To Go Big or Come Home?

In late 2022, I found myself at a crossroads. It had been four years since I’d published a book, and although it had been named on multiple “Best of 2018” lists and sold enough to earn (minor) royalties, the publisher had declined a paperback run. My agent and I had amicably parted ways after she’d passed on three consecutive book manuscripts. I’d spent 18 months — and about 120 query emails — trying and failing to find a new agent. I was forced to consider the possibility that the publishing world had seen the best I had to offer and decided they could live without it.