NEWSDAY TUESDAY ...

Recently a friend said to me "it must be so cool to get paid to read manuscripts for a living." I knew then that he really had no idea what my job entailed. Reading manuscripts and reviewing proposals is an important part of what I do, of course. But, honestly, it's just the beginning of what can be a long process.

For me, sometimes reading manuscripts is soothing. It reminds me that there is always the possibility of finding something fresh, or a potential perfect fit for an editor, or simply a gem I want to seriously consider. Other times it's stressful because I wonder how I'll ever find time to help with another project. But, it ebbs and flows, and all works out in the process. Publishing is a lot of things, but one thing it most certainly is is a process.

Sometimes I think writers forget this.

For example, right now I'm working on submitting a project I've been helping an author shape since January 2009. Yep, you read that right. 18 months of work. Admittedly the author is a busy mom and works full-time, so it's been a bit of an off and on process for her. But, I believe in her work and her message, and I know when the time is right, we'll be ready. For some authors I represent, patience (on both our parts) is the primary speed. For others, sometimes, we have to hasten things a bit.

I'd love to hear from some of you who are willing to share how long it took you to get published. I mean from first submission to book on the shelf. Just to give some perspective. Anyone willing?

While we wait for your responses, here's a smattering of NEWS for you:

A COUPLE NEWISH BLOGS by a couple editor friends of ours we thought you'd like to check out:

Nick Harrison - Harvest House Publishers Nick Harrison Books
Barbara Scott - Abingdon Press The Roving Editor

CHIP WAS INTERVIEWED last Friday. Here's the link

REVIEW NEWS

Susan Page Davis' recently released title THE CRIMSON CIPHER (Summerside Press) is a Top Pick in Romantic Times Book Reviews' August issue.

AWARD FINALISTS 

Congratulations to several MacGregor Literary authors who have recently finaled in contests:

Kit Wilkinson's PROTECTOR'S HONOR is an RWA Maggie Finalist in the Inspirational Romance category. 

ACFW's Book of the Year Awards have been renamed. Henceforth they will be called the Carol Awards after Carol Johnson, an editor who played a big part in helping  create a place for Christian fiction in publishing. Congratulations to you, Carol. And to the numerous MacGregor Literary authors who are finalists: 

- Historical Novella -
Vickie McDonough - A Breed Apart (Barbour Publishing)
Vickie McDonough - Beloved Enemy (Barbour Publishing)

- Long Contemporary -
Joyce Magnin - The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow (Abingdon Press)
Susan Meissner - White Picket Fences (Waterbrook Press)

- Long Contemporary Romance -
Jenny B. Jones - Just Between You and Me (Thomas Nelson)

- Mystery -
Mindy Starns Clark - Under the Cajun Moon (Harvest House Publishers)
Darlene Franklin - A String of Murders (Heartsong Mysteries)
Janice Thompson writing as Janice Hanna - Pushing up Daisies (Heartsong Mysteries)

- Long Historical -
Siri Mitchell - Love's Pursuit (Bethany House)

- Long Historical Romance-
Janice Thompson writing as Janice Hanna - Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas (Summerside Press)

- Short Contemporary -
Vickie McDonough - A Wagonload of Trouble (Heartsong Presents)

- Short Historical -
Lynette Sowell - All That Glitters (Heartsong Presents)

-Women's Fiction -
Sara Evans & Rachel Hauck - Sweet By and By (Thomas Nelson)

- Young Adult -
Jenny B. Jones - I'm So Sure (Thomas Nelson)
Jenny B. Jones - So Not Happening (Thomas Nelson)

For a complete list of the finalists for the inaugural year of the Carol Awards, go to
The Carol Awards will be presented at ACFW's Conference in Indianapolis, September 17-20.  If you've been thinking of going but haven't registered, there's still time to do so here.

A FEW NEW BOOK DEALS

-Melanie Dobson is doing another Historical Romance with Summerside Press titled LOVE FINDS YOU IN AMANA, IOWA
-THE THREE MARYS, a new Bible study written by Eva Gibson will released from AMG in 2011
-Harvest House has contracted Poppy Smith to write a marriage book tentatively titled WHY CAN'T HE BE MORE LIKE ME
-Arloa Sutter is working on two Bible studies to accompany THE INVISIBLE: What the Church can do to Find and Serve the Least of These, her imminently releasing title from Wesleyan Publishing House

BEST SELLERS
I noticed something interesting today. Of the top 50 books on CBA's list of Best Sellers for August, 2010, eleven (22%) of them were fiction titles. And those eleven were written by seven authors. Like I said, I just found this interesting ...

News? Thoughts? Just let us know ...

Comments

[Cindy Thomson]

Six years for me, Sandra, but that was starting from my first submission, which admittedly was far from ready.

[Cindy Thomson]

I should amend that because the first submission I made was not the book that got published. From the first submission of that book to the time it made it on the shelf was more like three years. But your point is valid. It does take patience, and don't we dislike that part?

[Cecelia Dowdy]

It's been so long that I can't remember. I believe from the time I submitted the book, until it actually was released, was about a year and a half to two years.

