Monday, July 11, 2011

EPIC NEWS #2!

I am so excited, ecstatic, and a little bit proud to announce that I have a book deal.

(It’s so surreal to type that.)

My YA mermaid/selkie story, Tangled Tides, is going to be published by Rhemalda Publishing.

The print release will be in Spring or early Summer of 2012. Eeeeek!

*huge smile*

(The ebook will be released before then.)

The story of how THE DEAL occurred is full of happenstances, shoves and nudges from the universe, and a bit of help from some good friends. I had actually shelved this MS a year ago after querying it and receiving no agent offers, but that’s a long story that I’ll save for another post.

This post is mainly so that I can SQUEEEEE and show off photos of me signing my FIRST EVER publishing contract. (Really? It’s really real?)

I am so thrilled to be part of the Rhemalda family. It’s filled with such impressive talent and some of the nicest, most helpful, and artistic people I’ve ever met. Whenever I have a conversation with anyone at Rhemalda, or one of their authors, I get the warm and fuzzies. I couldn’t be happier with the way this whole thing has unfolded. Seriously. I’m tickled pink.

So, to sum it up…YAY!!!

My sea creature peeps are going to be released into the world soon! That thought is SO thrilling, and a tad scary. I hope they will be loved—at least by some.

Thanks so much to all of you who have inspired me, encouraged me, and supported me through this journey. There’s so much more excitement ahead and I feel very lucky to be part of such a fabulous community of bloggers, writers, and readers (many of whom have become treasured friends.)

Thank you for celebrating with me! xo

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73 comments:

  1. Alexandra ShostakJuly 11, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    YAY!!!! I can't think of anyone who deserves it more than you <3

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  2. Danyelle L.July 11, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Congratulations! So excited for you, and can't wait to see what it will look like! :D

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  3. kahJuly 11, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Alexandra, aww, thank you. xo

    Danyelle, oh me too! Rhemalda has some great ideas for the cover. Can't wait to see how it turns out. You know I'll be sharing it ASAP.

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  4. Jessica BellJuly 11, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Yay! That's awesome! And from what I've heard from Michelle Davidson Argyle, Rhemelda are wonderful. congratulations!!!!!

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  5. Laurel GarverJuly 11, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    Congrats Karen! As Jessica said, Michelle seems to be having a wonderful experience with the press. Wishing you all the best as you prepare for your big release day!

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  6. TrishaJuly 11, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    This is just so awesome Karen!! Congratulations :D

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  7. Lacey J EdwardsJuly 11, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Yaaaay! Congrats, Karen!

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  8. MeganRebekahJuly 11, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I'm so thrilled to see you reach this point. You deserve it so much, and I can't wait for others to take part of your Mer-experience.

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  9. Lisa AldinJuly 11, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    AWESOME. AWESOME. So happy for you! Congrats!

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  10. kahJuly 11, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Jessica & Laurel, Yes Michelle is fabulous and I adore her. I'm so happy to be in such exceptional company.

    Trisha & LJ, thank you SO much! <3

    Megan, YOU contributed to this book in so many ways. I can't thank you enough. xoxo times infinity.

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  11. Jill KemererJuly 11, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Oh my goodness, Karen, this is HUGE news!!!! I want to jump up and down and scream for you!!! Congratulations!!

    And what a gorgeous place to sign your very first contract. Talk about a view! Wow!!

    I'm off to share the excitement--Twitter here I come! Soooo happy for you!!!

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  12. kahJuly 11, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    Lisa, I agree! AWESOME :) Thanks!

    Jill, How flippin' cute are you? We're jumping up and down together in spirit. That view is at my boyfriend's place, but yes, it's inspiring. If you look VERY closely, you can see mermaid fins disappearing into the waters of Tampa Bay. ;)
    Thanks for the Twiiter love!

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  13. Sara {Rhapsody and Chaos}July 11, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    *MAJOR HAPPY DANCING* I'm so so so so SO happy for you, Karen! I canNOT wait to see your baby in print <3 <3 <3

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  14. HannahJuly 11, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    CONGRATULATIONS!! I saw the news on Twitter and thought I'd come and congratulate you!

