Thank you for your query regarding As Far As the Eye Can See. I would like to consider your project for representation. Please either email me with a Word attachment or send about 50 double-spaced pages. Please also send a synopsis, if you have not done so already, and a list of prior publications. You may address these materials to my attention.

Mark the envelope or email “Requested Material” and remember to enclose proper postage for the return of your materials. My response time is approximately a month (I hope!). I’ll be in touch as soon as possible and do look forward to reading your work.

Yours,

Simon James

I printed the email and sprinted out of the library. I yelled “Yes!” from the top of my lungs. I dialed Carolyn’s cell. She didn’t answer. Then I dialed her work number, and she answered on the third ring.

“Thank you for calling Starbucks. How can I help you?”

“Guess what,” I said.

“Stratton?”

“Yes, of course. Guess what.”

“What?”

I read her the email. I stumbled over several sentences, reading it too fast.

“You’re kidding me?”

“Nope, and it’s from one of the bigger agencies, too.”

“Oh my god!” she said.

“I know! It’s about damn time.”

I rushed back inside. I had already written a synopsis and was torn between an efficient email reply and taking the more professional approach and having the pages mailed. I based my decision on the fact that I hated reading anything on the computer, so I rushed to a print shop, printed the pages, and sent them two-day express.