[Becky Yauger/ACFW VP]

Here's the link to the complete list of ACFW's Carol Awards Finalists: http://www.acfw.com/carolaward2010finalists.shtml

[Shirley Brosius]

I began writing my book (Sisterhood of Faith: 365 Life-Changing Stories About Women Who Made a Difference) sometime in 2002. In January 2003 I felt ready to approach publishers, and a writing mentor suggested I also approach agents. I had had a devotional published in a compilation book, and I found that editor’s name listed as an agent. When I approached her, she took me as a client. In spring 2003 she submitted a proposal for me to about seven publishers. She heard back from several with encouraging comments, but no takers. In November, 2003, she sent out another batch of proposals, and in February, 2004, I was offered a contract by Howard Books with a manuscript due date of September, 2004. The expected date of publication was 2005, but that didn’t happen. In December, 2005, we began the editing process and completed it in February, 2006. The book was released in October, 2006. So I always figure it took me two years to write my book, which took a great deal of research, and two years for the book to make it through the publishing pipeline.

[Rachel Hauck]

Submission to publishing? Thirteen years. But I wrote a big ole honking WW 2 novel which was rejected. I took a break, went back to the corp world, then started writing a few years later.

I wrote a book that became an e-book. Then a year later, I contracted with Heartsong Presents. It came out a year later.

Time wise, it was 13 years. Actual writing time? Six years while working full time. I have one unpublished novel and an one e-novel prior to print. Back in 2002, e-publishing was a newborn. :)

I think my journey has been easy compared to others. However, I'm still learning and become a better writer.

Blessings on you and your client, Sandra!

Congrats to all the MacGregor Literary clients who finaled in the Carol!

Rachel

[Laura Droege]

For what it's worth, I like the tentative title to Poppy's book. What woman doesn't wonder why her hubby can't be more like her?!

[Angela Meuser]

Took my first romance manuscript to a conference in the summer of 2006. Had it requested and rejected. Wrote another manuscript that came with even nicer rejection letters. While waiting for said rejection letters I threw together a proposal for Summerside Press. They made an offer on Halloween of 2008. It comes out this coming December.

As for my children's writing...I wrote a short story that was published in an anthology in 2006. Met that publisher at a conference in the same year. Proposed a middle-grade novel based on the short story. Then had to write it. THE WATER FIGHT PROFESSIONAL is slated to come out in 2012.

This is the timeline that shocks people. But I am grateful. I still have a lot to learn, and I don't want to rush the process. Thanks for asking, Sandra.

[Joyce A. Anthony]

I was one of the rare lucky ones--from submission to print was only three months. I often thank God at how fortunate I was. My latest WIP is non-fiction, however, so I doubt I'll be anywhere near as lucky.

[Rachel Hauck]

Hold up, there's a reason authors don't do math. :P

I started the big ole honking WWII novel in '94. Had first published book in hand in '04.

So, ten years. Ten! I'll take back the three extra I added. I might be able to use them some place else. ;)

Joyce, three months! WOW! I don't think you can shrink publishing time any less than that!

Rachel

[Christina Berry]

Eeeeek! Wendy will think I'm cheating on her when she reads this! While I love and respect my MacGregor Literary friends, I have to remove myself from the client list. ;) Perhaps, amazingly-talented Sandra, you just meant to add your FAVORITE non-client to the congrats list? hehe Not that you and Chip wouldn't be amazing to work with!

[Chip responds]

Our apologies, Christina... I don't know how your name slipped onto that list. Sorry! I've deleted it. -Chip

[Jodie]

I love Newsday Tuesday! Look forward to it every week. Congrats to everybody! And I'm loving the "about agents" theme that's going on right now. Newbies like me are totally clueless about what to expect. :-)

[Rob Sargeant]

It took 2 1/2 years for my last book to get published.

[N. J. Lindquist]

Since you asked... My first book was a teen novel and I sent out queries to the only two publishers I was aware of who did that kind of book in 1974. Both rejected it (although I realized years later that both were very nice rejections and the editors asked to see more from me). I also had part of another teen novel written. But I was disappointed, and I started having babies and was very involved in church planting, and my writing got put in a drawer.

Flash forward to 1989 when I had severe tendonitis in my right arm and literally all I could do was type on our new computer. (Did I mention I don't know how to type so the typewriter thing was a killer?) Pulled out my second book, and in the summer of 1990, sent it out to a number of publishers (by then I had discovered market guides - who knew!) It was published by Moody Press in 1991. But my second book - a nonfiction book for teens - wasn't published until 1998! My second teen novel not until 2000.

I also have a mystery for adults (Shaded Light) that took 17 years from beginning the book to finally getting it published. (1983 to 2000)

I really could have used a good agent, not to mention help with carer planning, at many times in my life. :) Or maybe it's all a matter of God's timing? Not sure.

[N. J. Lindquist]

Okay, so I frequently need a good editor, too - career planning.

[Lynette Sowell]

From published to print? I finished my first book (still unsold, with good reason) in late 1998...received my first contract in May 2005 for a release in June 2006. About eight years (and three completed books and a few proposals) later. That's with working a full-time day job also.

I keep reminding myself to make haste, slowly. It's a long process, and then BAM! stuff can happen quickly.

[Stephanie Morrill]

It took me seven years to get published. And four of that was spent writing what became my debut novel, Me, Just Different. Well, writing and rewriting. And rewriting ... and rewriting some more...

And way to go Jenny B. Jones on having THREE books final!