Soon, we were talking business. I gave an outline of my book. She listened keenly. I was excited and nervous at the same time. A real editor in a major publishing house was not only listening, but also showing keen interest in my work. I couldn't believe it!

She finally asked to see my manuscript. I pulled out the sheaf of papers and when she noted that it had not been typed, she explained to me why it was important to have the work typed and why I should retain a soft copy. I was advised to go and have the work typed. However, I did not know how I was to manage the onerous task of typing and printing out a 300-page document.

A friend offered his computer and though I had never used one, my daughter taught me how to place fingers on the keyboard and type away. Mission accomplished, I made my way back to the EAEP offices. I handed over the manuscript and was given a small card acknowledging receipt.

The card stated that the manuscript would take at least 12 weeks to be assessed to find out if it's worth publishing. I left EAEP offices in high spirits.

Two weeks passed. I checked my mail. Nothing from EAEP. My spirits soared. A month. I checked my mail again. Nothing still. I couldn't contain excitement! Then I called.

“Hold on a second,” an editor said to me.

The wait seemed interminable. I was near bursting when he finally came back on the line: “Someone read it and liked it very much,” he simply said.

“What does that mean? Does it mean that you are going to publish it?” I asked, my heart drumming, my head spinning, and knees suddenly going weak.

“If the second and third readers come up with the same conclusion, the editorial board will consider it for publication,” came the answer.

But I wasn't listening anymore. I was too excited, with my heart pounding irregularly hard against the rib cage, and the flush of blood in my ears sounding like a waterfall. I thanked him and hung up.

That was two years ago and I am now an author — published by the biggest and most reputable publishing house in the region. I just can't thank God enough.

Bw'Atebe is the author of The Verdict of Death, a novel.