You. Unforgettable You.

A recent discussion on 101 Reasons to Stop Writing inspired today's post. If you haven't read this blog, I highly recommend it.

I'm getting ready to make a new author an offer. I'm just praying one of the big guys hasn't snapped her up first, because in my opinion, her manuscript has some serious mainstream appeal.

This acquisition represents a big venture for our little publishing house. This book will mark our first venture into YA fiction. Natch, I'm excited.

I almost hesitate to mention that this is her first book-length manuscript. Before the blogs begin buzzing with news of a "first shot wonder", I want to tell you that we are a small, niche publisher. We can take the time to make editing indulgences that larger publishers can't. With that said, this author's path to publication has taken eighteen months since her luminous query first fell on my desk.

That query reached into my heart and grabbed on hard. It didn't turn my head on the basis of the story concept, but for the author's voice. The attached synopsis did a stellar job of carrying that voice through. To tell the truth, by the time I'd gotten past Dear Slushpile Diva, I would have fallen on my knees and offered to publish the woman's grocery list.

The Demon of Harsh Reality piped in about then and reminded the Diva that such a move would cause acquisitions to send Diva straight to the unemployment line. Diva likes her little vine-covered cottage. In an uber-abundance of caution, Diva crossed her fingers and requested a partial.

When the requested materials came, a brief reading confirmed that the presentation of story was unfocused, but the concept was compelling in a Disney film kind of way. The author's voice remained pure and delightful throughout. I still wanted to pub her, but the best voice in the world still needs the support of a compelling story, particularly for a first time author.

I asked to see the full. In the end, the voice was amazing, but the story still felt soft. Too soft.

I requested revisions, but didn't commit myself. I urged the author not to let my suggestions alter her voice. We went through this process three times. The author stepped up to the plate every time. But in the end, the reason I was drawn to--and eventually offered to publish--this writer's book was her voice. It felt contagious. I yearned to read more.

If you dream of writing, do whatever it takes to find your unique voice. Once you find it, stick to it. In my opinion, the rest of what there is to know about writing for publication can be acquired through diligence and hard, hard work. A signature voice is what makes you, as a writer, unforgettable. It makes editors remember your name. It lights them up inside when they hear that you've got something new to offer them.

Book recommendations: They're old, but they're good if you're prowling to find your voice:

Bird by Bird, Writing Down the Bones, Writing and Being