Carly’s Road to Publication
I didn’t know I wanted to write and I can’t pinpoint the reason I decided to try. All I do know is that one day, after an argument with my husband over my expensive hardcover reading habit (one book a day/$20 each), I tracked the authors I love back to their roots so I could read them in paperback (cheaper he said) and discovered romance. From there it was a short trip to deciding I wanted to give writing romance a try. I went into a bookstore and purchased a “how to” book and outlined it from cover to cover – I think the book was called “How to write a romance and get it Published” by Phyllis Taylor Pianka. I didn’t tell anyone in my family that I was pursuing this dream. I was afraid they’d laugh, I think. I never majored in English, I really wasn’t a creative person in any way, so this wasn’t expected especially since I’d been a lawyer. I went to college, law school and was licensed to practice in New York and Connecticut. I worked for eight months and couldn’t handle the pressure. So I was home with my first baby, dealing with colic and deciding to write.
I had an old IBM computer (I think), one I had gotten when I started law school. I had a dot matrix printer/perforated edges paper printer, and I’d started to write when my husband was at work, wasn’t around. When I needed to print the pages out, I realized that I needed something with more power. Believe it or not, that’s what outted me. I went to my husband I told him that I wanted a new computer and printer, that I was writing, and that despite how crazy it sounded, I KNEW that it wasn’t something I’d give up or try and fail at. I KNEW I was meant to write. I must give the man credit. He didn’t laugh at me. And though I can’t remember, I am pretty sure we bought a new printer and computer.
At the time, I was reading the lines (category romance lines) and trying to decide what I wanted to write. I remember deciding on a Special Edition. I wrote a manuscript I called KINDRED SPIRITS and I finished it, then I queried Silhouette exactly like the books told me to. I remember also calling Silhouette and asking questions. In between while writing, I’d read in the book that if you want to write a romance, you must join Romance Writers of America (www.rwanational.org) because of what a wonderful organization it is. I had called and joined, and gotten the name of my local chapter. I walked into a woman’s home where the meetings were held, petrified, shy, and my life changed forever. I became a writer with writing friends. This particular chapter was critique group focused. They’d read their work aloud and others would critique it. I didn’t understand how anyone could know more about my manuscript than me, and I always opted out. One of the published members even offered to read and critique my manuscript and again, I opted out for the same reason. Until Silhouette answered my query letter with a “Yes we’d like to read your manuscript.” The next day, I sent the full to someone in my chapter and she critiqued and sent it back … and I learned something. My entire story was in passive voice. That was probably my first big writing lesson. I fixed up my story and sent it back to Silhouette.
OK laugh at me if you want, but I was convinced I was going to sell. I thought if they asked to see it, they’d buy it. Boy was I wrong, LOL. But I’d started to go to RWA conferences and meet writing people, and the Internet became a part of my life. I realized there was a process to the rejections.
Over a seven year period, I realized that at first I would get generic rejection letters. Dear Author and “I’m sorry your story does not meet our needs.” But then one day something amazing happened. I got a one line critique of my manuscript. While I enjoyed X about your story, I had a problem with Y. That’s when I started to learn if an editor took the time to make a real comment, there was something they liked in the manuscript. One hurdle passed. And later, the key line at the bottom of the rejection that I looked for before anything else: If you have anything else for me to see, please send it along marked Requested Material on the envelope. I even started to look forward to rejection letters because they meant more progress.
And I kept on going, still targeting mostly Special Edition or Desire. I had a manuscript that was called READY MADE FAMILY and it had been rejected all over – but it had also gotten very far up the line to senior editors before being rejected. I knew it had potential.
Before giving up on that story for good, I packaged up three chapters and sent them off to Harlequin Temptation and Brenda Chin.
A STRANGE THING HAPPENED while I was sitting in the diner …
I called home and on my answering machine was a message from Brenda Chin. My heart started racing. Logically I knew that she wouldn’t buy on a proposal (three chapters and an outline) but SHE’D CALLED. It turns out she wanted me to do some revisions and resend. (I called back from a pay phone – do they have pay phones anymore, LOL!) You can bet I did those fast and sent back. I revised a few more times for her and she sent it up to the senior editor. I knew this book wouldn’t sell though, because Temptation was getting hotter (Temptation – Blaze) and this was a family type story originally targeted for Special Edition and I was right. I sent Brenda a few more stories I had already written, non worked for her.
