What is 'The Call'?

Anybody who has been following me for a while, will know that I have been writing a Young Adult story this year, called Popping the Cherry, and even have a follow-up story planned called A Girl Called Malice.



Alas, there aren't many options for YA authors without an agent when it comes to potential publishers, especially British ones - I love the idea of a British publisher so that I don't have to keep Americanising my stories - so with Mira Ink only taking agented submissions, I was very interested when a new British publisher opened its doors.

Carina UK, a subsidiary of Harlequin (Mills & Boon), is a new digital first publisher. After a couple of emails and tweets, Carina UK went straight to the top of my hit-list, so a few weeks ago I submitted a standard proposal, comprising the opening three chapters of Popping the Cherry and a synopsis, for consideration.

And then I had to wait...

Thankfully I had a family holiday abroad and a never-ending stack of books in my to-read pile to pass the time.

There is a thing in the romance writing business referred to as 'The Call' and it is synonymous with publishers like Harlequin and Mills & Boon in particular, where an editor prefers to speak to an author directly rather, than via email. Seeing as it usually involves an offer, 'The Call' is a momentous occasion and can be the start of an author's career or heralding a new venture.

Well, today...

I got 'The Call'!!

It turns out my YA voice really "pops" - although perhaps, it isn't all that surprising, when you consider YA fiction is where my heart is, and the genre I absolutely love to read - and this 'voice' of mine has landed me a two book deal with Carina UK.

The good news doesn't end there though - oh no, siree - it transpires the editor also works for Mira Ink so is the perfect person to progress my fledgling YA career.

As usual, I am jumping the gun by writing this post because this isn't a done deal by any means. The only reason I am 'coming clean' now, is because the majority of you have been with me every step of the way, supporting me and sharing in my journey.

Eighteen months ago, I wasn't even a writer - Aurelia B Rowl didn't exist - yet this week alone has heralded FOUR books either contracted or under offer. It all feels somewhat surreal still to be honest, so I'm glad I have a few days to make my decision. This isn't even supposed to be my job until September when my daughter starts school full-time.

I now have to consider the offer carefully and decide whether to proceed or not. Admittedly my heart is already signing the dotted line but there are a number of tight deadlines I would have to meet, which will push me to the limit and potentially impact my family. Naturally, there will be an announcement if and when I sign any contracts.

I do know one thing though, my writing future would appear to be shaping up very nicely indeed...