The Brutal Truth About How I Got my Book Deal
I did everything 'right'… and still almost didn’t get a book deal.
It's been two weeks since I announced the incredibly exciting news that I signed a book deal! I can’t believe I finally get to say those words. For seven years, I’ve lived, eaten and breathed writing and editing while digesting every nugget of information available about the publishing industry, but it seemed like I would never get a book deal.
However, I was finally able to announce recently that Bloodhound Books will publish my RomCom, Lucy Gallagher’s Big Move to Spain in April 2027.
It's taken seven years, six manuscripts, two agents and at least 120 rejections to finally get here. It became so frustrating, I almost quit... many times.
In this, and my next two newsletters, I’ll be detailing the rare highs and the overwhelming lows of my journey to publication. This collection of newsletters is for you if you're:
- In the querying trenches.
- Unsure about whether your agent is the right fit.
- On submission but getting zero responses.
- Not sure if you can face more rejection and considering giving up writing.
- Back on submission after getting a book deal but feeling like your first deal meant nothing.
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Everything came together for me one cold, blustery February day in Ireland. I was lying on my mother’s sofa having a rest, following an early morning hospital appointment when an email from my agent popped into my inbox, with the subject line – Offer from Bloodhound.
That day will rate as one of the loveliest days I’ve had in a long time with three gifts of good news. As a Type 1 diabetic of 45-years, the hospital appointment had been my annual eye check for diabetes related complications. Thankfully, I got the all-clear. My consultant was delighted with how healthy my eyes are.
Aside from writing novels, I freelance as a business writer and had recently applied to work on a lucrative project. On the way home from the hospital, I got an email saying my application had been successful and asking if I was available to start work the following week. Then the email came from my agent. It was a gold star day.
In the weeks that followed, my wonderful agent looked over the contract. I pulled together an outline for a second book, and I signed a two-book deal. After that, I got lots of lovely welcome emails from various people at Bloodhound, in operations, editorial and marketing. They also provided clear information answering all the questions I had and ensuring I had a full understanding of what to expect in the coming months. As a former communications professional in a world where the art of communication appears to be dying a slow death, the communication from Bloodhound has been top notch and I’m really grateful to the team there. Here’s Bloodhound’s announcement of the news on social media.
So that’s it! If RomComs are your thing, I’ve launched an Instagram page for protagonist Lucy Gallagher, chronicling her new life in Spain. You can follow her at https://www.instagram.com/lucyginspain/?hl=en
Watch out for the next instalment of my journey to publication, where I write about my wildly unfulfilled expectations for my debut novel back in 2019, and how that experience almost made me quit writing forever.
Until the next time, here’s what I’m currently reading, listening to and watching.
Book recommendation: The Accidental Agony Aunt by my fellow Bloodhound author, Sarah Edghill. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GK56PBN4?tag=bloodbooks02-21&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true I’ve just ordered it online, but I love the RomCom hook about a protagonist who gives amazing advice to others but can’t seem to help herself.
Podcast/Blog recommendation: If you want more good stuff on writing and publishing, check out writing coach Mary Atkins great advice here https://maryadkinswriter.com/blog
TV/Movie Recommendation: I’ve been glued to The Madison on Paramount Plus. It is beautiful for many reasons including a family of strong women facing tragedy together, the stunning Montana landscape and Michelle’s Pfeiffer’s clothes, which made me swoon.
Chat soon,
Antoinette xx
