About two months ago, Lovely Editor from really Really Large House contacted my oh-so-smart-and-savvy agent to say she loved the picture book we’d just sent her and she was moving forward with acquiring it. She said she had to get it past the sales committee first but felt confident of its chances. She was out of the office for a month on sabbatical so we knew it would be a while so we didn’t hold our breath. She was going to work on it when she returned.
Cut to yesterday.
Lovely Editor sent a lovely note saying she’d lost the race. We’ve fallen victim to the fact that Really Large House also does licensed books for Really Big Movie Production Company that would have the same target as my little picture book. They don’t want to compete against themselves. Those darn licensed characters!
I’m disappointed but hopeful. Oh-so-smart-and-savvy agent says we’ll get this thing sold before you know it. I’m going to hold her to that. 🙂
Kristy Dempsey 
Disappointed
:(; however, I’m counting on Smart-Savvy Agent to get this thing sold! Mom
Re: Disappointed (me, too)
Listen to your mother.
Re: Disappointed (me, too)
I’m who I am today because I *always* listen to my mother. 🙂
Re: Disappointed
Thanks. 🙂
I’m so sorry that the editor lost out on this opportunity to work with you. But it sounds like the Real Deal will come soon for you! Can’t wait to hear about it!
Thanks. I like your attitude (editor lost out on the opportunity to work with ME!)
Ah, so sorry Kristy. That IS disappointing. But I’m glad you are hopeful it will sell somewhere else.
Sing it with me ~
You gotta have high hopes… 🙂
Hope makes the world go round…or wait, maybe it just makes my head spin.
Well that stinks but you know I have confidence in your really smart agent. **hugs**
Thanks, Susan. She’s smart and steady, that agent o’mine. I like that about her, too.
Oh, that’s so frustrating. But getting so close is a great sign that another editor and house will see the same potential (and won’t have the ties to that licensed character/books). Fingers crossed for you, Kristy!!!
Thanks, Cindy!
Sorry. But you’ve obviously got a good, saleable manuscript. You’re very, very close to a sale. Keep us posted.
I will. This manuscript was sent to two houses to begin with. Really Large House showed immediate interest. Different house sent a rejection that basically said, “none of us have an illustrator in mind right now for this, but if it hasn’t sold in 6 months, give us another try.” So somewhere, right?
I’m so sorry, Kristy. But you’re soooo close. What a wonderful pb this must be! So, so excited for you that you’re getting the attention you deserve. Crossing my fingers for you.
Thanks, Jenny.
You are so close. Don’t sweat it.
Onward! Thanks. 🙂
Oh, bummer! But it sounds like it will get snapped up soon!
“Soon” is so long in editor time. 🙂
Unfortunately, you’re right about that!
Oh, phooey. I’m so sorry, Kristy. 😦
Thanks, Cass. Just one of those things. I hear they happen sometimes. 🙂
I’m so sorry. But I’m hopeful too. Which one is it?
MINI-RACER. It’s just looking for the right home. I hope. 🙂
Ooooh…sorry, Kristy. BUT…you’re sooooooo verrry close. Bet you’re reporting good news very soon.
Thanks, Jayme. I’ve had a good day and just feel like it will sell when it’s supposed to sell. Now, tomorrow morning, I might be crying in my oatmeal. But for today, I’m okay. 🙂
Phoooey on those licensed characters! (did I spell that right?) Anyways, your book will soon be competing with them anyway…at another house!!! 🙂
Who buys those licensed character books anyway? We need to start a campaign! Down with books with a movie tie-in!
Hang in there, kd. It WILL sell along with many others. I have no doubts about that.
Katy
Thanks, Katy. I’ll let you have hoep when I’m doubting. 🙂
LOVE your positive outlook — it will be sold! Until then, have some chocolate on me 😉
Chocolate! Yay! Just what I needed.
Hang in! Sounds hokey, but when one door closes (even Really Lovely Big Door), another one or two usually open!
Good luck with it–and great that your agent is behind it!
XO Candie
I like hokey. And I like the idea of another one or two opening. I’ll keep focusing on THAT! 🙂 Thanks.
You’re welcome. I think we just have to keep plowing forward!
XO Candie
What a bummer! Sounds like you’ll be selling it soon, though. But, still. Rejections suck.
They do! Thanks for commiserating with me. Maybe soon we’ll have a reason to celebrate!