Querying author and fellow toddler mama here (to a nineteen month old, and side note, it sounds like you're calling your seventeen month old a baby?? but understand: this only diminishes the amazing full-time contact sport that is parenting toddlers, and you have two! But I digress...).
To be perfectly honest, I don't have time to be anything but genuine in my profound enthusiasm for my book, and for finding its advocate (and the advocate for this next stage of my career). My story is too important. I am risking a great deal by publishing it. I don't have time or energy for pretense or to act like an acolyte to ingratiate myself with someone who otherwise doesn't know I exist. While I AM worried that this may mean I don't find an agent, I suppose my hope is that this might help me ferret out those who are only interested in me for the wrong reasons.
I've queried an embarrassingly large number of agents, not because I feel insecure, but because I am singularly focused on finding the right fit. THAT is not cringe. That's strategic thinking. And damn is it tough out there right now when it comes to memoir. I don't think I fully realized the extent of the fear that exists until I really began to scour through various agencies' titles.
The reality is, I can't afford to be anything other than myself in this process. I simply don't have time for the wrong person (and I think that's the important distinction here, because I have LOADS of time for the right fit).
Anyway, I AM someone who cares. It's what led me to write my book. It's what led me to patiently and thoroughly build my craft over years and years and years (and years) and not query until I truly believed my manuscript was ready. But it's also what leads me to not take too seriously the rejections I have received so far. I am confident that the right fit will come and for that I can wait and continue to build my platform, craft, etc. (hell, I'll write my sequel). So if my enthusiasm puts someone off, honestly, I'm probably better off without their interest.
I have faith, but time will tell, whether this ultimately serves me. Still, it's worth mentioning, it's what got me this far...
I love this post and I’m heeeeere for the enthusiasm! As an agent I always know within minutes of chatting with someone (or the nuanced language they use in a query) if I’m the right agent/we would be a good match.
My life suddenly re-arranged itself into two distinct parts: Before I Learned about Buzzy Bugs (BBB) and After I Learned About Buzzy Buggs (ABB). And I'm sad to say that in all the years I supported the fine work of Paw Patrol, I don't think I ever encountered that beaver. (Truth told, I probably never actually watched it, just heard it in the background while trying to get Everything Done.)
Everything Done is my morning routine. Did you know we have to BRUSH TEETH every.single.day--a tragedy. My favorite episodes are with the uncle who is a prospector and he is very friendly with the beavers when he is attempting to get gold off the mountain. What a guy, that one!
In my NYT review Elizabeth Egan wrote, "Standefer is--and I mean this as the highest compliment--like a dog with a bone. She will not rest until she has answers." And this is absolutely how I dealt with my own publicity stuff too. The fanciest and most substantial wins came from what the Hachette team could get me, of course, but I have gone on multiple self-funded book tours via GoFundMe to strings of little towns, bookstores and libraries, and I taught little gigs all over the country, and tried to get 100 book clubs (I think I petered out somewhere in the 30s, but still, that's a lot!!). And I continue to hand-sell tons of copies of Lightning Flowers to Jackson Hole tourists in hot springs and at bars and on the chairlift just by talking about it, and of course there was the 4th Birthday Party and the great publicity it pulled in. There's a natural ebullience that seems the critical ingredient of any kind of long-term success in this current literary landscape--being audacious as a kind of baseline. I love knowing that you are doing that magic for clients, and not diluting it by holding back your joy or by saying yes to things that don't move you.
"I wonder what it means to be immediate in a publishing landscape that at every turn is kind of (or unbearably) slow." LOVED THIS! (As someone who is most definitely an eager beaver and likes to go all in with everything I do)
Cassie, you are always saying what I need/want to hear. Keep speaking out for the sandbox that is outside all the publishing boxes. That is where I want to play.
Lee--your name came up in the random generator--will you DM me (or email me: cassie@pinestatepublicity.com) a good address so I can send you Laurie's book!
I’m about seven months out from my debut novel launching, and I feel like every message so far has been “wait.” e.g. wait for the M&P meeting, wait to pitch your local indie for your launch (even though I know they book out like 6 months in advance), wait to tell people about your preorders, etc etc. I really appreciate the urge to embrace enthusiasm here, to lean into earnestness and excitement.
You have always been the eager beaver. When given a project at school, you were immediately inspired to rush over to Michael's craft store to get supplies. There was never a small project in your mind. They were all to be done well and complete, that is complete in your big plan. This eagerness is one of your best qualities, and presently, there are about 20 Valentine head pieces you created to hand out to the pre-schoolers in your son's class, to prove it!
Unabashedly into this publishing take! It’s also how READERS encounter books they love (whole-heartedly). I feel so grateful that everyone who has said “yes” to my book so far (agent, editors) has done so with such enthusiasm and wild excitement!
Portia--your name came up in the random generator--will you DM me (or email me: cassie@pinestatepublicity.com) a good address so I can send you Laurie's book!
Cassie,
Querying author and fellow toddler mama here (to a nineteen month old, and side note, it sounds like you're calling your seventeen month old a baby?? but understand: this only diminishes the amazing full-time contact sport that is parenting toddlers, and you have two! But I digress...).
To be perfectly honest, I don't have time to be anything but genuine in my profound enthusiasm for my book, and for finding its advocate (and the advocate for this next stage of my career). My story is too important. I am risking a great deal by publishing it. I don't have time or energy for pretense or to act like an acolyte to ingratiate myself with someone who otherwise doesn't know I exist. While I AM worried that this may mean I don't find an agent, I suppose my hope is that this might help me ferret out those who are only interested in me for the wrong reasons.