At some point, I was pregnant with my second baby and in the hospital with preterm labor when my mom called to tell me that Brenda had called. I called her back from the hospital and took notes on revisions in the back of a book I was reading at the time. Brenda still can’t believe I called her from the hospital. How could I not? Next to having this baby, selling a book was one of the only things on my mind. As I said, the few old books didn’t sell.
But Brenda was persistent and she said to me, I know you can write, now give me a story I can buy. Bless her, she worked with me from idea, to outline, to proposal to full story. By the time she sent my story, WEEKEND LOVER to the senior editor, she had been over it with a fine tooth comb. The next time I heard from Brenda was for REVISIONS. I kid you not. More revisions for the senior editor, and then more WAITING.
Seven years into the process I had two children. I’d moved twice. I’d submitted, revised and resubmitted at least 10 completed manuscripts all over creation depending on the publishing house’s rules. I’d seen lines fold and lines start anew. I knew about publishing’s summer hours. I knew if I didn’t hear from Brenda by four on a Friday, I probably wouldn’t.
And then I got THE CALL. Around 3:30 during the week while my husband was on the golf course and unreachable for my good news, I got THE CALL. Brenda wanted to buy WEEKEND LOVER.
~ would I mind if we changed the name to BRAZEN?
~ would I mind taking a pseudonym because we needed something more hip than Karen and easier to remember than Drogin?
~ would I mind if from here on in I was slotted in the TEMPTATION HEAT line?
You get the gist! I minded NONE OF IT.
For those of you trying to get published, there is a lesson: PERSEVERANCE. Write and never give up. DO not rely on one manuscript and revise it forever. Always have something new to submit in case what you have out there is rejected. And believe in yourself. Overnight success is RARE. (Remind me one day to tell you the real post Kelly Ripa story if you want to know what I mean
To this day, I’ve written 25 books including Hot Property, the story I am writing now. Four of them were for Warner, three of my older stories were for Kensington, and two anthologies were for St. Martins and NAL. That means that 16 of my books were for Brenda Chin.
I owe my career to Brenda. I’m just glad that I’ve hit the NY Times for her too. I still owe her a top 15 NYT hit. Can you let her know I’m working on it?
Fabulous story Carly. I am loving hearing about your success stories. I think your advice applies to anyone, regardless of what they seek to do with their lives. Perserverance is key. You have to work at something worth having - whether it’s writing, relationships, family, a nice home. And I’m thrilled for your success - WTG!!!
Comment by Stacy ~ — February 24, 2007 @ 8:21 am
Your story is one with great inspiration attached. -Never give up your dream, ever!. No matter what!.- Maybe that’s the message I wanted to get out of it because it’s what my heart has been whispering to me for months now. My dream is not writing. But a dream non the less. Thank you for the inspiration. I’ll get back to you on my dream
I really am happy to have you plotmonkeys
Comment by Lisa — February 24, 2007 @ 8:24 am
I’m coming home from Aruba today so I’ll be able to get back to posting with you guys this week! I’m a huge believer in inspiration. I should probably tell the Kelly Ripa story one day too, LOL.
Comment by Carly — February 24, 2007 @ 8:50 am
Thanks Carly for sharing your story. Stacy’s so right, this does apply to anyone not just to writers. For me, however, as an unpublished writer it’s exactly what I need to read. When I first started this journey I had such beliefs that I would write it, submitted it, and then see it on the shelves in oh three months. Boy what I have learned.
Can’t wait to hear about your trip and what a wonderful time you had.
Comment by Vicki — February 24, 2007 @ 9:30 am
Carly, I love this story–you are such a illustration of perseverence and hard work paying off! A real inspiration.
How about the Kelly Ripa story for next Saturday’s chit-cht???
Have a safe trip home from Aruba!
