“I can’t believe this is real life” has become my new mantra. If someone were to tell me three weeks ago that I’d be sharing this news with you, I’d think they were crazy. And clearly compulsive liars, and why the heck was I friends with such crazy compulsive liars?! I’d need to look into finding some decent friends…
I’m still shamefully ineloquent right now, so please forgive this rambling mess of emotions. This is a post I’ve been dreaming of, patiently waiting for five years (including query trench time) and (more than) a handful of books later to write. It will be told with a series of accompanying gifs because that’s kinda how I roll.
Guys? I have a book deal.
Holy state of denial, Batman. Maybe I should say that to myself again, a little louder this time to be sure: I HAVE A BOOK DEAL.
Like the time I had “THE CALL” with my agent (and was totally convinced Barbara wanted to talk on the phone because she found fancy new ways of lighting my manuscript on fire…using her eyes), I sent my pal A.G. Howard an email, panicking that MAYBE THEY WILL SAY “HAHA JUST KIDDING, NO DEAL HERE, MANIAC. WE FOUND WAYS TO LIGHT YOUR BOOK ON FIRE WITH OUR EYES.”
Ever the reasonable one, Anita assured me that still wasn’t a thing. So now I’m back to quietly repeating my mantra. I cannot believe it’s happening. Like seriously…what dream world did I teleport to and how long can I stay?!
My editor and publisher (SQUEALS!) were even nice enough to have it announced, so I can now stare at it, all wide-eyed with tears streaming down my face, and keep whispering, “I can’t believe this is real life.”
Here’s the publishers marketplace deal announcement:
And here’s a screenshot of the Publisher’s Weekly announcement:
This is what it says: Jenny Bak at Jimmy Patterson Books has bought a YA novel called Of Blood and Shadow by Kerri Maniscalco. The debut gothic thriller, inspired by the Ripper murders, is about a Victorian-era lord’s daughter who defies society expectations by secretly apprenticing as a forensics examiner, and soon finds herself embroiled in the investigation of a serial killer who is stalking London’s East End. The book is scheduled for fall 2016; Barbara Poelle at Irene Goodman Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.
*jumps up and down* *faints*
So yeah. It’s really real. I’m not sure I’ll ever wrap my brain around that, and honestly? I hope I never do. This is such an incredible blessing.
Thank you to my family, loved ones, friends, and all of my writing pals (#goatposse) and critique partners and beta readers and agent siblings. And to my superhero/agent goddess, Barbara Poelle, for making this insane dream come true.
And a BIG THANK YOU to my editor. *waves* Hi Jenny! I am ridiculously excited for what comes next!
Also, I am so grateful and beyond words thrilled to be on this journey with James Patterson and the entire team at JIMMY Patterson Books and Little, Brown. You guys are total dream makers. Thank you forever.
OF BLOOD AND SHADOW is in the best possible hands and I cannot wait to share these characters and this world with all of you next Fall, dear readers and friends.
And now? WE DRINK CHAMPAGNE AND DANCE.
OR DANCE IN OUR CHAMPAGNE.
EITHER WAY WE’RE DANCING AND CHAMPAGNE IS INVOLVED!
Click here to add OF BLOOD AND SHADOW on goodreads!
Kerri,
We are so very happy for you!!!! May God continue to bless you.
Love John & Bonnie
thank you so much, John and Bonnie!
WOW! Finally, we are so happy for you. Let me know when I can buy it. So exciting!!
thank you, Carol!!! we will definitely keep you guys posted! it’s looking like it’ll be early October next year 🙂
I’m soooooo proud of my twink! Can you believe it? Do you remember all those years ago when we were chatting with each other here on your blog about our dreams and aspirations for all our books? NOW LOOK AT US! And October is the perfect release date for this creepy gem. Yaaassss.
Also, bahahaha on the fiery eyes gif!
And yes please, I would love to dance with Cumberbatch, so long as he doesn’t stop at just the scarf. *coughs* That boy be PRETTY.
But back to YOU my magnificent friend! It’s going to be such an honor to share the shelves with you! And this is just the beginning… 🙂 #GoatWubYourFace
*SQUEEZES YOU THROUGH MY SCREEN*
i think i’m still in the happy land of “IS THIS REAL?!” It’s truly amazing what persistence and determination can do – coupled with badass writing pals who are there for years, lifting you up and cheering you on from the query trenches, to the agent signings, to the book deals. Thank you, sweet, sweet friend for being there through it all! YAY!!! We’ve come so far and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for our whole posse. #GOATWUBFOREVER
AND RIGHT?!?!?! I think that Cumberbatch gif is my fave….. 🙂
Can’t wait for ROSEBLOOD and OF BLOOD AND SHADOW TO BE BOOK SHELF NEIGHBORS!
xoxoxoxo
So thrilled for you and the book premise sounds AMAZING! Can’t wait to read!!
Best wishes on many more contracts to come 🙂
Have a great week,
Tamara
Awww, thank you so much, Tamara! Your comment made my night. Wishing you the same!
*high fives you*
Have a fantastic week too! 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS, KERRI!! Big letters for big happy!! Woot!! This premise sounds AMAZING!! I’m definitely keeping a lookout for this book next fall! YAY!! Gif-on, girl!! (-:
WHEEEEEE! THANK YOU!!!!!
And thank you again! I am so excited for you to meet these characters 😀
oh, and there will be PLENTY more gifs SOON – especially with cover reveals and ARCs and other fun surprises coming down the road 🙂
YAHOOOO!!! Love this post. AND your book sounds AMAZING. I CAN NOT WAIT TO READ IT. CONGRATS!! YAY!!! Exciting times, exciting times. Here’s to an awesome 2016!! *dances over here too* <33
WHEEEEEE!!!! Thank you so much, fellow 2016 debut sister! WE ARE GOING TO HAVE THE MOST AMAZING YEAR EVERRRRRR.
<3 <3 <3
Yeeeeeeesssss!!!! <3333