I’ve Got an Ace in the Hole

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For two weeks I’ve had my poker face on…and it’s been killing me.

Robert Gottlieb of the Trident Media Group is now representing me!

For those of you who aren’t involved in the publishing industry, I will just tell you that when I was previously looking for an agent, I took one look at the client list at Trident Media Group and skipped them as ‘being out of my league.’ I’d also previously heard Mr. Gottlieb described as one of the best and most powerful literary agents in the country.

So, you can imagine my surprise when, the very day I was leaving for the Romance Writers of America national conference, I had an email from Mr. Gottlieb. It turned out he’d read my book, A Deadly Blessing and was ‘enthralled’ and wanted to know if I had literary representation.

After a few e-mails back and forth I learned he was going to be in the area of the conference I was attending. By chance, his agency was having a party within walking distance of my hotel and he invited me to attend. We talked, and as they say, the rest is history.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about this move. I’ve enjoyed moderate success self-publishing my books. I’ve been able to make all the decisions regarding my books and my career. I like having control. But I also know there are other literary avenues available to me. I just don’t have the know-how, the connections, or the time to investigate those options.

Just like the professionals I’ve hired to help me get my career to its current level, I’m thrilled to now be affiliated with one of the best agencies in the country to help me achieve even more.

I didn’t need any further confirmation I was making the right choice, but when I opened up the daily paper and saw my horoscope for the day I had to smile…

I won’t know until we actually start working together exactly how this collaboration will work. But I’m a gambling kind of gal, so I’m all in…and I think I’ve got a winning hand.

KMA 367

38 thoughts on “I’ve Got an Ace in the Hole”

    • Hi Meb!

      Welcome!

      It’s pretty exciting – that’s for sure. If it can happen to me, it can happen for anyone.

      Thank you for taking time to write.

    • Hi Judith!

      Welcome back!

      Me too! That would be pretty cool.

      Thanks for your thoughts on my news.

  3. Kathy!!! This is huge. Robert Gottlieb and Steven Axelrod are my “out of my league” agents. I’m so excited for you but remember to pat yourself on the back. You wouldn’t be in this position without your fabulous book and your tenaciousness. Congratulations! The sky is the limit!

    • Hi Robena!

      Welcome back!

      Well, thank you for the compliment. I must say I was stunned. I’m already in the stratosphere…I need to come down to earth.

      Thank you for your good wishes.

  4. Congrats, Kathy.

    And welcome…I’m a newer client of Trident as well, (Kim Whalen reps me) and I will join you in the “whoa, this is an awesome place to be”. I probably saw you at the party, but forgive me for not connecting all faces/names–it was a bit of a blur. So exciting! ;)

    Good luck as you move forward.

    Viv

    • Hi Viv!

      Welcome!

      Please don’t feel bad about not connecting the face to the name. I wouldn’t be able to put your name to your face either!

      Very exciting times for both of us.

      Thanks for the shout out and taking the time to stop by and introduce yourself.

  5. Wow and wowie, girl. Congratulations to you and enjoy this yellow brick road experience. Keep us informed as your star skyrockets. We have you back and give you a standing ovation. whoo hoo!!

  6. Best of luck, Kathy! I’m excited for you!

    I’m thrilled with my venture into traditional publishing, which resulted from self-publishing. I’m so excited that my books from Amazon Montlake will be out on August 28. BUT, I made sure the contract terms were narrow for my option book, and for the noncompete clause. (My new editor knew about this.) I intend to self-publish short stories and novellas in my Montana Sky series, while Montlake does the big books. The best of both worlds in my opinion.

    So keep that in mind. :)

    • Hi Debra!

      Welcome!

      Always good to have sage advice. Congratulations to you on your contract with Montlake and your upcoming release.

      I know that this whole experience will be a learning experience for me. Hopefully, I don’t get sent to detention!

      Thanks for your comments and your time.

  7. Hi Chrstine!

    Welcome back!

    After 14 years in RWA I thought I was prepared for the possibility of the ‘agent call’ after a pitch. But the publishing world has changed so much, I never dreamed an agent would come to me!

    Thanks for your congratulations and taking the time to write.

  8. Congratulations on gaining your new agent. It has to feel wonderful to have all your hard work and talent acknowleged. Good luck on your future projects and I am looking forward to more great news.

    • Hi Flo!

      Welcome back!

      Well, I’ve been pretty darn pleased by the readers who have contacted me saying they loved my books. It’s so totally unexpected to have someone in the industry write and say they like it (I’ve had my share of rejections…like most authors) that I was pretty darn surprised.

      Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

  9. Congratulations! Wow – no wonder your eyes were sparkling every time I saw you at conference. :) And to think – he called you! How often does that happen?

    Here’s another horoscope for you: Wear your sunglasses, I see a bright future.

    • Hi Lynne!

      Welcome back!

      Ha ha! Madam Marshall…woman who see’s far into the future!

      Actually, when I first read his email, after the initial giddiness wore off, I thought it might be a cruel joke. I’m glad it wasn’t.

      Thanks for celebrating with me!

  10. Mom,

    We are so proud of you! That’s terrific news and we wish you the best in the days, weeks, months and years to come. You’ve worked so hard to get where you are – and that hard work is paying off. Keep it up! We can’t wait to see the next book!

    With love,
    Jaimie, Robert, and Mikayla

    • Hi Jaimie!

      Welcome back!

      Thank you very much. Of course you realize that now you’ll have to schedule your time with me even further in advance!

      It’s awful, but sometimes my schedule is so tight I have to pencil in time with my daughter and her family!

      Thanks for not disowning me, hon…

    • Hi Robin!

      Welcome back!

      Thank you very much and I’ll take those hugs and best wishes!

      I actually Lol when I saw the horoscope. It seemed to be written specifically for the occasion.

      Thanks for taking time out of your day to visit and comment.

  12. Oh, Kathy … HUGE congratulations! There aren’t many authors who have a story to tell like that! It’s well deserved after all your hard work. (LOVE the horoscope.)

    • Hi Nina!

      Welcome!

      Thank you. I know what you mean about the story. Of course it was total torture to be around so many friends at the RWA conference and not spill the beans.

      Thanks for stopping by and chatting.

    • Hi Maria!

      Welcome back!

      I know, I was woo-hooing all over the house. The cats were scared. I guess I was acting kind of crazy.

      Thanks for your congrats and comments.

    • Hi Janie!

      Welcome back!

      I’m lucky and very blessed and I don’t take any of it for granted. All the people who judged my manuscripts in RWA contests, all the people who read my drafts and offered advice, and most of all, my critique partners who are so patient with my grammar faux pas are all a part of this experience. I can’t thank everyone enough. I’m truly blessed.

      Thanks for sharing in my celebration!

  15. Congratulations! IMO, the more peeps on your side working for your success, the better. Hope he is as effective for you as you could wish in your wildest dreams.

  16. Hi Beverly!

    Welcome!

    That was my train of thought as well. My husband always offers excellent advice, (which I don’t always take) and he was very logical in why this was a good step for me to take.

    I couldn’t tell you the last time I had a wild dream, but I may just have to start thinking about it.

    Thanks for visiting me here and leaving a comment.

  17. Kathy,

    Congratulations! That must be why you were distracted and let us get away without our last few push ups. :) I’m very happy for you and wish you all the best.

  18. Hi Samantha!

    Welcome back!

    Actually, that’s partially true. I was worried about weather or not I’d get back to the hotel in time to shower and change. Every time our bus driver, Ruben honked the horn and made a lane change I was secretly cheering him on! I did get the shower and actually the timing was perfect.

    But going to the Trident party is why I missed the KOD Annual General Meeting.

    Thanks for your well wishes and stopping by. Oh…remember, those left over push ups were assigned as home P.T. I’m sure you’ll get right on them!

  19. Oh wow how wonderful for you congratulations and may it be a wonderful relationship.

  20. Hi Kathy!

    Welcome!

    Thank you and I’m hoping you’re right.

    Thanks for stopping by and and leaving a comment.

  21. Congratulations! That must be so exciting, and I hope it goes well for you.

    • Hi Carly!

      Welcome!

      Thank you so much. I’m still pinching myself, that’s how excited I am. I can’t wait to see how this changes my career.

      Thanks for taking time out of your very busy day to stop by.

    • Hi Barbara!

      Welcome!

      After 14 years of learning my craft it’s great to have an industry professional think it was all worthwhile.

      Thanks for stopping by and helping me celebrate.

  23. Congrats, Kathy! So happy for you! Such wonderful news. I’m sorry I couldn’t attend PSWA last month (I was in Alaska), but I plan to attend next year ~ as I’m hoping you will, too!
    All the very best!
    Kathy Ryan

  24. Congratulations!! No one deserves it more than you! Fingers crossed that your fabulous writing coupled with his expertise will take your career into the stratosphere where it belongs!