Query for The Book In the Basket

I am a pre-published author, seeking an agent who is open to receiving new clients. I have written a Christian fantasy, Young Adult, 52,000+ word novel, entitled The Book In the Basket.

It is the first day of school, and Gabriel and his sisters are at each other’s throats again. They all know about God and Jesus Christ, but are still unaware how to apply Biblical principles to their relationships with each other. Gabriel finds himself handpicked by the schools greatest advocate for the power of reading, the strict Ms. Thompson, who is rarely seen without her mysterious book that she keeps in a basket. That first morning, Gabriel is thrust forward into a grand adventure when he finds that the book talks and has supernatural powers. Bib is short for Book In the Basket. Bib is what was to be, before Adam and Eve fell, created by God himself to record the lives of them and their children. Bib, older brother to Bible (Book In the Basket; Last Edition) has a new purpose and a secret identity. He has the power to be any book man has ever penned, and is able to transport the reader into the story, and is the Lamb's Book of Life.

Gabriel finds out that he and his two sisters are to rescue a former student of Ms. Thompson’s, who, after experiencing tragedy, came under the influence of Satan, and lost his faith in God and became trapped in The Story of King Arthur while on a "field trip" in Bib. While on their quest, they gain the help of Gabe's best friend, Spence and Jeremy's half brother, Jake and find that Satan is using Jeremy as a puppet to bring about his own insidious plan to change his fate as it is written in the book of Revelation, and seal Bib forever so that the names in the Lamb's Book of Life can never be read. Can the three siblings combine their talents and work together to help the lost student find his way back to reality and God through the love of Jesus Christ and thwart Satan's attempt to change God's word for his own benefit?

In addition to my job as teaching assistant and substitute in an intermediate level school, grades five through six, I am obtaining my BA in Elementary Education. I co-teach our school’s writing club, Destinations, which is comprised of thirty students aged eleven to thirteen. I’ve had the good fortune to become a part of an experienced critique group; with one member being a four time published suspense author for Steeple Hill.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration of my work. I look forward to receiving your response.

Sincerely,

Melissa W. Rhodes

Fighting Frustration

Trying to understand God in all this and make sure that I submit the novel the way He would have me to, is hard. I have currently decided to query agents with my children's book, "The Very Proud Giraffe." I am astounded and amazed at the stories that God has inspired and written through me, and I am very quick to give Him all the honor and glory for it. I just want nothing more than for the stories to be shared with His people. I pray that the right people stumble upon this blog, so that I can finally see some progress.

One More Query, One More Wait

Sorry it has been so long since posting, I have had projects, and exams to finish up before I start my last year at Converse.

I have queried a local publisher, in hopes of at least getting my foot in the door, so that I can get the ball rolling. They are a Christian publisher that do not consider secular pieces. I am hoping to hear a positive response from them asking me to PLEEEEASE send my full manuscript. :) Thank you Lord for inspiring this story in me, and I ask that you PLEEEEEASE (if it is Your will) bring this query to a place of desirability with this publisher.

Finding A Literary Agent

Scouting agents reminds me of the old commercial that that had a person trying to find a job. Every attempt left him with the same answer, "You just don't have enough experience." To which the questing hopeful says, "I can't get a job without experience, so how do I get experience without a job?" Being a pre-published author is much of the same; I have a Christian Young Adult, Fantasy novel that I have completed, and hope to have published. Granted, I am not saying that it is a literary masterpiece, just that my lack of publishing credentials is not helping my plight of publication. I have found that most of the responses I have received are MIA (in other words, the agent never commented). With that said, I have received rejections; most of which are dry and to the point. I must say, however, that I have received a very kind rejection, as ironic as it may sound, that was encouraging.
Dear Melissa,
Thanks for writing. You certainly have wonderful credentials and I have considered your proposal several times this past week. Great title! However, I must decline for several reasons. I am a little leery of taking on fantasy, especially since it involves biblical content. Perhaps another agent will be happy to see it.
My best wishes as you seek publication.
Etta Wilson
www.booksandsuch.biz

I toyed with the option of leaving off her name, but I really wanted to put it out there. She actually considered me; wow! I hope to keep you all posted on what happens from here. Wish me luck!