A few weeks ago I received an interesting email. I was ready to dismiss it, but after running it past a friend “in the know” I learned that it was actually legit.
Dear Stevo,
Congratulations on your recent “Bloggie” honor. It is quite impressive that your work Asian Ramblings, out of the thousands of other travel blogs circulating the internet today, was nominated for a Tenth Annual Weblog Award. You really have created an A-list site, and for that you should be proud.
This would have been the bio photo on the book jacket.
I found your dialogue on life in China quite engaging. With the job market as terrible as it is right now, I know there are many recent graduates choosing to teach English as a second language in China. An informative, insightful book about the programs and the country could be very popular right now. I believe with your experience in China and with my expertise, together we could develop your blog into a highly successful and popular travel book.
I am writing to inquire if you already represented by an agent. I am very impressed with your work and would very much enjoy the opportunity to speak with you regarding representation. Our agency has represented forty-six bestsellers during the last six years. Our authors include Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners as well as athletes, celebrities and novelists.
Thank you for your serious consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
XXXXXXX
President
I replied that I was interested, and sent my contact details. I was intruiged, although I had no idea when I would ever find time to undertake such a project. A few days later I received the following:
Dear Steve,
Unfortunately, after compiling more research on this subject, I discovered a similar book is already being published. I am sorry to say we are no longer pursuing this project.
I apologize for the inconvenience. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
Best,
Editor’s Assisant
Easy come, easy go. That doesn’t seem like the right phrase, but close enough. Maybe I’ll get another chance. The fact that the Shit My Dad Says twitter feed is being made into a TV Pilot with William Shatner only proves strange things happen.
Steve. What a high. What a low. The fact is that an agent saw and liked your website enough to connect with you. I’d consider that a kudo worth remembering!
.-= beryl singleton bissell´s last blog ..Visions in Siena =-.
You would have been a good choice for such a book – their loss!
I was offered the chance to write a WordPress book just before we left China and I had to reluctantly turn it down because of the time committment required. It was eventually published, written by someone else, which was a bit weird – but it would have been huge committment and added stress – cest la vie…
You have to look on the bright side, it would have sucked up all your time.
.-= Stephen Cronin´s last blog ..Buses In China With Metal Seats =-.
Commiserations on the bloggies fail. You would have been my second top pick to win, after me of course.
.-= desiderata´s last blog ..Family fun and a wedding: Bangalore =-.
steve – what a huge rip. i hope that SOMEONE takes notice – you’ve got a lot to share with the world.
.-= jessiev´s last blog ..Porchetta Passion in Central Italy =-.
From where I’m sitting I think the expat market is growing. I’m surprised that a publisher would think that there is only room for one book on this subject.
.-= Nancie (Ladyexpat)´s last blog ..Election Campaigning =-.
Mmm, publisher’s whims. All the books in the world have already been written, it’s just twists and turns and new angles from then on. Write the book yourself and then find a publisher, that’s a better bet.
Wow. I don’t often get the chance to say “congrats” and “tough luck” about the same event.
.-= Josh´s last blog ..This is Why I Don’t Do Tightrope [Video] =-.
Steve. What a high. What a low. The fact is that an agent saw and liked your website enough to connect with you. I’d consider that a kudo worth remembering!
.-= beryl singleton bissell´s last blog ..Visions in Siena =-.
Hi Stevo,
You would have been a good choice for such a book – their loss!
I was offered the chance to write a WordPress book just before we left China and I had to reluctantly turn it down because of the time committment required. It was eventually published, written by someone else, which was a bit weird – but it would have been huge committment and added stress – cest la vie…
You have to look on the bright side, it would have sucked up all your time.
.-= Stephen Cronin´s last blog ..Buses In China With Metal Seats =-.
Thanks, Josh, Beryl, and Stephen. Easy come, easy go… C’est la vie.
Well I got no such emails…
Commiserations on the bloggies fail. You would have been my second top pick to win, after me of course.
.-= desiderata´s last blog ..Family fun and a wedding: Bangalore =-.
steve – what a huge rip. i hope that SOMEONE takes notice – you’ve got a lot to share with the world.
.-= jessiev´s last blog ..Porchetta Passion in Central Italy =-.
From where I’m sitting I think the expat market is growing. I’m surprised that a publisher would think that there is only room for one book on this subject.
.-= Nancie (Ladyexpat)´s last blog ..Election Campaigning =-.
Mmm, publisher’s whims. All the books in the world have already been written, it’s just twists and turns and new angles from then on. Write the book yourself and then find a publisher, that’s a better bet.