Comment by Leslie — February 24, 2007 @ 10:31 am
Hope you’ve had a wonderful time in Aruba, and thanks for the story. It’s so easy to say, “I know I need to persevere and just keep at it,” and it’ a toally different thing to have the wear-with-all to do it.
I giggled about the new computer part because hubby just bought me a new laptop this week so that I could “write all the time from anywhere,” as I told him I wanted to do. Guess I better get off here and get my A*s to writing something that might pay for the new computer!!!
Happy weekend, everyone!!!
Comment by Jodie — February 24, 2007 @ 10:31 am
That was a wonderful story! For anyone who’s writing to hear that one of their favorite authors struggles just does something to you. It’s the entire ‘you mean I’m not the only one who gets rejections?’ thing.
It’s one thing to hear don’t give up from someone who doesn’t understand how hard it is to write and how easy it is to give up. It’s completely different when you hear it from another writer.
Thanks for sharing. It was the best thing I read on a Blog in a long time!
Comment by Vicky — February 24, 2007 @ 10:57 am
Wow Carly, that was a great story…I love happy endings. Have a safe trip home.
Comment by Tina Martinesi — February 24, 2007 @ 11:49 am
Carly ,That was a very inspirational story. When I first started reading it reminded me of me. I decided one day that I loved to write. Went out and bought a few how to books, and that’s where our stories differ. You sent in your manuscript and I whimpped out. You see, all the how to’s scared the crap out of me. I started thinking just who the hell do I think I am anyway? I think it takes an extraordinary person to follow their dreams and stick with it and I applaud all of you plot monkeys
And who know’s maybe some day I’ll get the guts to follow my dreams.
Comment by Rose — February 24, 2007 @ 11:57 am
P. S. Carly I would LOVE to hear the Kelly Rippa story and when you do, I’ll tell you MY Kelly Rippa story…I’m still kickin myself
Comment by Tina Martinesi — February 24, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
I agree with Leslie — I think a “Kelly Ripa” story is in order for next Saturday! It’s an amazing, unbelievable, fairy-tale kind of story for Carly!
Carly — I hope you had a fabulous time in Aruba! Now it’s time to get back to work! (Yes, I’m cracking the whip! That’s what loving critique partners are for.
)
Comment by Janelle — February 24, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
Thanks Carly (Karen) that was inspirational!
Comment by Liz — February 24, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
Carly, thank you so much for sharing your story! Your story shows that the best things in life come from hard work. I am so glad you kept writing through the rejections because I absolutely love your books and I anxiously await each new book release.
Comment by Stephanie S. — February 24, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
Rose - don’t give up!!! My husband asked me the other day what I had to lose. He said the only way I could fail was to not try. Another friend said, “Hey, what if it never gets published. You’ve still written a book. That’s more than I’ve ever done!”
Go for it!
Comment by Jodie — February 24, 2007 @ 4:41 pm
Awesome story Carly. I love that you didn’t give up even when it took longer than you thought it was going to take. You are giving all new writers inspiration. Can’t wait to hear the real Kelly Ripa story!!!
Comment by Liza — February 24, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
I started several that I never finished in my 20’s. Then life happened. But, I am glad that I waited until now to actually complete my novel. I think that my life experience will now make my writing better.
However, I do love that you continued on and didn’t give up. Because, if you did, I wouldn’t have read your books. And I soooo enjoy them
You and your fellow Plot Monkeys are true inspirations to the aspiring.
Comment by Lynn Matherly — February 24, 2007 @ 6:55 pm
Thanks for not giving up Carly & for sharing your story with us.
I would love to hear the Kelly Ripa story.
May you come home from Aruba relaxed & happy. Hopefully, you will share some of your vacations stories with us. :cocktail:
Have a great weekend everyone.
Comment by Donna M — February 24, 2007 @ 7:34 pm
Great story Carly
I would love to hear the Kelly Ripa story all over again because that’s how I started reading your books was when she chose your book for her book club.
I was at work listening to Regis & Kelly on my radio/tv waiting patiently for Kelly to name the book so I cld call the Library or book store to reserve my copy of The Bachelor so I cld start reading it that night
Comment by Cherylann — February 24, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
Comment by Rose — February 24, 2007 @ 10:02 pm
What an inspiring story. I would like to thank Brenda Chin myself for seeing the writer in you and letting the rest of the romance reading world in on her secret. I love your books. Have a great weekend.
