A Different Kind of Success Story: Tammy Takahashi Quits the Query Challenge…
…because she got a book deal from it (!!!) and needs to work on her manuscript.
Well, I guess I’m not in the challenge anymore. One of the queries I sent out led to a huge success, and now I am working on this one big thing:
In May, I mentioned to an online friend that I was thinking of self-pubbing a book I’ve been working on and off for a couple of years. I did not know it when I told her, but she is an editor for a small press. She had seen my writing around the web, and we’re in the same yahoo group circles, so she knew what my writing style was like. She suggested that I submit my proposal to her boss. She had a suspicion her boss would love it.
So I dusted off my proposal and sent her boss a query along with it. Four days later, the editor wrote me back saying they were interested in the project! We met for lunch, talked things over, made it clear what both of our expectations and desires were for the project.. and after some back and forth, I ended up signing a contract to write my book for them.
My book is called Deschooling Gently: A Step by Step Guide to Fearless Homeschooling and it’s through Hunt Press.
The book is due out in March of next year. I’ve been busy wrapping up the first draft, getting ready to submit the ms for editing.
Thank you for motivating me to get out there. Your challenge is a great incentive! I wish all the participants luck and happy writing!
Tammy, you rock so hard. I love it. Please keep us posted on your book progress! And congrats. You must be SO EXCITED. I’m just thrilled for you.
If you have a Query Challenge Success Story, send it my way!
Like this post? Tip your waitress! Er, um, favorite blogger.Filed under: Query Challenge Success Story, 2007 Query Challenge


SWEET!!!! Congrats!!!
[…] So I quit the query challenge. […]
Thanks for posting my story Kristen!
Book update: The cover art is ready and we’re working on edits of the full manuscript. This month I’m speaking at two different conferences where I’ll be able to promote the book. We also have pre-sales ready on the huntpress.com website.
This has been a great experience and it’s because of the challenge that I had my head in the game, and was ready to pick up a project like this.
Thank you again!
Fantastic news! Congratulations, Tammy! It really IS an awesome idea!!