by Kim Cresswell
I began my publishing adventure with my romantic thriller, REFLECTION back in 2008 when I landed my first agent. Signing that agent contract was so exciting. A big-time-thrill-ride especially after I had queried hundreds of reputable agents. Finally it had happened!
Well not quite...
Three months later, the agent decided to close her agency due to personal reasons. At first I was devastated, all my hard work down the drain, then I remembered, “one door closes...another one opens.”
I'm not the type to give up. This was my dream and I was going to make it happen. So after a short break, I began my agent query process again in early 2009.
Two months passed and I received a representation offer from Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. I was literally jumping up and down. I knew Marsal Lyon was one of the best in the business and Jill loved and wanted my book! I think I cried and happy-danced for days.
It had really happened!
But...
The economy crashed in 2010 and publishers were hit hard. Some disappeared, some restructured, others decided it was time to jump on the e-publishing bandwagon.
Things were changing.
In my opinion, getting published by one of the “Big Six Publishers” is part luck—part timing. Timing was not on my side.
I kept my rejections from back then and all the rejection letters had wonderful things to say about REFLECTION but 95% mentioned the word, “economy”. Urgh!
After exhausting all major traditional publishing avenues we began sending REFLECTION to e-publishers.
Then I received a fantastic letter of praise from a “biggie” e-publisher suggesting I rewrite REFLECTION to fit their line as a category romantic suspense and re-submit. I can say there were many sleepless nights trying to decide if I should rewrite REFLECTION. I wanted to be published so badly.
In the end, I choose not to rewrite my book. The story was a mainstream romantic thriller and it was going to stay that way.
As authors, sometimes we need to bend and need to make tough decisions about our writing career.
For me, it was 'passing' with the “biggie” e-publisher, and contracting with a smaller publisher. Did I make the right decision? I believe I did.
If I could change any part of my publishing journey, would I? Not a chance. What I have learned over the years about the industry, my writing and about myself—is invaluable.
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About the Author
Kim Cresswell resides in Ontario, Canada. Trained as a legal assistant, Kim has been a story-teller all her life but took many detours including; working in legal and adult education before returning to her first love, writing.
Her debut thriller, REFLECTION, has won numerous awards. UP Authors Fiction Challenge Winner (2013), Silicon Valley's Romance Writers of America (RWA) "Gotcha!" #
Romantic Suspense Winner (2004) and an Honourable Mention in Calgary's (RWA) The Writer's Voice Contest (2006).
LETHAL JOURNEY was a finalist in From the Heart Romance Writers (FTHRW) Golden Gate Contest (2003).
Her action-packed thrillers have been highly praised by reviewers and readers worldwide. As one reviewer said, "Buckle up, Hang on tight!"
Kim recently entered the True Crime arena. Her latest story about accused Canadian killer, Cody Legebokoff, will is featured in Serial Killer Quarterly, a new e-magazine published by Grinning Man Press which debuted in December 2013. Her short story collection, Real Life Evil - A True Crime Quickie releases in January 2014.
About the Book
Florida investigative reporter, Whitney Steel, has lived in the shadow of her legendary father long enough. To prove herself she needs to find the “Big” story.
She found it.
Now it may kill her.
After Whitney receives a lead pointing to the world’s first cloned human, now a small child, she vows to unravel the truth. However, sifting through the facts proves to have dangerous results, including death threats and murder.
When Whitney is nearly killed, but is saved by undercover FBI Special Agent, Blake Neely, he refuses to let her get in the way of his own objective—at least not right away.
Caught in a lethal game between a billionaire obsessed with genetic perfection, his hit man’s thirst for retribution, and a Colombian drug lord fresh out of prison determined to make Blake pay for his twin brother’s death over a decade ago…
Can they save an innocent child before it’s too late?
Faced with tough choices, with deadly consequences for many—Whitney soon realizes that sometimes a story becomes more than just a story.
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