Tuesday, June 05, 2012

BIG NEWS!

It was just after midnight, and I was spiraling. You know how that goes, right? After months of sweating it out in Query Hell, I was starting to wonder if I had taken the wrong path. 

I mean, I knew it would be hard pitching a yet-to-be-established category (New Adult). I knew I could be setting myself up for disappointment and failure. I just didn’t realize what a toll it would take on my sanity motivation confidence.

That’s when the email came. 

I braced myself for rejection. Seriously, I held up my hand and looked through the cracks between my fingers.  As I skimmed the page, eight words stood out from the rest:

“We would love to offer you a contract...”

My vision went hazy with color, and little bells rang in my ears. Huh? Did I read that wrong?

“We would love to offer you a contract...”

I read it over and over, like the words were going to morph into the finger and tell me to go to bed—but they didn’t. (Thank goodness! Can you imagine how creepy that would be?) I couldn't process it.

Needless to say, I didn't reply that night. I was too lightheaded, too shocked. So I pretended to sleep for five hours.

By the time I “woke up” the next morning, I had convinced myself it was a dream. I did the zombie-stumble to my computer and brought up my email.

“We would love to offer you a contract...”

That’s when it really hit me. 


Hallelujah by London Philharmonic Orchestra And Choir on Grooveshark


I responded right away and had a chance to swap messages with one of the fabulous co-owners. Remember the 2nd panel from my comic last week? It was like that. She GOT my story! I was elated!

We talked a bit more, and she sent me the contract. You can probably guess what's coming next.

I’m pleased to announce:

I HAVE A BOOK DEAL with Sapphire Star Publishing!

Signing the Contract
Oh, sweet validation...

I am on the right path. I am on my way to achieving my dream. This IS happening!

A big shout-out to The Man Upstairs, my family, my critique partners, my beta readers, my friends, and everyone who has supported me in the past year and a half. Thank you so much! You’ll never know how much I appreciate it. *Hugs*

Next, a huge thank-you to Sapphire Star Publishing (SSP) for believing in my work. I am beyond thrilled to work with you all! :) 

(Side note: I am so impressed with this publisher already!)

Finally, a special shout-out to my critique-partners-turned-pub-sisters Lisa & Nancy! I am so excited to take this step with you two!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know the real work is ahead of me, but I’m up for the challenge. So, what do you guys say? Will you join me for the next leg of my journey? :) 

P.S. Strength has a release date!

159 comments:

Heather M. Gardner said...

I told you I loved big news! I just saw this announced on Facebook and I came right over! YEAH FOR YOU!!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!
Enjoy every moment.
Best of luck!
Heather

Kyra Lennon said...

Holy awesomeness, Carrie! I am SO, SO, SO happy for you! *high fives*

Bailey M.K. Knight said...

Congratulations!!! *tosses pitchfork aside, throws confetti!*

This is such HUGE news and I'm so happy this is happening for you.

Jaycee DeLorenzo said...

Yay! Congratulations!!!!!!

Juliana Haygert said...

Congrats, sista! I wish you SUCCESS!

Talli Roland said...

Fantastic! I knew a few people with them (Nicky Wells and Mandy Baggot)and they've nothing but good things to say!

Rebecca Barrow said...

WHAT! That is AWESOME!!! Aah countdown to reading YOUR BOOK starts now!

Unknown said...

Woot Woot! This is fabulous news. And I'm so excited for you. Isn't it the best feeling ever. Congratulations!!! *doing a happy dance for YOU*

Nancy Thompson said...

I'm so excited for you, Carrie! This is the best news possible. And we're pub sisters now! The Three Amigas! You're gonna love being a part of the SSP family because that is truly what we are: a family. I can't wait to go on this part of your journey with you. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You made it!!

Lisa Regan said...

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
What an awesome description of getting the big news! You are so talented. Very deserving. I can't wait for your book to come out! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Melissa said...

Oh, wow. I am so happy for you, Carrie! You just don't know! I've been silently pulling for you for some time now, hoping you'd get a break. Your writing is so good. SSP won't be sorry. And neither will tons of readers out there. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Now, as to the fact I'm reading this on your website and not in a special preview private email... :P

Iain said...

