Friday, March 19, 2010

The Call


I have an agent.

Pinch me.

Ouch!! Not that hard.

It’s been about a month since I got “the call” and I’m still in a state of befuddled euphoric bliss.

I can now say my work is represented by Tamar Rydzinski of The Laura Dail Literary Agency.

I’m pausing to let it sink in, again.

Getting the call (or should I say, the first call) is something every writer dreams about at some point during their journey. I never truly visualized “getting the call” but I know I’ve sat rapt, listening round the writer campfire to others spinning yarns about it. And there I was stuffing my face with S’mores, wide-eyed and asking - What’s it like? The phone rang and what? After you picked yourself up off the floor, how did the conversation go? Always left wondering, as I licked the chocolate from the corner of my mouth, what it would be like when (and if) I got my own call.

I wish I could tell you. I wasn’t here for it.

I was standing in line at the DMV, hoping I had all the right paperwork to renew my registration.

After I got home and got the message, I had to listen to it twice. As I listened, my husband came in and launched into a story, when he noticed my glazed over expression he asked me what was wrong. I didn’t even know what to tell him. I got this call. From the agent I sent my manuscript to. I need to call her back. Even as a non-writer, he knew that was big news and told me to call right away.

But I can’t. I explained. I have to pick up X from the bus in five minutes and take X to the doctor and my senses seem to have disappeared as well, but if you see them, scoop them up and put them in a Ziploc till I get home, Okay?

Bus stop and doctor visit later, my senses still not found, I steeled myself to return Tamar’s phone call. You see, I can’t just collapse into joy. I have to analyze the hell out of it. What if it was just a courtesy call? What if she liked my manuscript but it needed a ton of work and wasn’t quite ready? After chasing my tail for awhile, I finally took a deep breath and called.

Tamar loved my manuscript and wanted to take me on as a client.

I still smile when I replay that part of the conversation in my mind.

Lest you think I’ve collapsed into joy, think again. This call is only the beginning. At the moment I’m in a second round of some minor revisions, tweaking a bit here, fine-tuning a bit there. And then my baby goes back to Tamar, for another look. When we’re both happy, my manuscript will go out into the world. And I’ll be sitting here (writing of course!) and hoping for another call.

Next time, I hope I’m here for it!

16 comments:

  1. What a delightful (and thrilling!) story about the CALL, Robin! Congratulations!

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  2. When I called you to say all my wows and congratulations, you were in the fitting room at a store. Thank heavens mine wasn't the call from Tamar. Just ponder that!

    Anyway, more wows and congratulations! It was a long time coming, but now it's happened, and you deserve it!!

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  3. Hurray, Robin. That's so awesome! I can never get enough of these stories!

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  4. A BIG HUGE congratulations, Robin!

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  5. Thanks for the congrats, everyone!

    I love hearing these stories too, and I'm happy I finally get to tell one.

    OMG - Gale, I practically NEVER answer the phone when I'm in a dressing room, but when I saw the number I thought it was an automated phone call from my daughter's school! lol. That was too funny!

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  6. Couldn't happen to a nicer Jersey Girl -- and by that I mean both you and Kit (Robin's MC).

    Can't wait to hear what happens when editors get a hold of it! Coming soon, to a Borders near you...

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  7. What I want to know is, were you able to renew your registration? Kidding! Thanks for sharing your wonderful call story. I always knew it was just a matter of time. Congrats!

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  8. JL - Yes, easy peasy getting my registration! Why does DMV have to be such a drag? Beige walls, long lines, lots of sighing and looking at watches. Has to be a better way.

    Judy and Marcia - Thanks!

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  9. The DMV is a story unto itself, especially if you're from NJ.

    Robin, hearty congratulations! You know I couldn't be happier for you. You "deserve" this! ;-)

    Here's to more calls in the near future.

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  10. Yaaaay!

    I could not wait that long.
    I would make the Dr. wait instead!

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  11. Congratulations! It's shocking and wonderful to get "the call."

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  12. Huge congrats! You must be over the moon!!!!! Thanks for sharing your experience.

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  13. Congratulations and good luck on the revisions.

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  14. Thanks so much for the well wishes! The reality of revision is sinking in, lol.

    Yes, hoping I don't have to wait as long for the next "call" but this biz is all about
    ...waiting...waiting...waiting...waiting...opening a box of Thin Mints...waiting...

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