Have I Got A Story For You...THE CONCLUSION!

#1 Rule when approaching an agent, editor or THE PUBLISHER - never, never, NEVER spill your guts about your story unless they ask.

#2 Rule when approaching an agent, editor or THE PUBLISHER - Be interested in them!

"So, I noticed that you also published Fablehaven and James Dashner's 13th Reality," I started, trying to butter up to him by showing my knowledge base of books he's had a major role in publishing.

"Yes, that's right," he nodded a smile creeping to the corners of his mouth. (SCORE, I got him to smile).

"Since I'm such a fan of the books you've published, I was wondering what else you might be working on. Can you tell me what else is coming out besides Mark Forman's novel?" Finishing my loaded question (loaded as in, I hoped it would lead into me suggesting that I send him my novel), I smiled brightly and shifted my weight, trying to look as comfortable as possible.

(Rule #2 worked like magic) His eyes lit up and he dropped his tight folded arms, speaking expressively as he explained that he really wanted to break into the fantasy romance genre. Since Shadow Mountain is clearly a huge contender for YA fantasy, he thought it would be great if they broadened their base.

Nodding as he spoke, I could barely contain my mounting excitement. YA fantasy romance? Why, that's exactly what I write. Believe me when I say I had to strain my muscles to stop my feet from dancing an Irish jig.

He spoke about one manuscript they had in mind, but he was looking for more.

(Insert light bulb flashing above my super cute do' for the day)
"Hm," I said sweetly, "that's interesting you should mention fantasy romance. I just so happen to write fantasy romance, and in fact, my fantasy romance novel is just about done."

"Really?" His eyebrows arched in posed interest.

"Fo' shiznit!" I wanted to exclaim, but I kept it to a simple, "Yes, and I believe it has great promise to it." I spoke a little bit about the super-secret-special writing class I am taking and the writing group I'm a part of. As I spoke, he nodded, seeming to actually listen to me.

After I finished, I gulped back thinking how I could take the final plunge and ask him if I could send him something.

Before I could ask he cut into my thoughts, saying, "That sounds interesting. Would you like to send me something?"
Hello! Would I like to send him something?!?

Flustered I asked, "So, I can send you something?" Agh, did I just ask him if I could send him something after he just asked if I could send him something? Why are things so confusing?

He broke the sudden awkward silence. "Yeah," he said, tilting his head to the side nodding slowly...very slowly, "that would be fine."

I struggled to hear the rest of what he said as I fought the pounding heartbeat that pulsated in my ears. Could this really be happening to me?

After I left with his name and directions of where to send my submission, I walked keeping my composure until I figured I was out of ear shot. When I felt the coast was clear, I jumped nearly 5 feet in the air whooping and hollering, "Are you freakin' kidding me? Seriously? Did I just meet a publisher?" Costco patrons scooted out of my frenzied way, eyeing me curiously. But, I didn't mind. I just made my first leap into the world of publishing.