That's terrific news! I am so pleased for you :O)
Well done!

L.G. Keltner said...

Congratulations! Isn't it great when hard work and determination pay off? Good luck with everything. Hopefully this first gigantic leap forward opens many new doors for you.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Oh, my freakin' heck, Carrie! I got shivers reading that! Congratulations!!

JeffO said...

YEAH!!!

Victoria Smith said...

Squee!!!! Now we can add S Publishing to that awesome list of New Adult accepting publishers. That's so awesome Carrie! Hearts you lots and so proud of you, NA Sister :D

Cassie Mae said...

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was so so so hoping this was your BIG NEWS!!! Congratulations my dear!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

DUDE!!! how the heck am i so late to this party!?!?! im soo happy! i cant believe this day is finally here!!! *explodes* im soo proud of you ;; i have tears of joy!

S.P. Bowers said...

Yay, and congrats!! So, so excited for you!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Congratulations, Carrie! That is awesome.

Patrick Stahl said...

Congrats!

Elise Fallson said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! Super news Carrie! Break out the champagne! :D

Chris v said...

Congrats!!! That's fantastic!!

Melodie said...

Great news, Carrie!!!!! So happy and excited for you.

Lindsay N. Currie said...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Omg ong omg I am freaking out over here!!! So happy for you Carrie! How did I miss this?? Eeeeekkkk!!!

Donna said...

Congratulations! This is such exciting news! It gives this aspiriting New Adult writer hope for her own future.

Angela Ackerman said...

I am so thrilled for you Carrie! You totally deserve this moment, one of many successes to come. :)

Angela

Jennie Bennett said...

That is beyond awesome!! I am so happy for you!!

MJenningsDBQ said...

Congrats Carrie.

LynnRush said...

That's FREAKING AWESOME! Congrats. Enjoy the day, my friend!

Emily R. King said...

Yippee! Go Carrie, go Carrie, it's your birthday...well, no it's not. IT'S BETTER! You're getting PUBLISHED! *doing the wave with the other commenters*

Melissa said...

PS. Now you need to make a countdown button we can post on our blogs. :)

Jennifer Hillier said...

I'm am so thrilled for you, Carrie! This is such excellent news! And it's just the beginning of so many more amazing, beautiful things to come. YOU ROCK.

Sophia Chang said...

Holy crap congratulations!!!!! One day I will see this email...

Jessie Humphries said...

Carrie!!!! This is so awesome. I am so happy for you! You deserve all the best.

Julie DeGuia said...

Congratulations Carrie - how exciting!

Hildred Billings said...

That's amazing. Congrats on all that sweat and tears paying off ;)

Mike said...

Congrats! I hope you sell tons of books!

Unknown said...

HEH HEH WOO!!! so excited i had to comment twice! good job love! *hug*

Becky Wallace said...

Woooooo! That is GREAT big news!

A.J. Locke said...

CONGRATS!!!!

Anonymous said...

YAHOOOOOOOOOO!!! So excited for you:) Congrats, congrats,congrats~cheers *clinking my glass*

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Carrie! Welcome aboard!

Gail said...

Congratulations seems like such a small word for what has happened to you...yeeee hawwwww!

Botanist said...

Big news indeed. Not to mention Hallelujah! Congratulations!!!

Tia Bach said...

Congrats. Awesome news. Looking forward to your release and hearing all the details from now until publication. *squeal*

Mason T. Matchak said...

Dear gods, that's amazing! CONGRATULATIONS! Hope you don't come down off this high for at least a month or so. Maybe never. ^_^

Peggy Eddleman said...

So excited for you! And I'm so excited that you and your CPs are Pub Siblings, too! You're going to love that in a million ways. I am so happy!!! CONGRATS!!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Thank you for allowing me the chance of living this moment with you. I am so thrilled, happy, elated, giddy. It couldn't happen to a nicer more talented writer. Woo Hoo!!!

Suzi said...

What wonderful news. Congratulations!!!

E. Arroyo said...

Congrats!!

linda said...

Yay, congrats, Carrie! :D That's so awesome!

Anonymous said...

I haven't been over herein quite a while, then stop by and hear the great news. Congrats! And when it comes time for release I'll be happy to host you over on my blog.

