Was I dreaming? My RWA Experience.

My good fortune started as soon as I got off the plane. I shared the cab to the hotel with an editor, I pitched my book to her. Her publishing house publishes erotica, which my book is not, but it was still good practice.

Tuesday night I didn't feel well, but made myself go down to the lounge anyways. I sat at the bar. A woman sat next to me and we started talking. She noticed my name tag with the "First Timer" ribbon, that was a really good conversation starter. She is an agent. I'm sure I told her I write Romantic Suspense, but I didn't try to "pitch" to her. I felt sure that it wasn't the time or place, unless I was asked. I'm sure she just wanted to relax.

Soon we were joined by two other very well known agents. We all sat down at a table and talked. Again, no pitching. Just four ladies talking. We talked about the conference, we talked about our kids. Then the ladies stood up, they all had places to be. Before they had, they had all given me their cards and I was encouraged to query them.

The first lady I'd met invited me to a party to be held the next day at her agency. (Can you imagine?!) It conflicted with a workshop I'd planned on attending, but really--no way on earth was I missing that party. :)

The agency was in a beautiful, old renovated house. I was surrounded by authors, agents, and editors. Authors who had just published their first book, and authors who had published well over a hundred books. I met a mother and daughter, whose books were to be made into movies the following year. I felt like I'd been invited to an Oscar party, only instead of movie stars--I was surrounded by publishing industry stars. For instance,

    "Oh, so what do you do?"
    "I'm an editor at such and such agency."

As I was leaving, I was told to send my full manuscript to the wonderful lady who had invited me. I shared a cab back to the hotel with a multi-published author. I sent the manuscript (ms) first thing Wednesday morning and had a reply that afternoon. The ms would be reviewed by an assistant since this fantastic lady would be attending two more conferences soon, one in London.

I sat next to an agent at the awards ceremony Friday. After the conference, I shared a cab back to the airport with another editor, both encouraged me to send them my ms.

Now I wait. Now I hope, and cross all my fingers and toes. My dream come true would be to receive a phone call from her offering representation. I have to tell you though, as disappointed as I'll be if that doesn't happen--this was still an unbelievable conference in so many ways.

When/if I am offered representation, I will shout this great woman's name to the rooftops. She is very well known and respected, but I don't want to seem cocky.

Thank you RWA!