By Cherrilynn Bisbano @bisbanowrites

Thank you for reading this post. Most people hate to wait. I know I do. Microwave popcorn takes too long for me. So what do you do as you wait to hear from your agent.

The scenario: It’s been two weeks since your agent sent your proposal to publishers. You’re pulling your hair out as you watch your email —nothing. Your stomach is in knots, “What if they hate my book?” “Did I correct all the typo’s?” “Did my agent send it to the right publishers?” “Is my email still working?”

Your agent wants your book to succeed as much as you do.  Give them the allotted time to hear back from the publishers. The average time is two to three months. UGH!

As a writer, I understand your angst. I’m in a holding pattern now.

So, what do we do to occupy our time as we wait for that contract? 

W–  Write your next book or brainstorm ideas. Dive deep into your characters, plot, and story—by the time you come up for air you might have an email from your agent.

A – Add numbers to your platform. “NO!, Not the dreaded platform again. I thought I ended the stress when I sent the proposal to my agent.” Social media is a good place to build your platform. Think of it as spending time with your online friends. As you discuss writing, post memes, and ask questions, others will follow you, and your platform will increase.

I – Invest in education. Even best-selling authors study the craft of writing. Take a course, attend a conference, or learn more about marketing your book. 

T- Thank God. You have an agent! Many writers are still seeking what you have. Praise God that he chose your book at this time.  

You will feel better when you take the time to W.A.I.T., and your agent will love you for it! Now go make some popcorn and W.A.I.T.

Do you have ideas on how to wait? Join the conversation.

Cherrilynn Bisbano is an award-winning writer, coach, editor, and speaker. As former managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest. Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. Her work in progress, Accidental Findings, won the first 10 pages award with, When Words Count Retreat. You can find her published in Blue Ridge Writers Blog, Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh, and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to award-winning, Get to the Margins-Author Anthology; Breaking the Chains; Heart Reno, Kiss Guilt Goodbye; and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books. Her latest book, Shine Don’t Whine, released October 2020. Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her eighteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 22 years. Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats. You will often find her on the beach sea glass hunting.