    Much deserved. Happy dance and donuts for all!! :D

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  15. Michelle D. ArgyleJuly 11, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Can I just tell you how freaking excited I am that you're part of the publishing family at Rhemalda!!!! Squee! Also, I can't wait to read your book!

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  16. Glass DragonJuly 11, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    I've only said it six or seven times, so I'd better say it again (because that's not nearly enough!).

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

    XOXOXOXO

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  17. Jamie ManningJuly 11, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Huge Kudos to you, Karen...so exciting! Can't wait to read your book!

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  18. storyqueenJuly 11, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    Congratulations! I hear such nice things about Rhemelda Publishing!

    Well deserved!

    Shelley

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  19. SaraJuly 11, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    Congratulations!!!!!! I am so happy for you and for your mermaids! Can't wait to buy a copy and be first in line for an author signature. ;)
    -Sara Megibow

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  20. Sarah AhiersJuly 11, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    i'm so super excited for you! And i've poked around Rhemalda a bit and have been very impressed, especially with their covers (and i CANNOT WAIT to see yours! I bet it will be badass!!)

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  21. Mary E CampbellJuly 11, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    So awesome - congratulations.Rhemelda sounds like a great way to go.

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  22. kathrynjankowskiJuly 11, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Fantastic news! *sending virtual hug*

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  23. Roni LorenJuly 11, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    HUGE congrats! :D Yay!

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  24. Livia BlackburneJuly 11, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    Congratulations! I hope you'll post the story soon :-)

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  25. NatalieJuly 11, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    I am SO excited for you! You look lovely and super professional signing your first contract! I can't wait to have your book!

    ((((Hugs))))

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  26. Matthew MacNishJuly 11, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    So happy for you, Karen! And where do you live? Your condo looks amazing.

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  27. Shain BrownJuly 11, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    I can't imagine how high you are right now. I'm so happy for you, congrats and enjoy. You deserve it!

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  28. Bish DenhamJuly 11, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    Far out! That's wonderful news. Doing the happy dance with you.

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  29. Renee CollinsJuly 11, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    Awesome!!! I've heard amazing things about Rhemalda! Congrats again! :)

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  30. VR BarkowskiJuly 11, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    Popping the champagne and tossing confetti! Congratulations, Karen!!!!

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  31. UnknownJuly 11, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    OMG! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! This is so exciting! SO happy for you!! :D :D

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  32. erica and christyJuly 11, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Yay to you!! And thanks for the hope for those of us that are hitting dead-ends with a well-written book that just isn't snagging an agent these days...
    erica

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  33. GriffinJuly 11, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Told you.

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  34. UnknownJuly 11, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    Congratulations! So exciting!

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  35. Laura S.July 11, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    That picture of you is adorable, Karen! Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you! And I LOVE mermaids so I'm looking forward to reading your soon-to-be published novel, YAY!

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  36. Marie DeversJuly 11, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    I think J. Griffin Barber's comment says it all. I am so, so happy for you (especially because I plan to live vicariously through you during this whole experience)!

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  37. Jessie HumphriesJuly 11, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    Pure awesome. So stoked for you.

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  38. AnonymousJuly 11, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    I am so proud to be this twisted little pixie's partner. She doesn't even have to be at Disney to have her dreams come true. Karen, this is only the beginning of your wonderful journey of Authorhood. Please enjoy mainly the journey and write your heart out. Publishing is the bonus, the writing is your quest. Love always, John...aka PPan.

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  39. UnknownJuly 11, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    Oh wow CONGRATULATIONS!!! THAT'S SOOOO COOL!!!

    WHOOT!

    *throws confetti*

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  40. Shannon MessengerJuly 11, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See? I TOLD you I had a good feeling. :)

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  41. Jami GoldJuly 11, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    Yay!!! I'm so happy for you! *happy dance* *confetti*

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  42. Tere KirklandJuly 11, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    This is such amazing news! I wish you the best, Amanda!

