Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Another "Call" - New Book Contract with Crimson Romance



My novel, Breaking the Rules, will be published by Crimson Romance! Woo hoo! I’m still on a high!

This “baby” (a.k.a. Frequent Flyer) has been through the hoops – from winning a contest with Harlequin to receiving rejections from other publishers. But, it finally found its home with Crimson Romance and I couldn't be happier.

Breaking the Rules Unofficial Blurb:

A forbidden love affair in the past has led HOPE ROBINSON, a middle school principal, to Harbor Bay, where she commits herself to play by the rules. This can be difficult for a perpetual klutz, who - even strapped to a cast – has to uphold a competent attitude at all times.

Luckily, she has Dr. Colin Calaway on her side, a widower and father of a student, who is ready to give love another try. When Colin convinces Hope that they should explore the connection between them, a steamy romance develops – though it could destroy them both. They must decide if their jobs – and their hearts – are worth the risk.

How did I find Crimson? Well, I’ve been reading their awesome Contemporary Romance titles for a year now and I knew that one day I wanted to publish with them. It’s always great to have a goal! When I read that Crimson had a twitter pitch I went for it and I’m happy I did! Here’s the twitter pitch that got acquisitions editor, Jennifer Lawler’s attention:

Sparks fly with sexy widower Dr. Calaway. Too bad he's the father of Hope's student. She never breaks the rules…or does she?

I sent in my full manuscript and a week later I heard back from Jennifer with an offer.
 

The funny of my story is this…

As many of you have experienced, when a writer is waiting to hear any news about a manuscript, we tend to load – reload- load emails … Waiting for some good news. J  


Well, that’s what I did the entire week. Some of you know, I’m a middle school teacher, so I’m usually busy during the day. On this day, April 11, I happened to be beginning my Greek and Roman Myths unit with a video about the Greek gods. I sat down at my iPad and then I saw it… an email from Jennifer!

When I saw the email, I was like...

And then like...
 

I freaked. You know that feeling when you’re on a rollercoaster at the top of the hill and about to drop, but there’s that instant where you’re waiting, the seat suspended in the air. That’s what I felt.


Opening the email, I saw the offer! I actually screamed. Yes, squealed. Of course, this caught my students’ attention. So, I stopped the video and announced to my students that I received an offer on my book. They screeched, I shrieked… I’m sure my classroom sounded like a farm about to head off to the slaughter. All my students ran to me (21 kiddos!) and gave me a group hug. What a wonderful feeling!


So, after many questions and prodding from my students (there’s only so much I can say since I write steamy romance) I continued class – I don’t even remember what we did or how we did it, or how I even made it home.

Even Ryan is celebrating!

In the end, after reading over the contract and discussing terms with Jennifer, I am now officially signed with Crimson Romance. Another dream has come true!

Expect Breaking the Rules in July! 


11 comments:

  1. Ryan is cheering right along with you! I'm so proud of you Melinda. You're such an amazing writer, and you deserve every happiness!

    Ull sends his congratulations, and commands you to celebrate with waffles.

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    1. Thanks ST! Give a big hug to Ull and ***nom nom*** the waffles are great!

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  2. Congratulations!!!

    That is awesome. I was a Harlequin Romance reader many years ago. I read those things worse than a chocolate addict eating candy. :D

    I'll have to check out Crimson Romance now. Looking forward to your release.

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    1. Thanks Diane! Be sure to check Crimson Romance out! I've been reading their contemporary romances for a while now and I'm never disappointed.

      www.crimsonromance.com

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  3. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the cute pictures showing all your emotions! YEAH!!!

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  4. Even Ryan is celebrating!!!

    CONGRATULATIONS!!

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  5. FANTASTIC new, Melinda!! Congratulations on publishing your THIRD book. May there be many, many more. Bravissima!

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  6. Congratulations Melinda and welcome to Crimson Romance. I write Paranormal Romances with them. I'm learning so much as well about publishing and the industry.

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  7. Thanks Rowena! I look forward to getting to know you.

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  8. Thanks Kimberly! You've been a great crit partner!

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