agent, and good luck with selling ONE. It sounds like you have worked hard and persevered, and you have even more success in the future.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! She really is PERFECT for me. I'm so lucky.

      Fingers crossed!

      Delete
  64. I just found your blog after someone tweeted your news!! Congratulations! I NEVER get tired of hearing stories of how people got their agents. NEVER. I've heard so much about Tricia Lawrence lately and it sounds like you've got yourself one heck of an agent on your side. So happy for you!

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    1. Tricia is a FORCE, that's for sure. Thank you so so so much!

      Delete
  65. I am not the least bit surprised <3 you deserve this so much it's not even funny! I am SO happy for you!!

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    1. I'll never forget your amazingly loving and gentle and CONSTRUCTIVE critique on One. Every time I talk to you, you get more amazing. Love you to bits and pieces, sweetie (and still anxiously awaiting the day that Secondary pops into my inbox.)
      xoxox

      Delete
  66. What an awesome story! I got goosebumps! So happy for you and Tricia:)

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  67. I missed the announcement post! Waaaaahhhhhh!!!! You bet your ass I'm doing a belated celebratory post the minute my feet are back on US soil. Love you so much and I wish you EVERY LAST BIT OF GOOD LUCK with this novel because you worked your ass off and you deserve ALL THE SUCCESS!!!

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    Replies
    1. GINAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!

      *cries* *love piles*

      GUYS. Do you know Gina and I have been together for almost a YEAR??? And that I literally could not have done any of this without her? More memories than I can count, but Gina, you are my crit sister for life. Love you more than I can say. <3

      Delete
  68. Congratulations so much what good news, and looking at your blog, what a great story, congrats on the success. Will be following you to publication!

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  69. congrats, you are living the dream! All of that hard work paid off. I am wondering if there is a place on your blog with more information on your book? :)

    Andrea

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    Replies
    1. Thanks honey!

      Yeah...I took it down because I don't know what the rules are for that? *puzzles* I'm a rookie. But if you look at what I linked for Cupid's contest you can see a bit. :D

      Delete
  70. Oh my gosh, I'm sorry I'm a little late to this (was on a deadline) but CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I am so, so happy for you. You more than deserve this and I will keep fingers eyes and toes crossed for you and ONE!

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  71. EMMAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    *pounces*

    HI DEAR! I knew you were copyediting. And I wouldn't have been mad at you if you didn't comment either way.

    *smooshes* good to see you!!!!!

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  72. huge HUGE congratulations!!! It sounds like you have yourself the PERFECT agent for you who truly gets you and your characters. What more could we hope for?

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  73. I can't remember if I've already congratulated you (I just saw the news on Gina's blog but it does sound familiar). Anyway CONGRATS!!!! :D

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  74. It's never too late to comment and say congrats, right? Congrats!!!

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  75. That made me feel better. I'm diving into the world of querying. 5 out, 1 rejection, 4 still to hear. There will no doubt be many more rejections, but reading posts like should keep me sane!

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