Yesterday I was cleaning out my office and came across a manuscript of mine that did not sell. I flipped through the pages and was astounded by the copious notes from my agent, Kate McKean. It felt like I was looking at one of my student’s papers, complete with suggestions for how to revise–truly, how to write better.
I was struck by how much time and effort Kate had put in on this project, which ultimately failed. How awful for an agent. Yet, at the same time, I realized just how lucky I was to have someone willing to guide, to nudge and to be patient enough to see if I would follow her advice, and even more, if I could put it to good use. How often does life hand you that kind of opportunity?
If you’re lucky, at least once. And I do mean luck. Because I’ve been rejected hundreds of times. Looking back, I don’t fault any agent or editor who passed on my work. It wasn’t ready. With time, however, and great diligence, it now is.
Tap Out and whatever I publish next–more on that soon–are an outcome of my luck in finding an agent willing to see past the rough edges. I believe that success does not end there, however. I worked my tail off after being given an opportunity.
Recently, Patton Oswalt sounded off on this issue of luck and success in his industry, and I believe his speech applies to any creative endeavor in which there are gatekeepers. The key point is that one should not rely on luck, but believe that it exists, and know that it is only a fragment of what is needed to succeed. The rest is good, old-fashioned hard work. As it should be.
So I thank Kate, Howard Morhaim Literary Agency, Lisa Cheng and Running Press for the luck they have bestowed upon me. If you would like to read a little background on how I am in the position I am, please check out my interview with Beth Fehlbaum, author of The Patience Trilogy.
And may luck guide you where you need to be.
Great post, Eric. Thanks for being a guest on YA Writer Wednesdays this week! Enjoy the ride of your first book being published. ๐
Beth Fehlbaum, author
The Patience Trilogy & Icing
http://bethfehlbaumbooks.com
Thanks, Beth. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of YA Writer Wednesdays.
What a nice post Eric!! Everything you’ve said rings true. I think luck is so important here and there. Its two things coming together when the time is right. I’m wishing for a lot of luck these days. Now that the ball is really rolling for you, I hope you have many new novels to come.
Thanks. As they say, luck is the combination of timing and preparation.
Oh, how I love Patton Oswalt!! If you’ve never heard his comedy routines, you must make it a priority. So, so smart!! I love how just the right people come into our lives at JUST the right time — call it luck, call it a God-thing, whatever… Bottom line is, if you give 110% of yourself, you will attract people who want to help you succeed.
I am so grateful that Kate believes in you the way she does, becuase you’ve got an amazing voice and wonderful stories to tell. Congrats on what lies ahead!!
Bethany, as always, you are fantastic. Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to where this adventure takes us.
Oops. Also, thanks to Beth for the great interview! ๐