I've queried an embarrassingly large number of agents, not because I feel insecure, but because I am singularly focused on finding the right fit. THAT is not cringe. That's strategic thinking. And damn is it tough out there right now when it comes to memoir. I don't think I fully realized the extent of the fear that exists until I really began to scour through various agencies' titles.
The reality is, I can't afford to be anything other than myself in this process. I simply don't have time for the wrong person (and I think that's the important distinction here, because I have LOADS of time for the right fit).
Anyway, I AM someone who cares. It's what led me to write my book. It's what led me to patiently and thoroughly build my craft over years and years and years (and years) and not query until I truly believed my manuscript was ready. But it's also what leads me to not take too seriously the rejections I have received so far. I am confident that the right fit will come and for that I can wait and continue to build my platform, craft, etc. (hell, I'll write my sequel). So if my enthusiasm puts someone off, honestly, I'm probably better off without their interest.
I have faith, but time will tell, whether this ultimately serves me. Still, it's worth mentioning, it's what got me this far...
Ha the full-contact sport. He is, currently, THE baby, not so much A baby. <3
I'm so glad you feel this way about your work AND about the RIGHT FIT. I feel confident just reading this comment that you'll find it.
I love this post and I’m heeeeere for the enthusiasm! As an agent I always know within minutes of chatting with someone (or the nuanced language they use in a query) if I’m the right agent/we would be a good match.
it's truly SO quick. And I have like a 95% accuracy rate on those gut checks too! You just know!
My life suddenly re-arranged itself into two distinct parts: Before I Learned about Buzzy Bugs (BBB) and After I Learned About Buzzy Buggs (ABB). And I'm sad to say that in all the years I supported the fine work of Paw Patrol, I don't think I ever encountered that beaver. (Truth told, I probably never actually watched it, just heard it in the background while trying to get Everything Done.)
Everything Done is my morning routine. Did you know we have to BRUSH TEETH every.single.day--a tragedy. My favorite episodes are with the uncle who is a prospector and he is very friendly with the beavers when he is attempting to get gold off the mountain. What a guy, that one!
Per usual-- I'm so into this post.
In my NYT review Elizabeth Egan wrote, "Standefer is--and I mean this as the highest compliment--like a dog with a bone. She will not rest until she has answers." And this is absolutely how I dealt with my own publicity stuff too. The fanciest and most substantial wins came from what the Hachette team could get me, of course, but I have gone on multiple self-funded book tours via GoFundMe to strings of little towns, bookstores and libraries, and I taught little gigs all over the country, and tried to get 100 book clubs (I think I petered out somewhere in the 30s, but still, that's a lot!!). And I continue to hand-sell tons of copies of Lightning Flowers to Jackson Hole tourists in hot springs and at bars and on the chairlift just by talking about it, and of course there was the 4th Birthday Party and the great publicity it pulled in. There's a natural ebullience that seems the critical ingredient of any kind of long-term success in this current literary landscape--being audacious as a kind of baseline. I love knowing that you are doing that magic for clients, and not diluting it by holding back your joy or by saying yes to things that don't move you.
putting in that work!
"I wonder what it means to be immediate in a publishing landscape that at every turn is kind of (or unbearably) slow." LOVED THIS! (As someone who is most definitely an eager beaver and likes to go all in with everything I do)
The line about the Little Mermaid's cave of forks made me laugh out loud! Ye Olde Cavern of Dingle-Hoppers.
Great post, as always. I'm here for all the enthusiasm!
You had me at Potions ; )
Cassie, you are always saying what I need/want to hear. Keep speaking out for the sandbox that is outside all the publishing boxes. That is where I want to play.
Lee--your name came up in the random generator--will you DM me (or email me: cassie@pinestatepublicity.com) a good address so I can send you Laurie's book!
I’m about seven months out from my debut novel launching, and I feel like every message so far has been “wait.” e.g. wait for the M&P meeting, wait to pitch your local indie for your launch (even though I know they book out like 6 months in advance), wait to tell people about your preorders, etc etc. I really appreciate the urge to embrace enthusiasm here, to lean into earnestness and excitement.
My first and only post of yours (so far) and I’m in. Love your perspective.
You have always been the eager beaver. When given a project at school, you were immediately inspired to rush over to Michael's craft store to get supplies. There was never a small project in your mind. They were all to be done well and complete, that is complete in your big plan. This eagerness is one of your best qualities, and presently, there are about 20 Valentine head pieces you created to hand out to the pre-schoolers in your son's class, to prove it!
I can't wait to see them in all their little headband crowns, I'm SO excited!
Unabashedly into this publishing take! It’s also how READERS encounter books they love (whole-heartedly). I feel so grateful that everyone who has said “yes” to my book so far (agent, editors) has done so with such enthusiasm and wild excitement!
YES, you want people (I think) who are going to be like YES YES ALL THIS!!!
Portia--your name came up in the random generator--will you DM me (or email me: cassie@pinestatepublicity.com) a good address so I can send you Laurie's book!
I love this enthusiasm.
<333 I love your enthusiasm! And your writing!
LOVE THIS SO MUCH, CASSIE <3
weeeeeeee!! That's because you're an enthusiastic soul!
I’ll play! And I love enthusiasm - yours in particular. I read literally one post of yours and was like, ok I’m sold. So it’s working.
Oh my gosh, Anna! I so appreciate you saying so. <3
I'm all in for good floods ⛈️
Yessssssssssss, especially all that will be coming for your FLOOD!!!
:)
so funny b/c I was just this morning writing a scene about beavers! :)
we are one in our brains! I can’t wait to read about Heather-specific beavers!