Monday, September 14, 2009

The House Eaters

I've had an offer from Virtual Tales for The House Eaters.

I originally titled this post "Arm Wrestling with Some Demons". I'm going to take the offer, of course, but the future is unknown, and the unknown is filled with shifting shadows which frighten and confuse.

I made some major revisions to the book after guidance from some dear beta readers (thanks). I resubmitted to one agent, and said agent ultimately passed. I let the book sit. I've used "I" too much in this paragraph.

After the ups and downs of the revision/resubmission process, I sent out to Virtual Tales. Remember this post about the small press? Yeah...I still feel that way. I prefer guerrilla tactics to a straight fight, any day.

So...Huzzah! (and Cthulhu help me!)

31 comments:

Jameson T. Caine said...

Woot! Congrats! That story had me hooked from chapter one. I'm looking forward to the chance to read the whole thing.

L.R. Bonehill said...

That’s great news, Aaron. Congrats!

Aaron Polson said...

Jameson - Thanks...glad you found it "hooky".

L.R. - ;)

Rebecca Nazar said...

Congrats! Guerrilla Tactics! Yay!

Aaron Polson said...

Rebecca - they're the only tactics I have (thanks)!

Cate Gardner said...

While I'm a little disappointed that 'The House Eaters' didn't earn you the agent you deserve, I'm adding my congratulations to the ring.

Woot!

Aaron Polson said...

Thanks Cate. I have a post brewing--not a rant about agents, but a discussion of writing in general. Nothing like a trip to a used bookstore to make one wax philosophic.

Fox Lee said...

Congratulations! : )

Barry Napier said...

Huzzah indeed! Many congrats!

Aaron Polson said...

Thanks Natalie, Barry.

K.C. Shaw said...

Awesome! Many gigantic congratulations! You've got a big publisher on the horizon, but there's nothing wrong with a good small publisher in the meantime.

Hey, I smell future collector's item! Let us know when we can order. :)

Aaron Polson said...

Thanks, KC. It'll be a while...the contract likes to use the phrase "18 months".

Jamie Eyberg said...

Congrats! It is a truly excellent story. No need to apologize for the "I"'s. Can't wait to read it again (seriously).

Aaron Polson said...

Thanks, Jamie. I appreciate all the support.

Carrie Harris said...

It's an awesome story that totally deserved a home. No apologies necessary!

Aaron Polson said...

Thanks, Carrie...when you're on the NYT bestseller list, can I tell people you read my book? ;)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Aaron! I've been talking to quite a few writers (mostly in the horror genre) who started with a small press. They published their books, built up a fan base, and then they're even more compelling when they go to an agent later. This is fantastic news! :D

-Mercedes

Aaron Polson said...

Mercedes - I plan on sticking around for awhile. Thanks. ;)

Akasha Savage. said...

Excellent news. Well Done!

Aaron Polson said...

Thanks, Akasha.

Jeremy D Brooks said...

Nice...haven't been here in a while but I saw Jamie's facebook post and had to stop by to congratulate you! That's awesome!!!

Aaron Polson said...

Jeremy - thanks. I loved your "literary buskers" comment on Robert Swartwood's page a while back.

Danielle Birch said...

Fantastic news! Congratulations.

Unknown said...

Congratulations Aaron - can't wait to read it!!

Good lord - everyone's selling books today.

Aaron Polson said...

Thanks, Danielle.

Jeremy - Who said Mondays were lousy? (thanks)

Katey said...

I look forward both to reading The House Eaters, which I always thought looked effing spectacular as ideas go, and to your waxing philosophic after a visit to the used bookstore. Frankly, both of them are just the sort of thing I adore.

Congratulations. I don't think recognition could happen to a more deserving guy. That, and I really share your opinions about the small press. It might be silly of me, especially since I'm generally so cynical, but I really appreciate an effort with heart more than anything else. Small press is where we look for that, today. No institution gives me more heart.

Jodi Lee (Morrighan) said...

Congratulations, Aaron! I'm thrilled for you, and Virtual Tales is such a cool venue, too!

Michael Stone said...

This is brilliant news, Aaron! Very well done. And I look forward to the "post brewing--not a rant about agents, but a discussion of writing in general."

Aaron Polson said...

Katey - I hope you find the execution at least mildly spectacular...thanks.

Jodi - ;)

Michael - Thanks-Nothing stirs the emotions for a writer like a room full of old books (at least this writer).

BT said...

Ah - excellent news but I second Cate's disappointment. Still, publication is a good thing and I've read a few publishing intern blogs who mention how they scour the small publishers for the next big thing. One stepping stone is as good as another if it moves you forward on your journey. Hmm...I might have to copyright that one ;c)

Aaron Polson said...

Thanks, BT. I'm okay with being a small fish in the big, big ocean. I can hide under rocks better this way. ;)