I HAVE A LITERARY AGENT

I cannot believe this is happening to me. It is bad enough trying to come to terms with the fact that I am now classed as an author, but to think I am now signed with a literary agent that's batting for me makes it even more real. Everything is happening so quickly. It was only in November that I put my book on Authonomy, a site run by Harper Collins for aspiring writers. In just 2 months, I had 2 agents contact me, both of whom I wasn't interested in, and then I sent my first three chapters to, Osborne Porter at someone's recommendation. Within four days, they asked for the whole manuscript. Five weeks later, here we are signing on the dotted line!

How can this be happening to me so quickly? As you all know, last year I had my hysterectomy after the other operation hadn't worked. It was during this recovery time that I sat at the computer for hours trying to keep occupied in my boredom. Hence the book. A lot of it had been written before and I had to finish it post haste once the whole manuscript was requested, but goodness, what a change it has made to my life at the moment.

Authonomy is what you make of it and I, for one, have found it a marvellous place to be. There are so many wonderful people on there who show no sign of bitterness or jealousy at other success stories or good news. In fact, the opposite is true. They are so encouraging and helpful that I truly feel blessed to have become a part of it. Like all walks of life, there are one or two who like to cause upset in the forums, but quite frankly, that can be quite entertaining at times. On the whole, I would recommend Authonomy to anyone wishing to start off on a writing career.

The fact I have a literary agent now working for me and my book by no means guarantees publication. For all I know, the publishing houses may hate what they see. On the other hand, it could be grabbed quickly. That is the thing with writing, one never knows and the waiting game can be dreadful. I am so lucky that I have yet to experience that long waiting game. I've been warned that could well be about to start though.

For now, I have to market myself. Easier said than done in some ways. Oh yes, I can do talks and get myself known by doing the circuit of lots of different clubs, dinners, luncheons and things, but and it's a big but. What if I do all of this and then no one wants my book. I'll look a right wally! Or will I? No, I don't think I will. I have already achieved something quite outstanding. I have been disciplined enough to write a whole book. I have then marketed that book(for want of a better term) on Authonomy. It has been thought worthy enough to attract the attention of a literary agent who has faith in it and me. No, even if the book isn't published, I will not feel a fool. I shall feel proud of what I have managed so far.

My first talk is at a ladies dinner this coming Friday. I am so looking forward to it. I was informed yesterday that as I am talking at the dinner, they have informed the press! How funny. Better try and make it a good one then hadn't I! Let's hope this is the start of something good for me. I am already two thirds of the way through another book, but have ideas for a third. The third may well take the place of the one I've already started. Time will tell. For now things are happening at a quite rapid pace for the literary world and I am just enjoying going with the flow.

For those who haven't seen this blog before, there is a small sample of my book on an earlier post. As the heading of this blog would imply, it is about mediumship and healing. I do readings online all over the world, but that may stop soon as I get busier and need to start my next book. I shall keep you posted on any news about what happens next, but be prepared for a long wait - I am!

Lorraine x