And just like that, the glass ceiling shatters, raining down shards of glittering frustrations and dashed ambitions down upon the floor.
I now have a contract with Ellechor Publishing company for The Lost Scrolls. True, I haven’t signed it yet – that’ll happen this week after I have a lawyer friend take a look-see through it just to be sure everything’s all copastetic, but I’m pretty-well decided on the matter.
Nothing will happen for a few months after the signing. Then, in February we’ll start the editing process to be sure the manuscript is in tip-top shape before going to press. I have a few weeks to paw through the material myself and snip any dangling threads, tie up any loose dialogue or verbage, etc.
It isn’t slated to come out until March/April of 2012, timed to the summer reading season. We’re obviously too late to make it happen in time for 2011. No worries.
In the meantime, this means I can dust off any sequels and other Christian-market works I have and try to get them ready for the next go-around. Ellechor is asking for first right of refusal on any Christian action/adventure stories I develop from here on out for the foreseeable future. I’m down with that. Dance with the girl what bring ya, y’know?
My Jefferson’s Road series will remain untouched by this agreement, because it’s targeted to the general market. Which is fine with me. I’d rather keep JR to myself, for now.
But since I’ve made it as a published author, I’m ready to shatter the next ceiling, and become a successful published author (meaning the book has to sell well) or even a best selling author (meaning sell really well), all the way to multiple best-selling author and multiple best-selling author with film deals.
I know that’s a long way off yet. May, in fact, be the final result of a twenty-five year career at this (assuming I retire at 67, which won’t happen), but that’s okay. This first major milestone has been reached. Actually, I suppose it’s the second, since the first was actually finishing a novel.
Anyway, I’m delighted, excited, and looking forward to a long and prosperous future. God is good!