Query #1

Yes, in this quest to become a published author, rather than navigate the dark hollows of certain failure alone, I choose to get some help. Therefore, this morning I sent out what will be one of many agent queries in the hopes that some industry professional will be smitten with my work and not use it as potty liner for his miniature dachshund. Statistically speaking, this is highly unlikely, however I will simply have to keep trying. My first attempt is going to Balkin Agency, Inc., where Rick Balkin is the president, and is interested solely in works of nonfiction. Many of the books I found that Mr. Balkin got published were historical, and looked as if they involved a lot of research. I only have one chapter involving research, and even then I put the word in quotes. But what made me think Mr. Balkin and I might make a good match is where he says that anything witty, truly unique, or a labor of love is "grist for my mill." I don't know what grist is, but I do hope that he finds my work witty. Unfortunately, the cold hard reality is that this will be a long process, and so I've started a kind of ticker to the right so that all interested parties (mom, dad, Cheryl) may follow my progress.