Book Update: And We're Off!

My agent* wrote me an email yesterday with the subject line, "And we're off!" letting me know that my manuscript has been sent out on its first round with publishers. It was a really exciting little moment for me to think that something I worked on will now be read by people who make books.  And I'd be lying if I said I didn't envision my manuscript wearing an oversized backpack, taking slow high steps to board a bus, as I stood back and waved, "Bye little guy! Have a great first day!" 

I basically did that every time I sent my manuscript anywhere. 

So in case you haven't been playing along at home, here's a breakdown of the events regarding the book:

1) Wrote a book

2) Googled "what to do after you write a book"

3) Bought a Guide To Literary Agents at the Union Square Borders in San Francisco. I distinctly remember this because at the time, I thought it was like buying a telephone book. Just find an agent I like and work with them. Easy!

4) Discovered that's not how that works.

5) Queried, queried, queried. 

6) Waited.

7) Heard a lot of "Thanks, but no thanks!"

8) Got an email from Penn Whaling asking to speak with me.

9) Had a "phone meeting" with Penn. Conveniently, she is hilarious, and agrees to represent me.

10) Danced around the apartment with my roommates' dog

11) Worked on the re-writes Penn suggested

12) Received "And we're off!" email. 

Stay tuned!

*It always feels slightly pretentious to say "my agent." So whenever I do, I say to myself in my head, "Your travel agent? Your insurance agent? Your secret agent?"