Unknown said...

That is totally freakin' awesome (and I so don;t want to say freakin', but know I should)! Congratulations, Carrie! I'm writing that date down on my calendar. Cheers, to the next leg. :)

Sharon Bayliss said...

How wonderful!!! So happy for you.

Brooke R. Busse said...

-jumps up and down clapping- Oh Carrie, I feel absolute joy at this. So much so that I'm actually commenting. I know I don't do that much, but I always read.

-runs around screaming-

Sarah B said...

Congrats! So happy for you!!!!

Unknown said...

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Big congratulations! I can just imagine you sitting there, peeping through your fingers at the Big News on your screen ;-)

Nicky Wells said...

Congratulations, Carrie, I am so delighted for you-whooot! It's nice to meet you and I can't wait to get ahold of your book. YAY!

Jani said...

Stopping by to add my congratulations! I loved your Writer's Voice entry and was so sad when you didn't get picked. Looks like everything turned out well.

Sally Berty said...

WHOA!! CONGRATULATIONS CARRIE!! I swear I could feel your excitement- I think I'm as excited as you are XD I cannot wait to get your book!! I'm so happy for you, and for me because now I'm closer to getting that book :'D And of course you're on the right path, I'm just glad it's been made official!

*throws confetti for you*

Katie Dunn said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm so happy for you=) Now, you'll have to tell us when we can pre-order so I can be certain to get my copy ;-)

Jessica Therrien said...

OH MY GOSH!!!! Can I just remind you of one of the last comments you posted on my blog? "I started pursuing the writing dream after I lost my job. I can't say it's worked out, but that's life. The odds just aren't in my favor. ;)" HA! HA! HA! Yeeeeees!! It must feel sooooo good. I'm just freaking out for you! Woohhoooo!!! Let me know how I can help with the promotion :) SO happy for you!

Kelley Lynn said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is SO exciting!!!

Denise Covey said...

Hello Carrie. I can totally feel your excitement. All the best for your book! Keep us posted.

I followed you while I was here.

Denise

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Heather! :D I really appreciate that!

Carrie Butler said...

*High fives back!* Thanks, Kyra! I'm still having a little trouble believing it's real!

Carrie Butler said...

Phew! Those pitchforks were really starting to make me nervous...

Thank you, Bailey! I'm so glad I get to share this moment with my NA sisters! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Jaycee! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, Juliana! I'll need all the wishes I can get! :)

Carrie Butler said...

I can see why! SSP is so author-oriented. I love it already! :D

Thank you, Talli!

Carrie Butler said...

273 more days!

...Er, not that I'm counting. ;) Thank you, Rebecca!

Carrie Butler said...

It really is! Thank you, Julia! *Does a happy dance, too!*

Lydia Kang said...

Carrie! Woohoo! You're going to be published! *throws confetti* *pops champagne* *break dances* *breaks neck* *celebrates anyway*

!!!!

Natasha Hanova said...

Congrats Carrie! Exciting times ahead.

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you for everything, Nancy! I'm so excited to be pub sisters!! :D

Carrie Butler said...

I wanted to be brutally honest about my feelings at that point, so everyone knows there is HOPE! :)

Thank you for everything, Pub Sister! *Hugs*

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Melissa! You have no idea how much I appreciate that. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful friend and critique partner! :D

Oh, um, about that...

*Runs for her life!*

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Iain! :) Your input really helped!

Carrie Butler said...

It really is, L.G.! Thank you so much! :)

Carrie Butler said...

I still get shivers every time I think about it! :) Thank you, Donna!

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, Jeff! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Heck yeah! This category IS HAPPENING. :D

Thank you so much, Victoria! <3

Carrie Butler said...

Squeeeeeeee! Thank you, Cassiopeia! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Aww, thanks, Munky! You have no idea how much I appreciate your support. *Hugs*

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, S.P! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Alex! I appreciate it. :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, Patrick! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Elise! :D Sounds like a good idea!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Chris! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Melodie! :D

Carrie Butler said...

I'm freaking out, too! :D Thank you for everything, Lindsay!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you so much, Donna! Your comment made my day. :) Yes, there IS hope for NA writers!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you so much, Angela! You have no idea how much I appreciate your support. :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, J.A.! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, MJennings! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Lynn! That means a lot coming from a New Adult rock star, like yourself. ;)

Carrie Butler said...

