I am so thrilled to tell you all that I am now represented by Helen Breitwieser of Cornerstone Literary Agency.

Some of you know, choosing an agent was a difficult decision for me. I had multiple offers, and I took lots of factors into account, did my research, solicited advice from the pros, and spent several sleepless nights mulling it over. Once I had the chance to talk to Helen, however, I knew my search was over. She’s enthusiastic about my writing, communicative, and willing to go that extra mile. And the fact that she’s in my time zone is a plus. No setting the alarm clock to make 6:00AM phone calls!

Seriously, I’m so honored to be a Cornerstone author – Helen’s historical romance clients include:
RITA-winner Sophia Nash
RITA-winner Tracy Anne Warren
RITA-nominated Pam Rosenthal

And now me. Zoiks. Seriously.

And oh, yeah – SQUEEEE!

EDIT: The doorbell just rang – it was a package from Helen. She sent me a lovely note and a copy of this book, The Bright Side of Disaster. A snippet from the Booklist review:

In her stellar first novel, Center paints an accurate and humorous view of motherhood, from the physical changes to lack of sleep and exhaustion as well as the changes in friendships and feelings about men.

See? This woman just gets me.


34 comments to “Exciting News!”

  1. CM
    Comment
    1
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 9:43 am · Link

    I have squeeed already (what is, after all, the past tense of squee? And how many are too many of the dreaded e?), but I will squee again.

    But not too much. I’ve read your book, and part of me is just saying, “Well, of COURSE. It’s brilliant.”



  2. Christina
    Comment
    2
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 10:22 am · Link

    I have been squeeing from the moment I heard you had good news. I can’t remember from who or where but I am spinning in my chair as we speak.

    Way to go!



  3. Anastasia
    Comment
    3
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 10:30 am · Link

    That’s fabulous! Congratulations!!



  4. Alice Audrey
    Comment
    4
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 10:39 am · Link

    Seriously cool! Congratulations!!



  5. Kelly Krysten
    Comment
    5
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 10:43 am · Link

    Congratulations!!! That is so very cool!



  6. Jacqueline Barbour
    Comment
    6
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 11:07 am · Link

    Way to go, Tessa! I just couldn’t be more pleased for you!

    Between you and Erica, we have lots and lots of evidence that this whole writing this is POSSIBLE.

    Yay!



  7. Darcy Burke
    Comment
    7
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 11:18 am · Link

    Congrats, Tessa!! I did a little happy dance for you. Helen sounds awesome! And yay for the same time zone. That’s a huge bonus, in my west coast opinion.

    Onward and upward!



  8. Tessa Dare
    Comment
    8
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 11:54 am · Link

    Thanks, everybody!

    Yes, Jacqueline, it IS possible. To get this far, at least.

    There’s still a long way to go. But I couldn’t have gotten this far without you guys! Thanks so much!



  9. Sara Lindsey
    Comment
    9
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 12:38 pm · Link

    What amazing news! I am so proud of you! GOTH will be out on the shelves in no time!



  10. beverley
    Comment
    10
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 2:29 pm · Link

    Fabulous, wonderful news Eve. It’s a lovely thing you had such great choices to choose from. Now I just have to wait for news of which publisher gets GOTH.

    That’ll be a bigger SQUEE then the one I’m giving you know.

    SQQQQQQQUUUUUUUEEEEEEE!!!!!



  11. lacey kaye
    Comment
    11
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 2:50 pm · Link

    “I’ve read your book, and part of me is just saying, “Well, of COURSE. It’s brilliant.”

    I haven’t read the entire thing–just parts–but I second this. It’s like a huge DUH. You so deserve it!



  12. Cynthia Falcon
    Comment
    12
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 3:22 pm · Link

    Wow!!! Great news! You rock!



  13. India Carolina
    Comment
    13
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 3:52 pm · Link

    Congratulations! I love your beautiful writing, and now I love Helen for loving it too.

    She’s got great taste!

    Can’t wait to fly out and stand in line for your first book signing. I’m gonna want to snag an autographed copy before they sell out!



  14. Ashley
    Comment
    14
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 7:30 pm · Link

    I had this really prolific comment, but google blogger hates me. So, I’ll just offer a hearty Congrats and another SQUEEEEEEEE!!! Couldn’t have happened to a better author, better yet, a better person!



  15. doglady
    Comment
    15
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 7:55 pm · Link

    Congratulations, Tessa D! What wonderful news! It sounds as if you went about this the right way, so I am certain this will be a successful and non-sleep depriving match made in heaven! I cannot wait to hear what happens next for you – all good things, I am sure!!



  16. Lindsey
    Comment
    16
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 8:57 pm · Link

    Congratulations!! I’m thrilled you’ve found someone you feel so good about – and who loves you & GOTH as much as you deserve. And congratulations to Helen for signing an amazing book & soon-to-be bestselling author!



