Now I have time to start work

Well, this has been quite a month. I set up this blog, full of enthusiasm, and then my computer decided it would not switch on. Engineer says 'the mother board has gone'. I ordered a new computer but lost all my info, except for the items on my external memory (thank heavens for that)
My publisher set me on a 'marketing mission', and so I have been to the Internet Cafe every day to keep up with the work.
I now have my lovely new computer, the work is 'up to date', so I now have time to start work on my blog. I do hope you will join me with comments. I need your input!.

Back to my 'journey to publication'

I started to write my series of stories about two years ago, without the least thought of getting them published.
My friends and family loved my stories and started to order copies for their children. They pushed me to offer them for publication, so I decided to try.

I did not know much about getting a book published (I am learning fast now!), but I did know that most publishers will not even look at the manuscript, unless you are signed up by a reputable agent.

I went 'online' and found a list of agents. I clicked on one of them, made contact via a 'submit' button (I did not know where they were).
They invited me to send details about myself and a synopsis for their consideration.
They came back telling me who they were and where they were, and asked me to send my manuscript online.

It took just a week, and they said they liked my work and offered to represent me.
I was so excited - I said 'yes please' and a contract was sent to me.
The contract was fair, so I signed it, and I was 'on my way'.

The Agency turned out to be a very well known one in the USA, and they worked hard to get my manuscript ready to offer to publishers.

There were a few costs on the way. First I needed a critique. The lady they suggested accepted the commission, but gave me warning comments like:
'If it looks like a lemon it is usually sour'
'If I don't like the opening paragraph I usually file it in 'the round bin'
'If the title is weak, I also expect the book to be weak'

Hey, was I scared!!!!. I waited in trepidation for her comments, but when they arrived I was reduced to tears (of happiness)

I will quote from her report:
1) The opening 3-5 sentences: 'These sentences are powerful. They introduce the character, a setting, and they set the tone. This is a nice beginning'

2) 'The dialogue is perfect for the target market'

3) Conclusion: This is a fun and entertaining manuscript. The characters are fabulous, as is the plot. The readers will enjoy this material tremendously. I am impressed with your imagination.
This will be a success.

As you can see, I thought this was going to easy - how wrong I was, but I will tell you more about my 'journey to publication' in my next blog.

In the meantime, here is another short extract from my book.

William and his seven carriage friends were looking forward to the new day.

Megan the swan was looking especially beautiful, and she hoped many children would want to ride on her today.

Connor the engine was looking very smart, and he really wanted to enjoy the fun with the children. He said he hoped the children would blow his whistle, and make as much noise as they could.

William noticed a new ride had been put up close to his merry-go-round, and it was a
helter-skelter slide. It was painted in lots of different colors, and stood very tall. It had a shiny winding path down the outside. He was not sure how the children would use it, but he was going to watch, as he really wanted to find out.



Suddenly I have a lot to do. Be back soon, please send your comments and questions.

Irene