Catching Squirrels (Getting published)

An old almond tree in my backyard feeds a chubby little gray squirrel who acts like he owns it. One day, Zack-the-epileptic-Dachshund, barked loud and long at the nut-gatherer in the tree above. As long as I can hear barking, I don’t worry, but things suddenly got quiet, so I peeked out back. Zack stood beneath a tree limb, shaking his head violently. On the lowest branch right above him, the puffed-up squirrel twittered angrily. You should know that Zack HATES water. The squirrel was pissing on him with amazing accuracy--right on my dog’s head.

Every time the squirrel runs along the top of our fence, Zack chases him the full length of the yard, barking fiercely and leaping high . . . well, as high as a miniature Dachshund can get off the ground.

I wondered, “What would he do with that squirrel if he ever caught it?”

Then, it dawned on me. I have a similar dilemma about writing. I chased the Holy Grail and I caught her. After signing a representation contract with a well-known literary agent, I shouted, “Eureka! I’m almost published.”

To my surprise, the conquered squirrel turned out, instead, to be the master. It started with the agent’s manuscript review. She liked it very much but offered a few suggestions for me to consider. I struggled with her recommendations for a grueling three seconds, then promptly began writing the changes. Things were perfect when I sent it back to her, or so I thought.

I had caught the squirrel, but, much like Zack would probably behave, I didn’t know what to do with it. What happens when your dream suddenly becomes reality? Your manuscript, synopsis and blurb are actually going to be presented to decision makers at legacy publishing houses. The classic life conundrum hit me like a ton of bricks. Doubt roared in. Is my author platform up to scrutiny? Is it too late to edit my story one more time? Should I shave off my beard? I found myself in a quandary about what to do next. Instincts failed me. Prior experience did not exist.

Good fortune seems to strike me on the head when I least expect it, and I often do not feel I deserve it. My literary agent, Marisa Corvisiero, gathered me up like some kind of lost child and gently, confidently, guided me into this frightening world of “Holy crap, what do I do now?” She gave me suggestions and waited patiently as I polished my story. She helped formulate my platform. She and her assistant, Stacey Donaghy, crafted a pitch package and began selling my work to mainstream publishers. Last I heard, one of the biggest publishers in the industry is actually reading the whole manuscript. There is a chance I could join some of my favorite authors on a highly recognized label.

I did it, caught the freaking squirrel! I’m down to the last step in the process and hope to make that final cut. Having made it this far, I know my writing satisfied some nebulous industry standard. If I actually sign a major publishing contract out of this long process, it will signal the beginning of the next chapter in my life. It’s that big of a deal for me. And, having survived this test, I know I can do it again. I hope all of you get to experience the thrill of catching your squirrels!