How I Got My Agent

I've been dying to share this news. I recently signed with Lauren Hammond of ADA Management. Yes, you read that correctly. I have an agent!

I've read a lot "How I got my agent" stories, and I wished for the day that I'd get to tell my own story. Well, today is that day. So here it goes.

How I Got My Agent

A few months back I found out about a new agent who also happens to be an author and has worked in the publishing industry for seven years. I was very excited to hear she was becoming an agent and would be looking for clients. So naturally, I queried her--um, early. Yes, I was so excited that I queried before she was technically open to queries. Luckily, she very nicely replied, stating she'd hold on to my query until she was officially open.

Well, that time came and shortly after, I heard back from Lauren in the form of a request. Yay! I eagerly submitted my manuscript and waited. I didn't have to wait long. Pretty soon I got an email from Lauren, letting me know she wanted to speak with me on the phone. When I opened the email, I turned to my husband and squealed, "She wants to talk to me!" Now to be completely honest, I was not assuming this was "The Call". I wouldn't allow myself to get my hopes up that high.

Even so, I stayed no more than two inches from my cell until it rang. The first words Lauren spoke, other than her name, were "I want to sign you." I proceeded to have a heart attack. Okay, not really, but I couldn't breath--seriously. When I spoke, my words barely came out. I was shaking. All I kept thinking was "Snap out it and talk!" I mean, what's worse than a writer who can't form words? Within minutes, Lauren had me calm enough to speak fluently again. She was very easy to talk to, and she was so excited about my manuscript. Just hearing her talk about my writing and my voice was the best feeling.

When we hung up, I screamed and jumped up and down with my daughter. Then I called my husband and screeched into his phone. After that, I called my mom and dad and did the same. I hadn't accepted Lauren's offer yet, but I was so excited about the idea of working with her. The next few days dragged while I contacted other agents who had fulls and partials. My husband told me that it seemed like I'd already made up my mind. I'd gone from elated when Lauren offered, to wishing away days of my life just so I could finally accept her offer.

My husband was right. I had made up my mind. I knew I wanted Lauren to represent me. So, after communicating with the other agents who had my manuscript, I called Lauren and accepted her offer. And now that the contracts are signed, it's official. I have an agent. Looking back on my journey, which was filled with tears and countless hours of hard work, I'm thankful that I went through all of it. I think when you have to really work to get what you want, it makes it that much better in the end. I couldn't be happier.

And that's my story. My name is Kelly Hashway, and I'm represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management.