After weeks of studying, analyzing, and dissecting a whole host of samples on how to write the great American Christian book proposal, I had finally faced my fear and finished my first book proposal. My plan was to add the final finishing touches in the RV on the way to the Montrose Christian Writer’s Conference.
It was going be more than ready to present to The Editor at the conference. (This editor didn’t know it yet, but he was going to have the opportunity to buy the book of the century – mine). I had prayed, prepared, and anticipated this for months. However, anticipation and reality don’t always line up.
My hubby (the designated driver), my granddaughter, and I left with more than enough time for the four hour trip to the conference. We allotted enough time to make sure I’d be the first one on The Editor’s appointment list. It was a dream coming true, until the RV sputtered and died.
My granddaughter, who was going to her first writer’s conference, and I sat alongside the road dreaming of our soon-to-be-writing successes as my hubby tried to do whatever to revive the RV back to life. However, we finally realized there was no life to be brought back. Writing dreams grew dimmer as we called gas stations, tow companies, anyone, and everyone who might assist us on a Sunday evening, all to no avail.
Ten hours later, with one dog-eared proposal in hand, hungry, wilted from the oppressive heat, and tired, we were somewhere, but not at the conference. Our not-to-be-revived RV was towed 25+ miles with all four of us squished in a seat built for two. We were finally dropped (dumped would be a better word) behind the closed auto shop. To add insult to injury, we were behind a closed dinner, too. This hadn’t been in our writing dream sequences.
We had the privilege of spending the next scorching day at this same location. Intermittently my granddaughter and I begged, pleaded, bribed, and tried anything that didn’t compromise our dignity to get the workmen to fix our RV. In between appeals, we prayed that we’d even be able to make the conference. My granddaughter’s first conference, and my now wilted proposal, seemed doomed.
A day and a half late, we finally arrived at our conference. I ran to the desk to sign up with The Editor. I stared at the appointment sheet and moaned. “He has no more appointments! All my work for nothing!” I think I even shed a tear or two.
But, oh me of little faith, for next to me God had an angel.
“I was going to see the same editor, but it was just to ask him something that I can ask anytime. You are welcome to my slot.” If Bill Gates had handed me a check for a million dollars, I couldn’t have been happier. I weakly gave some reason why she shouldn’t let go of her appointment (praying she wouldn’t take me up on it). She didn’t.
When I finally met with The Editor, he was complimentary about the proposal, and took it to show the committee people. I lived in the high skies as I waited to hear back, reliving every word The Editor had said about my very wonderful book proposal.
Though he eventually rejected the proposal, I treasured every kind word he used to turn it down. I almost didn’t care that he said I was unknown (which I was, except to God) and that I had to have a big platform for this type of book. It didn’t matter. He liked my proposal! My very first proposal and the editor liked it! In spite of every obstacle to get to the conference and the fear I had of being able to write an acceptable book proposal, with God’s help I had done it.
That was long years ago, and I have written many proposals since. Now I even teach at writer’s conferences on preparing an attention-getting proposal. However, none have been as exciting as finishing and showing that first book proposal.
What is it that you think you can’t do? Today take some small steps toward that goal and keep at it until done. Remember, all things are indeed possible with God!