if you don't ask, you will never know

During the course of my agent research, I began an email exchange with an agent I have come to really admire. Their website is pretty, bright colored, and full of childhood imagination. I could see my work fitting in to their portfolio. I called my husband to share with him my excitement. This was where I wanted my work to be. I clicked on the submission guidelines with hopes that this would be easy. For those who are unaware, a submission takes an hour. Why? Well, every agent has a preferred format. You need to read the website thoroughly to make sure it is a good fit.  There are the references to check.  Finally, the submission guidelines. Always read them carefully. Each book genre has a different requirement. 

Their submission guidelines stated that they weren't accepting submissions at this time. Well, drat. A little bit of hope inside me began to shrivel at this point. As I am an avid rule follower, I sat back in my chair and sulked as I internalized my disappointment. I re read the posting in my publication book. Under the agencies information, the submission guidelines stated that they would only take submissions during the first week of the month. I thought to myself, "It couldn't hurt to ask". And that is exactly what I did. 

Several email exchanges later, she agreed to read my bio, cover letter, and manuscript. When this email came through, I screamed, cried, and cried some more. Years have gone by without a response other than "no". Then it hit me, I don't have a cover letter and bio. I have worked so hard on perfecting a query that I wasn't sure what to do next. I needed clarification. My super hero came through with the breakdown...Thanks, super hero. I spent two days perfecting, re reading, and perfecting. I compiled on the documents into an email and sat there. I had never been so scared to send off an email before. This was my one chance to pitch my work to the agent that I really want to represent me. 

How I felt this weekend.

I finally hit that "send" button. Off it went. To my amazement, she responded to my email within the hour. Time will tell what the next step will bring. In any case, I have made it this far. In good interview form, I have prepared a "thank you" letter for her time and consideration. As of this moment, I am aspiring still...