Finalist in the National Best Books 2009 Awards and looking for an Agent!

Well, Paraworld Zero just placed in yet another book contest. It became a finalist in the National Best Books 2009 Awards in the audiobook category. That brings the count to around 15 contests it's either won, placed or honored in. I get asked all the time when my second book is coming out, and the sad news is that because I'm back to square one (i.e. no agent or publisher), it will take time before it gets published. Ironically, if you live in India, you might see it sooner than later, as a publisher in India has offered to publish Paraworld Zero and possibly Magical Learning. Funny how things work out. Better yet, I actually sent a request yesterday to an agent. Yep, it's true. The long wait is over. Things have finally settled down from the house fire that I'm now moving along to get an agent and publisher. Getting an Agent: My first literary agent was Barbara Bova. She kind of fell into my lap because of a mutual friend, but it didn't work out so we parted ways. That's why it's important to do research on the agent you're going to approach. The normal procedure is to write a short query letter, send it out with a self-addressed stamped envelope and wait a month or so for a response (some agents allow you to email them). You can often send query letters to multiple agents at the same time. But when one of them asks you for your manuscript, you normally have to give him or her an exclusive (like a few weeks) to read it. Most often you'll get a form letter back from the agent saying no thanks. That's okay. Just try again with another agent. For those who are curious, I'll write instructions on how to write a query letter in a future newsletter or on my website.