THE WITCH OF BELLE FLEUR How I Found My Publisher and Agent
I am thrilled to announce that my YA fantasy novel, THE WITCH OF BELLE FLEUR, will be published by Month9Books in 2020. This novel was so much fun to write, and I can’t wait for readers to enjoy it!
This book has had an exciting journey, and the journey continues! I wrote THE WITCH OF BELLE FLEUR because of my fascination with magic, my love of nature, and my romantic heart.
I found my publisher in a way that I had heard about, but never truly believed. My husband and I have been attending Dragon Con for a few years. I love their sci-fi and fantasy panels, but I adore the various writing panels offered each year. One of the tips writers and editors would frequently give was that conventions were the perfect place to find a publisher.
Really?
What would I say?
Would I have the nerve?
Last year I sat in the audience as Georgia McBride, owner of Month9Books, spoke at a Dragon Con panel. As she spoke, I silently worked over what I would say to her after the panel. I worked on my elevator pitch over and over again until it felt right.
I told her my book is about a teen who just graduated high school and is also a telenovela actress. She’s a witch with a hot BFF who doesn’t know her secret, or so she thinks. She must decide if she will accept the decision of becoming a Lead Witch for her South Florida swamp town. If she agrees, her decision will give her the magic needed to save her dying aunt, while also bringing back magic to all the dormant witches in her town, both good and evil.
The panel had finished. Would I be brave enough to approach?
I knew that the easiest thing for me to do was to turn around and walk out of the room. If I rushed, I could catch dozens of Dragon Con’s other panels.
Recently, I had turned down two book contracts for THE WITCH OF BELLE FLEUR because they weren’t the right fit. I was close to self-publishing my book, but I couldn’t get my mother’s advice out of my head from a couple of years ago; “Don’t sell yourself short.” I knew that I wanted to give my novel the widest audience possible.
Georgia McBride was busy talking with other writers. I braced myself and took a deep breath. I waited, ignoring my desire to flee.
I finally walked up to Georgia McBride with a smile. Luckily my elevator pitch intrigued her, and she requested that I submit my manuscript to Month9Books.
Whew.
I submitted my YA fantasy novel, THE WITCH OF BELLE FLEUR, to Month9Books in September.
A couple of months later, my husband and I decided to relocate from the Metro Atlanta area to Seattle. We put our house on the market and made the big cross-country move with our one and a half-year-old son.
During my first Monday living in Seattle, I received an email. I saw the words, but my brain had to soak in what the words meant. I became accustomed to receiving “no’s,” that it took a few extra seconds to recognize the “yes” before my eyes.
I received an offer for my book from Month9Books! I was over the moon with excitement! My husband joked that Seattle was good luck for my writing career.
Not knowing anything about book contracts, I queried a few literary agents. I informed them that I had a book offer from Month9Books and that I would like an agent for this book.
I remember the hopeful feeling when I queried Mark Gottlieb, of Trident Media. He had always been on my dream literary agent list. When he requested a full manuscript from me that same night, I was hopeful.
Then I waited.
Just in case, I signed up for Writer’s Market, to expand my search. Fortunately, I didn’t need to use it because something wonderful happened! My phone rang!
New deal congrats! .@IsabelleHWrites‘s THE WITCH OF BELLE FLEUR, an #ownvoices story: girl knows that magic exists, but as new telenovela actress, her family’s old secret of magic doesn’t fit into her life, to .@Georgia_McBride .@Month9Books by Mark Gottlieb at #TridentMediaGroup pic.twitter.com/NeUCqJaKjg
— Literary Agent Mark Gottlieb (@Mark_Gottlieb) March 16, 2019
I received “The Call” while I was visiting a local library in Seattle with my now 19-month-old son. I was thrilled when Mark Gottlieb spoke to me about my book and offered to represent me! I could now relax, knowing that my novel was going to receive the best care possible with my amazing literary agent.
Month9Books is the perfect home for my book, and I can’t wait to work with their fabulous team as we bring this book to readers.
I thank both Georgia and Mark for believing in THE WITCH OF BELLE FLEUR. I am also thankful for my mother’s wise words.
Whatever your dream is, don’t give up on it. And when that “yes” finally comes, be sure to recognize it and celebrate it!
Isabelle Hardesty
Fantasy Writer
Isabelle Hardesty is a writer of young adult fantasy. She enjoys writing about characters who are like people you know and people you want to know.
Isabelle lives in Seattle with her husband and son. She loves being with her family, eating chocolate, and connecting with readers. When she is not writing, you can find her either researching for her next book or painting.
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