deb, I'm awfully concerned about appearing like a craxy/needy person. Well, not to you guys, obviously.

Heh. I know the feeling; I'm pretty sure Jenn thinks I'm, um, let's use a phrase I generally hate and say "one of a kind" (as in, NUTS). But you're a first-time writer, and your agent knows it. She'll know how nail-bitey new clients get.

When was the last time you spoke with her? Have you spoken with her since the submission of the completed ms?

Allyson, what Deb said. Especially since you're new at this, it's perfectly reasonable to shoot her an email asking, "How long does this process usually take? Or this editor?"

Done!

Thanks.

I let her know that it'd make me less nuts if I had some sort of general idea with these two editors...but seriously, I think I'll be nuts anyway.

This is so very exciting.

Allyson, bebe, I totally sympathise with the crazy-making. Jenn's submitting the Kinkaids to only one editor at a time; she told me the rationale and I forget what it is but it made sense. But Jesus wept, it makes the process excruciatingly slow. I haven't bitten my nails, but I have no temper left. None.

Whew!

2-3 weeks. Editor said that the publisher is getting really interested.

Should keep me afloat for like, the next four minutes.

Also, should it all fall apart, um, I shall completely break into the tiniest of pieces. I shall be as dust.

No, no dust yet. You're still pretty early in on this process. I think these guys will buy it. If not, they've certainly taken enough time with it, that you know it's likely to spark someone's interest enough to buy.

Besides Allyson, your book is excellent.

Speaking of patience, I could use a little wafted this way. About to submit "Restless" - the Patrick Ormand backstory piece - as blind submission for consideration for the "Burden on the Badge" anthology, being edited by Michael Connelly and being published by Little, Brown this autumn.

If they take it, I'm going to dance the dance of joy and serendipitous timing. Because it would hit the streets the same time as "Cruel Sister", and would be a humongous selling point for the Kinkaids.

Meh.

Besides Allyson, your book is excellent.

Yes, this.

About to submit "Restless" - the Patrick Ormand backstory piece - as blind submission for consideration for the "Burden on the Badge" anthology

Did you hear back from them about the header thing?

Am sending postcards out to drum up interest for I Love You to Death, and about to post a contest on my writing blog (which I think, sadly, not many people read). Sent some postcards and a couple signed books to a RWA mini-conference set for next weekend, for their giveaway table, and planning to do same for a couple more coming up ni the next two months. And trying to finish this Harlewuin proposal. Exhausted. Want cake.

Did you hear back from them about the header thing?

Yep. What they want in the upper right corner is the page number. Nothing else - just that. Beginning on page 2. Nic is doing it at work, reprinting, and bringing home.

How much more of the proposal do you need to do? It's the one I've been beta-reading, yes?