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  43. PattiJuly 11, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    Yay, that is such great news, congratulations.

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  44. Tere KirklandJuly 11, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    And by Amanda, I totally meant Karen. *sigh* Time to wake up, brain!

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  45. CandylandJuly 11, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    YAY! Congrats! You deserve it, my sweet!

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  46. Corey SchwartzJuly 11, 2011 at 6:34 PM

    OMG! Karen, I am so thrilled for you. That is such exciting news! Hurray, hurray!!!

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  47. DianeJuly 11, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    Thrilled for you and can't wait to read the underwater adventures!!! :O)

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  48. Nicole ZoltackJuly 11, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    That's so awesome, congrats!!!

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  49. Julie DorrisJuly 11, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Congratulations again!!! I've been following your blog for a long time and it's always been one of my favorites. I'm so happy for you. You deserve it! :)

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  50. DanetteJuly 11, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Congratulations!!!! How exciting! Now just the waiting to have it in your actual HANDS!!!

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  51. Kristin RaeJuly 11, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    SOOO excited for you!! Can't wait to read it!! :)

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  52. Rachele AlpineJuly 11, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    Congrats! What great news!!! :)

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  53. Rebecca T.July 11, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    Oh my goodness! That's so exciting! YEAH!

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  54. Tricia J. O'BrienJuly 12, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    This is the best news. I can't wait to read the book. I know I'll fall in love with your merfolk tale. So happy and excited for you!

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  55. Jessica LoveJuly 12, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    WOO-HOO! Awesome news!

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  56. Cambria DillonJuly 12, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    You know how crazy proud I am of you! (And to think I was in the taxi line with you when you first talked with Rhemalda!!!) Also? How cute are you in your pictures? You LOOK like a writer. The view. The wine. The CONTRACT! Yay!

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  57. Christa DesirJuly 12, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    I love this EPIC news so much. And I love the Rhemalda Pub mission. Good for you Karen!

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  58. UnknownJuly 12, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Congratulations!! Y'all have all kinds of wonderful news going on here! Woo hoo!!!

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  59. Shannon O'DonnellJuly 12, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    KAREN!!! Yay! Yay! Yay!! BEST. NEWS. EVER! I am so happy for you. Really. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! :-)

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  60. StinaJuly 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Congrats on the awesome news, Karen!!!!

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  61. Ricki SchultzJuly 13, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    Best news ever much????? Can't wait!!!!!!!! You deserve it, girl! *bear hugs*

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  62. Toyin O.July 13, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    Congrats!

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  63. AnissaJuly 13, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    YAY!!! Congratulations! :)

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  64. KandieJuly 13, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Well what can I say that hasn't already been said? Obviously congrats are in order. I'm soooo happy for you. Can't wait to read about your sea peeps. ;-) Have a blessed week & continued prosperity!

    http://www.kandiedelley.com

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  65. Sherrie PetersenJuly 14, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    YAY!!! SO thrilled for you but seriously, need more details :D I want to hear the whole story!

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  66. Casey McCormickJuly 14, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Congratulations, Karen!!!!! It was only a matter of time. SO happy for you!

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  67. EzmireldaJuly 14, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    Congratulations Karen!!! I can't wait to buy a copy! *Jumps with excitement*

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  68. kahJuly 14, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    Thanks so much, everyone! I appreciate all the congrats and well wishes SO SO much. <3

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  69. UnknownJuly 15, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Congrats, that's amazing! :) Can't wait to read it.

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  70. KeriJuly 15, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    I am so excited for you and I can't wait to read your book!! Congratulations!!

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  71. Alison MillerJuly 20, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    YAY! Congrats, Karen! Can't wait to read it!

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  72. alexiaJuly 21, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    Congrats!!! You deserve it! Super exciting!

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  73. Jacqueline HowettJuly 25, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    What a wonderful turn out for you. Congratulations karen!

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* Author Karen Amanda Hooper*

Write. Read. Imagine. Create. Learn. Love. Live. Repeat.