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| Terri Wangard |
If you’ve
ever met with an agent or editor at a conference, you’ll
probably relate to author Terri
Wangard’s experiences. If you haven’t pitched a manuscript yet, but plan to in the future, what she shares will help you
prepare. Believe me, many of us have had similar encounters—some humorous—some
not so much. ~ Dawn
Rocky
Road to Publication
One frequently asked question on guest blog interviews is,
what advice would you give new writers? My usual answer is patience. Landing a
contract can take years.
Guests visiting our local writers group ask about finding an
agent or editor. They have the idea that all they need to do is ask an agent
for representation, and they’re on their way. I understand the feeling.
My first ACFW national conference removed such thoughts. I had
one agent interview and one editor. The agent arrived five minutes late. She
glanced over my sample chapters and told me it wasn’t something she was
interested in representing. The editor interview was worse. My mind went
completely blank. I couldn’t remember anything about my story. Reading from the
one-sheet clutched in my lap surely didn’t make a good impression.
My next two agent interviews went well enough in subsequent
years. I submitted my proposal and they declined. Another agent gave me hope.
She made extensive notes as we talked. At the end of our fifteen minutes,
though, she shocked me by saying she represented enough historical authors and
was only interested in acquiring contemporary. This despite having historicals
listed in what she was looking for in her conference blurb.
For an editor appointment, I carefully read the editor’s bio
to find common ground for conversation. She probably felt like she was being
stalked. Don’t try to be too friendly.
Not everyone replies to submissions. I’d hosted one editor’s
workshop, so we had a nodding acquaintance before our interview. He seemed
interested and encouraging. I never heard from him. Not even when I sent him an
inquiry, asking if he’d received my material, after another editor showed
interest.
The strangest interview was when the editor didn’t ask me
anything. I tried to keep a conversation going, albeit one-sided, telling about
my current story and what I’d already done. Finally, I asked if she wanted to
ask me anything. No. She did give me her card to submit a proposal, but I never
heard anything.
One editor talked with me for several minutes before asking me
about my story. After I described how it was influenced by family history, she
commented that was the first time I showed enthusiasm. I was so nervous, I came
across as stiff and uncaring. Relax! They may reject you, but they won’t bite.
In 2015, I submitted my manuscript to a small publisher, and
it was accepted! I was on my way, for a little while. The first two books of my
WWII series were published in 2016, but one month before the third would
release, the publisher closed down. After the initial shock, I signed with
another small press that brought back my two books and published my next two.
So, when I’m asked about advice for new writers, I definitely
recommend patience. And persistence. And develop a tough skin.
Frank
Swanson has plans. He has good job prospects, maybe even broadcasting in
Hollywood. He has a beautiful wife. The war is an interruption to a good life
he’s eager to get back to.
Lily
Swanson longs to be a mother. Soon Frank should be home for good and they can
furnish a nursery. Maybe even find a bigger house.
Joe
Gallagher grew up in a small house with plenty of siblings. He loves the solitude
of flying, but the war has dragged on for so long. He’s ready to go home.
Susan
Talbot has a bad attitude. She’s estranged from her family and she doesn’t
attract friends. But war can bring out the best in people and Susan’s surprised
to realize she’s happy.
They all
do their part in striving for victory in World War II. Sometimes, though, the
danger can be hard to identify.
Terri Wangard grew
up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl
Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction and
has won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as
well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history
and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research
included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family
business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.
Connect with Terri:
Author Website: www.terriwangard.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangard
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/terriwangard/
Twitter: @terriwangard