Comment by Patty L. — February 24, 2007 @ 11:34 pm
Patty, you’ll soon be able to! Brenda will be guest blogging here at Plotmonkeys in a few months!
Comment by Julie Leto — February 24, 2007 @ 11:47 pm
I keep saying- this is why you guys write and I buy ‘em. No way could I ever do what you do. Which is fine by me…:thumbsup2:
Carly- have ya been to the M&M store in Times Square?? Wait until hubby gets the credit card bill.
Then they have the nerve to put the damn Hershey store on the opposite corner. I think I have o’d on chocolate today…
Comment by ev — February 25, 2007 @ 12:02 am
Ev, what made you mention the MnM store? I’ve never been there but I think you are reading my mind! (don’t know if you’ll see this …
but I have a HUGE MnM surprise for everyone sooonn!!!!!!!!!! 
Comment by Carly — February 25, 2007 @ 11:17 pm
Good Morning Everybody,
No I am not a plot monkey but I do have snow!
It seems our monkeys have taken a day off. In fact Carly seems to be totally on vacation. Good for her wish it were me.
How about we sit around eatting some chocolate dipped bannanas while we
wait. The smell of Chocolate fondue is bound to draw them home.
I woke this morning to a carpet of white. Hard to believe for New England the first I have seen this winter.
Comment by jeannie — February 26, 2007 @ 9:27 am
It’s funny my hubby and I have a little get away in maine and they have over 2 feet. Nope not here in RI. more like 2 inches but I’ll take it. I live on water’s edge and when it snows like this it seems to lay out effortlessly
and go on forever. We’ve had a few ice coat your lawn kinda days but when it takes this far into the winter to snow like his it takes my breath away. As you can see it does not affect my typing.
Comment by jeannie — February 26, 2007 @ 9:31 am
Okay post number 3 for me. Hmmm, running out of steam here.
Ha you who post often know that is such a balongna sandwich.
Ah I got it!:lightbulb:
What would you like the Plotmonkeys to chat about.
I’ll start,
guess I already have
I want to know, let me think
Does writing romance 
enhance your sex life?
Kidding , Kidding none of my business.
Geech lighten up it was just said in jest.
I’d like to know a little about writing in first person, etc.?
Wow you guys really soaked up that Chocolate fondue.
I guess I am off to the kitchen to get more. Have a nice day.
EV and Katie yoo hoo!
Can you guys peel and skewer some fruit til everyone gets here?
Let’s rock in the tree tops all day long
Comment by jeannie — February 26, 2007 @ 9:45 am
Love “Call” stories, and particularly related to yours. I didn’t tell my hubby for a while that I was writing, then I didn’t tell him that it was romance. Thought he’d laugh. So I waited until I started selling short stories and showed him the checks. Still don’t show him the stories–not his cup of tea–but at least now he knows what I write and he doesn’t laugh. Can’t wait to contract so I can show him the check for my first advance!
Do tell us the real Kelly Ripa Story!
Comment by Patricia W — February 26, 2007 @ 11:29 am
Hi Patricia,
Carly is on a much desired vacation in aruba I’m sure she’ll get back to you.
Comment by jeannie — February 26, 2007 @ 1:01 pm
I’m back from Aruba and I’m going to post the Kelly Ripa story on Saturday!
Comment by Carly — February 26, 2007 @ 1:06 pm
Jeannie…are you on the right blog entry? lol! Because we were all here posting on this one Saturday.
Even Carly from Aruba (lucky thing!)
I hadn’t been posting on my Snow Day blog until just now because I had to take hubby in for a medical appt. One of those guy things…
Comment by Leslie — February 26, 2007 @ 1:11 pm
Whew,
I was just about to post your website Carly and here you are. Hope your Vacation was wonderful. I’ll 
be over here eating some chocolate.
Comment by jeannie — February 26, 2007 @ 1:14 pm
Geech redfaced here
Comment by jeannie — February 26, 2007 @ 1:38 pm