*Dances* Thank you so much, Empress King! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Clare! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Consider it done! Well, done for now. I'll spruce it up after I have a cover. You can find the code here. :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you for everything, Jennifer! I really appreciate your support. :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Sophia! :D One day soon, I bet!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Jessie! I appreciate that. :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Julie! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, Hildred! :D

...Now for more sweat and tears!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Otin! :D

Anonymous said...

WHOO! Congrats, Carrie! Almost a year ago today, I was signing my first contract with a publisher, too. ;D These next few months will be a whirlwind for you. Look forward to reading your book!

RaeChell said...

Congratulations! Good luck in the coming months. 3-7 is not that far way.

Cynthia Chapman Willis said...

CONGRATULATIONS! Sweet validation is so right! I'm new to you blog, but thrilled for you! Cheers to you and your novel and your new publisher!

Leslie said...

I am so thrilled for you!!!! Congratulations!!!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Munky! *Hug*

Golden Eagle said...

*WOOT* CONGRATULATIONS! :) That's fabulous news!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Becky! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, A.J.! :)

Dave said...

Good shit, sis. Good shit.

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Jamie! :D *Clink!*

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Dana! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Yeeee hawwwww, indeed! :) Thank you, Gail!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Botanist! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Tia! I will keep you updated. :D *Squeal*

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, Mason! I'm hoping for never, too. :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Pegasus! I'm excited, too! I can't get over it. :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you so much, Joylene! Your support means the world to me. :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Suzi! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, Elizabeth! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Linda! :D

Carrie Butler said...

It's nice to have you back, Stephen! :) Oh, that would be great! I'll get in touch with you at the beginning of next year. (That sounds weird, doesn't it?) Thank you!

Carrie Butler said...

Hah! I love the enthusiasm. Thank you, Michael! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Sharon! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Brooke! That means so much to me. :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Sarah! :)

Carrie Butler said...

It was quite the shock! :) Thank you, Rachel!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Nicky! It's nice to meet you, too! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Jani! The fact that you remember my Writer's Voice entry makes me so happy! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Sally! I can't wait for you to read it! You know my writing better than most, so I'm interested to see what you think of it. :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Kathleen! :D That's so nice of you!

Carrie Butler said...

Hah! I thought about that comment, too! Then I squinted at the universe and said, "I've never had a million dollars." Maybe it'll prove me wrong there, too. *Grins*

Thank you so much! I will definitely be in touch closer to time, if you want to help. I appreciate the offer! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Kelley! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Denise! I appreciate that. :)

I'll be over to your blog soon!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Lydia!

Ack! Don't break your neck. You're the only doctor we've got! Though, the break dancing was pretty impressive... :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, Natasha! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Kelley! I appreciate that. :) How was your first year?

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, RaeChell! You're right. I don't know if I should be excited or scared! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Cynthia! You chose a great time to stop by. :) Welcome!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Leslie! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, Eagle! I'm pretty excited. :)

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, bro! :)

Mina Burrows said...

Oh, sweetie CONGRATS!!!! WOOT. You're such a talent. Awesome job!

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Mina! :D!

Jenny S. Morris said...

Congrats!!!!!! So happy for you.

Carrie Butler said...

Thanks, Jenny! :D

cleemckenzie said...

Hurray and champagne for you, Carrie. Very good news, indeed.

Unknown said...

thanks very nice pics

Anonymous said...

It was...very busy. ;) I had a demanding dayjob, so it got hectic trying to keep up with edits, publicity, blog guest posts and interviews, etc. But I made it! You'll do fantastic.

Carrie Butler said...

Thank you, Lee! :)

Carrie Butler said...

Er, thanks! :D

Carrie Butler said...

Oh, no doubt! You must double as Wonder Woman. :D Thank you!

martha @ running in mommyland said...

Inspiring! As I embark on the beginning stages of my own book, it is hard sometimes to believe that I am on the right path. This gives me hope and faith that it is going to happen! Thanks!

Carrie Butler said...

I'm so glad to hear that, Martha! :) Thank you, and best of luck with your book!