The Call

I love reading stories about writers who get the call from an editor or agent when their book is going to be published. In my writer groups, this telephone call is referred to as "The Call." This differs from the dreaded "R," which is a letter of rejection.

So without further ado... my story!

I had heard that HRS was increasing their word count and I had assumed that when I heard back about my book, it would be either a rejection or another request for revisions to make the book longer.

I was cleaning up the kitchen and getting ready to start dinner when I heard the phone ring. It was a 212 number I didn't recognize. I thought the call might be from a contractor we'd hired to install a new front door in our home. I answered and the person asked for me. She identified herself as Shana Smith from Harlequin (at this point I started shaking) and she said they wanted to publish my book (at this point I almost started to cry with happiness). For one small moment, I thought it might be friends of mine playing a joke, since just this week, I entered the New Voices contest and they had read my submission.

I can't recall all the details of the conversation, though I did manage to scribble down some notes on a pad of paper, but I'm pretty sure I sounded incoherent when answering and asking questions. From what I remember, she gave me details regarding timelines for revisions and asked about a pseudonym. She mentioned that she'd be interested in reading other manuscripts (good, cause I have tons) and seeing any connected books (books about the other characters in my novel --- the hero has 2 equally delicious brothers).

My book has been penciled in to the scheduled - I forgot to ask when (whoops!). The editor asked if I accepted, which of course I did, since this is my dream, and when a dream comes by, you don't hesitate - you grab it.

She was really nice and gave me her phone number and email in case I have follow up questions. After I process this, I probably will.

I hope I thanked her and communicated properly how thrilled I am to be given this opportunity.

After I hung up with her, I called my husband, who was happy of course, but said, "told you so, Double Witness just had that certain something." And he has read all my work - even the stuff from the beginning which he describes as "raw talent". It was very raw. Barely cohesive. Gotta love my husband's spin on things.

I emailed my fabulous critique partner, Cera Daniels to give her the news.

Then I called everyone I knew :)