Aspiring Writer: Breaking Through to Publication

Not many writers receive “the call” by phone anymore. These days the coveted call usually arrives by e-mail, yet breaking through to publication is still the longing of every writer’s heart …

The Breakthrough

Monday night. Rushing around, trying to leave on time for my Word & Pen critique group meeting, I quickly gathered the printouts of my next chapter and reached out to shut down my computer. Oh, maybe just a quick peek at my e-mail.

A message from my agent? I stared at the subject line: “Lighthouse of the Carolinas offer for Deadly Inheritance.” (Later titled Her Deadly Inheritance.)

My heart skipped a beat. I held my breath.  A respected traditional publisher wanted to publish my novel? Had the soon the Lord had promised actually arrived?

I scanned the brief message, “Hi Beth, Lighthouse has offered you a contract for Deadly Inheritance. I’ve attached it for you to look at … if you have any questions … Jim Hart.”

Quickly printing the contract, I grabbed it and left for the meeting–not to read it to my critique group, but to hold it in my hands while I told them the amazing news. Excitement erupted as they cheered and congratulated me. It was a victory for all of us.

Two days later on December 11, 2014—with my questions answered and having prayed to know God’s will—I signed the three copies of the contract. As I mailed them to the publisher that day, I realized that a year ago in 2013, the Lord had first indicated that my novel would publish soon.

Days after signing the contract, I was still stunned. Though deeply grateful to the Lord, my agent, and the editor who had brought me to this place, I had not told anyone except my critique group. But now was the time to share the good news with family and friends.

God had kept his promise at the right time and with the right publisher.

***

Dear Reader, as impossible or far away as it may seem now, one day you, too, will share the good news of your novel’s breakthrough. You can count on it because our ever-faithful God always keeps his promises. Work hard and believe!

~ Beth

Copyright 2015 Beth Ann Ziarnik