What that is: when a book is put under contract, it is assigned an editor. The first thing that editor does (when finally given the go-ahead to begin work) is to read the thing, making comments in the manuscript as they go. Then they write a letter summarizing the changes they want, and send it back to the author. It’s been nearly two years since my book was accepted. It’s finally my turn.

I’ve heard a lot about these letters. Sometimes they can be heartbreaking. Often the editors ask for painful changes and cuts. So I was pretty nervous/excited to read what someone would have to say about my writing–someone who is not a friend or relative, but would be looking at it with a cold eye.

I was happy that there were not any huge changes requested. I can live with them all. Besides a boatload of comma errors (!!!  Me?? !!!) there were some logic things, stuff I’d accidentally repeated, stuff that wasn’t clear enough. Junk like that. She changed a few lines that I thought were indicative of Amelie’s unique voice but I can bear to let them go if I have to.

She’s asked me to add some additional struggles for these folks. Can do. I’m experienced at making my characters hurt.

Overall, I’m very relieved.

She did change the very last line. I loved it the way it was. It was so Amelie. Out of all the changes she’s asked for, that’s the one I feel the saddest about…and it’s one little line. Maybe I can think of a better one we both like…

I signed that contract, folded it up in the envelope, and slipped it into the mail slot. There was no crack of thunder.

I’m nervous, because The Future looms out there all mysterious, and the contract had words in it that sounded like forever. Or 21 years, at least. Me and Publisher, Publisher and Me, BFF’s 4ever. But people I trust said sign. Be happy about your little book. Sign it, send it. So I did.

art credit

Yes! Another baby step in the birth of my firstborn . . . I’ve been assigned an editor. She has emailed me and seems like a real human and everything. Her name is Samantha Van Walraven.

I sent her my most recent revision and then I suppose she’ll read it and tell me about the hundred thousand things I need to fix. I can’t wait! I’m ready to slash and burn.

Also, I have an appointment to call the publishing house’s CFO on Tuesday to go over my contract. I have a couple of questions I’d like to clarify and then I’m signing that dotted line. I’ve gotten a lot of great advice from writer friends about it and actually feel pretty comfortable with it now.

I finally got the actual, made-of-paper book contract for Get Real. I’m ridiculously excited about it. I’m supposed to sign two copies, mail them back, and then they send me back one signed copy. Maybe then they will assign me an editor and things will begin. Dunno, it didn’t say.

I shook the envelope a couple of times but no check fluttered out. I guess this company doesn’t do advances.

Still. So. Excited.

I still can’t believe it.

It is tentatively scheduled for next summer. They said over the next few months I will be assigned an editor and contracts will be signed at that time. I’ve heard of them changing their mind, so I’m trying not to think about that. I’m floating!

I have a million things to do today and I can’t do anything but dance!