Authors' Journeys

Nancy Haddock

The path to publication runs smooth and straight for some, but for me it’s been a 23-year trek with some potholes and detours along the way.

That’s right, 23 years. In January 1984, I joined RWA and a local chapter, thereby committing to write for publication. On February 21, 2007, I got The Call from Leis Pederson of Berkley at approximately 11:30 a.m.

I was so not expecting The Call that I chatted with Leis about our Texas connections for close to ten minutes before she changed the subject and asked if I had an agent. Now I’m not dense, but that still didn’t tip me off. When I told Leis I didn’t have an agent yet, she broke the news. She wanted to make an offer and asked if could I take the information.

Honey, at that moment I could’ve kissed a rattlesnake on the fangs and never noticed.

The writer voice in my head screamed, “this is (cue the mystical music and halleluiah chorus) The Call!”

The business voice in my head said, “Sit down, grab a pen, and focus.” I did.

Some people have afterglow. I had aftershock. I think I still have it. After 23 years, my dream is now reality and my first book will be released in April 2008 as a Berkley Trade. Seeing my book on the shelves will be a moment to hold in memory forever. And, hey, since I sold before dementia hit, I should be good to go.

How did I stay sane while I persisted? In addition to volunteering for RWA and chapters where I met fantastic people and made life friends, I worked at being professional in every way. I read, absorbed, analyzed, studied, took classes and attended workshops and conferences. I practiced the craft of writing, but learned all I could about the business of publishing, too.

Was I ever jealous or envious of the critique partners, chapter mates and friends in general who sold long before I did? No. Besides seeing jealousy as a waste of energy and a blot on my Karma, I wanted to celebrate each sales triumph. I was wildly happy for my friends and colleagues, and saw each new sale as a sign of hope for all as-yet-unpublished writers. I kept the faith that the same friends would someday celebrate with me, and they have!

Did I change what and how I wrote along the way? After two decades in RWA? You bet your bippy! Scads of changes have reshaped romance publishing over the years, and include the explosion of cross-genre fiction. I love romance, and romantic elements figure in my books, but a hard look at my bookshelves shifted my focus to writing paranormal mysteries and cozies. In changing what I wrote, I found a renewed passion for story telling.

Do I have advice for the yet-to-be-sold writer? Only what you’ve heard before, but it’s worth repeating. First, write what you love and write with passion. Second, keep the faith in yourself, in your talent and in the unique perspective only you can bring to your characters and their stories. Third, submit the best material you can to agents and editors you’ve researched. Getting the right manuscript on the right desk at the right time plays a part in selling, but if your passion shines in your work and you keep submitting, odds just have to tilt in your favor.

Take it from the poster girl. Be determined, persistent or plain old stubborn, but be your glorious best. An editor somewhere will see you shine, and make The Call to you!

Nancy's sale story first appeared at Magical Musings.