Notes from an Unsigned Author

- What we read last night – Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night, by Peter Spier, and Tell Me Again About the Night I was Born, by Jamie Lee Curtis.

Inquiries, Inquiries, Inquiries . . . and more Inquiries! That is the name of the game when you’re trying to find a literary agent interested in your work. In one concise and well written page of maybe four paragraphs, agents want to see inquiry letters that include a hook, how your book is different, your audience, potential for revenue, your credentials, and proof you’re not an idiot. One page, tons o’ information. No agent, no publishing contract - so this is make or break time for any serious writer.

Every decent agent, and even bad agents, start their day buried in the infamous “slush pile” of inquiries letters. Hundreds of them. Be smart, be interesting, be succinct. I can nail two out three so my chances are, well, probably not good.

I have created logos, printed heavy stock letterheads, targeted agents who are accepting submissions, and read every agent website and blog written on the internet – twice. It is now time for me to prepare and send my inquiry letters to see if there is an agent interested in Ready Freddie, and the millions of dollars that are sure to follow.

Here we go. Now the fun begins . . .