I briefly mentioned in a previous post that I had an unplanned meeting with Monster Ivy Publishing (MIP). But, how that meeting came about and what resulted are the more intriguing and important parts.
Originally, I planned to sign up for a couple one-on-one pitch appointments at the the Realm Makers conference. Unfortunately, due to an ER visit and recovery, I was not able to finish editing my manuscript. So, I didn’t sign up.
In a pitch appointment, a hopeful writer meets with an agent or publisher in the publishing industry and “pitches” their book. The hope is the expert in the publishing industry will want to represent the writer and their book.
One of the first evenings at the conference, Cammie Larsen with MIP, was on a panel in a Q&A session. The purpose of the session was to hear from experts in the publishing industry. Cammie caught my attention because she got excited about the same things I get excited about. She seemed to be “one of my people.” 😊
After the Q&A, I stood in a line to talk with her, but another writer started chatting with me and I missed my opportunity. Later, I went by the MIP booth (there was an exhibit hall for authors, publishers, and other vendors). I asked Cammie one question, before another writer came up to small talk. And, I had to leave for another session.
The next day, I hoped to sit at the same table as Cammie for a lunch I signed up for, but that didn’t happen. I would not be deterred, I figured I would just stop by the MIP booth again later. But, on my way out of lunch, Cammie waved me over. We set up a time to meet one-on-one the next day, for fifteen minutes.
The next day, I showed up at 10:30AM and found out Cammie thought we had scheduled for 10AM. So, she had someone else there that was scheduled to meet with her at 10:30 and asked me if I was available at 11AM. Of course!
Our one-on-one was great! I felt like I was talking with someone I could totally relate to when it came to writing. Instead of fifteen minutes, we met for thirty, which worked out great at the later time. In addition to answering questions and giving advice, she read my first page and said she wanted to find out more. (Biggest compliment!)
I asked her what I should do between then and when I officially pitch to Monster Ivy. She started to tell me about their submission process and then interrupted herself. She grabbed her card and told me to email her my manuscript when it was ready.
SO EXCITED!! Even if they don’t accept my manuscript, it was thrilling to meet with someone like Cammie to talk about my book and the publishing industry. It made me think, this is possible!
So… Right now, I find myself finishing up editing and asking nurse and police friends to critique specific scenes. There are simultaneous feelings of excitement and fear.
What is something that didn’t work out in your life, but worked out in a better way? What’s something you can keep trying for?
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