  17. elyssany
    Comment
    17
    · August 3rd, 2007 at 10:07 pm · Link

    Congratulations Tessa!!!!! What awesome news, and I can’t wait for GOTH to be on the bookshelves. Congrats to Helen for signing you!



  18. Maggie Robinson
    Comment
    18
    · August 4th, 2007 at 5:32 am · Link

    Smart Helen! Tessa, I know in my heart you have a long career ahead of you, and I can’t wait to read all the wonderful books you’ll write. I’ll even pay for them! Reading GOTH was such a blessing and pleasure for me. I might be getting misty now…



  19. Another Aspiring Author
    Comment
    19
    · August 4th, 2007 at 5:41 am · Link

    Congratulations Tessa! I’m so happy for you!



  20. Tessa Dare
    Comment
    20
    · August 4th, 2007 at 7:30 am · Link

    Thanks again, to all of you!

    Maggie – that’s so sweet of you to say. GOTH has changed enormously since you read it, though. It’s gotten slowly better, thanks to the advice and input of at least a dozen people over the past months (not including agents, editors, contest judges). I’ve just keep plugging away, revising, writing new scenes, giving up countless bits of the I **love** because the whole is better without them. It hasn’t been easy, and I’m so, so grateful to CM and India especially for all their brilliant insight and hand-holding through the whole thing, and through the agent search.

    You guys are the best, that’s what I’m sayin’! Forgive the early-morning ramble!



  21. Lynne Simpson
    Comment
    21
    · August 4th, 2007 at 9:02 am · Link

    That’s seriously fabulous news, Eve!



  22. Kelly
    Comment
    22
    · August 4th, 2007 at 11:59 am · Link

    Congratulations, Eve! It was inevitable, of course, but that doesn’t make it any less fantastic news! Clearly, if there were multiple agent authors, there are quite a few people out there who recgonize a good thing when they see it. I can’t wait to see which publisher grabs GOTH.



  23. Isabel
    Comment
    23
    · August 4th, 2007 at 2:08 pm · Link

    Congratulations, Tessa! 🙂



  24. Anonymous
    Comment
    24
    · August 5th, 2007 at 5:00 am · Link

    congratulations Tessa!, here’s hoping for more good news soon 🙂

    Gillian



  25. Marianne Harden
    Comment
    25
    · August 5th, 2007 at 5:56 pm · Link

    Congrats, Tessa! Much luck on selling your book soon.



  26. AprilsMom
    Comment
    26
    · August 5th, 2007 at 7:07 pm · Link

    Congratulations, Tessa, and Best Wishes for continuing success!



  27. Alyssa Goodnight
    Comment
    27
    · August 6th, 2007 at 6:36 am · Link

    Congratulations! She came to my RWA chapter meeting and seemed very nice, poised and professional.

    Very exciting! Good luck!



  28. terrio
    Comment
    28
    · August 6th, 2007 at 6:43 am · Link

    Wow! I’m late to the party but here’s another SQUEEEEEEEE!!!! from me. It was just a matter of time.

    Congrats on the agent and I can’t wait to pick up my copy of all your best-sellers to come!



  29. Lady Leigh
    Comment
    29
    · August 6th, 2007 at 10:51 am · Link

    Yay! I am so happy for you! What great news!!!!!! I can’t wait to see GOTH in print.



  30. Santa
    Comment
    30
    · August 6th, 2007 at 9:00 pm · Link

    This is FABULOUS news! For some reason Ethel Merman keeps running through my head! As I’ve always known:

    You’ll be great! You’ll be swell! Gonna have the whole world on a plate. Starting here. Starting NOW!

    I’d like to place my order for GOTH now if I may!

    Congrats darlin’! I am so happy and proud of you!



  31. seton
    Comment
    31
    · August 6th, 2007 at 11:26 pm · Link

    I’m late to the party but I am so excited for you! 🙂
    Helen sounds like one smart dame and I cant wait to read the new and improved GOTH



  32. ERiCA
    Comment
    32
    · August 7th, 2007 at 8:45 am · Link

    Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!! Congratulations!! Whooooo!!!!!



  33. Ericka Scott
    Comment
    33
    · August 8th, 2007 at 10:13 am · Link

    SQUEEEEEEEEE!~~~~

    Oh, Tessa/Eve, I am soooo pleased for you! Congratulations!

    My kids think I’m weird as I’m doing the happy dance in front of the computer…again!



  34. Keira Soleore
    Comment
    34
    · August 10th, 2007 at 8:11 pm · Link

    Tessa, fabulous news!! Helen is wonderful, isn’t she, with a wicked sense of humor. Looking forward to seeing you with the pink “first sale” ribbon in SF next July.