Blogger: Rachel Kent
Part 1 of 3–Sixty Acres and a Bride
I have three clients who each had a book release so far in 2012, and I thought our blog readers would gain insight into how getting published works by following the process each client went through. Interestingly, all three authors were offered contracts relatively quickly after the novels were pitched. This isn’t the case for everyone, and I don’t want you to be discouraged by these stories if it hasn’t worked that way for you. I believe it all comes down to God’s perfect timing for YOU and your book.
First up is Regina Jennings’s Sixty Acres and a Bride. Isn’t this cover beautiful? This is Regina’s debut novel; it released in February from Bethany House Publishers.
Back Cover Copy:
With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only three months to pay.
Though facing eviction, Rosa can’t keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can’t help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future?
Sixty Acres and a Bride is a beautiful retelling of the Ruth and Boaz story from the Bible though Bethany House decided not to promote it as such since the entire series Regina is contracted to write doesn’t follow different Bible stories.
Now onto Regina’s story: Regina Jennings was asked by her church, at the end of 2009, to produce a play for the drama team. She wrote the play, and it was received well by the church family. (To read more about that play, click here.) She then decided to expand the story into a novel.
Regina finished the book in time to pitch it at the 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers conference. She met with an editor at Bethany House who requested the project. At the same time, she sent a query to Books & Such, and we started reviewing her book as well. I had just about finished reading the manuscript when Regina wrote to inform us that Bethany was taking her book to committee. I quickly finished and was able to offer representation before she received the offer. Regina was offered her first contract within a year of when she started to write her book.
I believe one quality that helped Regina on her journey to publication was her determination. She did her research, finished her book, went to a respected conference to pitch to editors and also queried agents. She had figured out what needed to be done to get her book into the hands of publishing professionals and did it. She continues to approach her marketing and the writing of her sequels with the same determination. I hope you’ve enjoyed the brief version of Regina’s story and I encourage you to get to know her better through her blog and Facebook.
Blog: http://www.reginajennings.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReginaLJennings?ref=ts
How do you show your determination as a writer?
What resources were most useful to you when you first started researching the publishing market?
Thanks for sharing Rachel. I wonder at what point Regina was on her journey when she landed her contracts. How many books had she written that were more “for practice” and still sit at home on the shelf? I think it might be unusual for a writer to have this happen with their very first completed novel. But, maybe not?
Anne, this actually was Regina’s very first book. And I do believe it’s unusual for an author to get his or her very first project published, especially this quickly.
Stories like this are so encouraging! Great idea to share them, Rachel.
Other writers and their blogs were useful to me and I’ve made life-long friendships from them! And of course, going to a conference!
Thanks so much for sharing this, Rachel. Sixty Acres is waiting patiently on my Kindle–I’m even more excited to read it now!
I suppose I show my determination as a writer by continuing to learn. Just…keep…writing! 🙂
ACFW has helped me so much along this journey as well.
Thanks for the post!
I love that you’re posting encouraging stories, Rachel! So cool to learn from what’s worked for others.
A question for you: If an editor has requested to see your manuscript, and you want an agent also but don’t have one yet, is it best to query agents while the editor has the manuscript, just in case the editor chooses to bring the book to committee? And would you mention that fact in your query? I wouldn’t ever want to be presumptuous and assume the editor is actually going to choose my book, but I would also want any potential agent to be aware of the full situation. I’d love your thoughts on this. Thanks!
Hi Lindsay,
Thanks for the comment!
Yes, it’s always a good idea to be pitching books to both editors and agents at the same time. If you already have an editor looking at the manuscript by the time you pitch an agent be sure to mention that in your query letter. Also, keep the agent updated on your progress with the editor. That way the agent can move your book up to the top of the reading pile if something exciting is starting to happen. It’s also not a bad idea to mention to the editor that you are also looking for an agent. That editor might have some recommendations for you, too.
Wonderful! Thank you for your speedy reply, Rachel.
Thanks for sharing this, Rachel!
What was most helpful to me: Writers’ organizations, attending conferences, connecting with like-minded folks via blogs and even bookstore coffee shops.
And I have to say… I was a regular haunt of the Books & Such blog long before I began commenting. When I thought surely I would burst, I had no choice but to chime in! The way you ladies dished the good, the bad, and the ugly challenged me professionally to take my writing goals to a higher level.
Your integrity, encouragement, and desire to teach are clearly evident, and I’ve always respected B & S for “telling like it is” in Christ-like love. It’s what sets you apart.
Cynthia, I used to silently stalk blogs too! It took me a while to get the courage to actually comment. Hard to believe with my big mouth, I know! Ha!
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Cynthia!
Rachel,
Wow. This is so inspiring. It just goes to show God has a path for each of us. Congratulations to you and Regina! Sixty Acres and a Bride’s cover is incredible!
Congratulations to Regina and to you Rachel! It’s very encouraging to hear of an author’s success and gives hope to all of us.
I’ve been blessed to know a couple of fine published authors who are part of our local Quills of Faith writers group. They not only encourage, but are adept at the fine art of accountability.
Writer’s conferences, seminars and several writer’s and agency blogs, especially Books & Such, are part of my effort to continue learning.
Thanks for sharing, and hope your week is blessed!
Thanks, Kate!
Thanks for sharing my story, Rachel. It was a comfort to have a good agent at my side while going through the contract process. Agents definitely do more than land the contract.
Blessings!
P.S. How is everyone getting their picture on their comment? Did I miss that memo?
I’m pretty sure we used Gravatar.com to get our pictures. Not sure how Jill, Cynthia and Kate did it…
Thanks for stopping by today!
Yes, Gravatar.com is what I used, Regina. (And I’ve stalked your blog–You’ll want to be sure and upload your lovely photo soon. 🙂 Congratulations on your debut!
Did you see? I have my picture now! Thanks Rachel and Cynthia!
Sixty Acres and a Bride has one of the most gorgeous book covers, and most beautiful authors (inside & out!) that I’ve ever seen. Regina is such a blessing to know! 🙂
Great job on this post, Rachel!
What a great series idea; thank you, Rachel! I agree with Cynthia’s list of ideas, as well. We’re so fortunate to have consistent and generous information on blogs like this one.
Regina is a gem. Thanks for sharing her story here, Rachel, and for giving us a glimpse of what it takes to succeed.
Thanks for sharing this encouraging post, Rachel. I agree, it happens all in God’s time. I’ve heard of this book, but haven’t picked up a copy. Now I’m eager to, so I can read it and see what a wonderful writer Regina must be.
Such inspiring stories! I’m so happy for them both.
I’ve been learning through stalking blogs and joining RWA. My encouragement also comes through an online community, The Fictionista Workshop, who gave my book a kind, yet thorough, critique.
Awesome post. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
I love the cover to Sixty Acres!