Today I sent my first real query for a manuscript, and it was to somebody I never dreamed of quering.

The gal who’s been reading my book asked a author-friend of hers to write a quote for my book. The author-friend said she doesn’t do that any more, having been burned one too many times, but author-friend wished me the best. Then… author-friend spoke to her New York agent that afternoon, and told her agent about my book. The agent was intriqued and asked me to send a query ASAP.

EEEK! I wasn’t ready to send anybody a query. I hadn’t even considered how to write a blurb for this book and I figured I wouldn’t have to worry about it for at least a couple more months.

But friends to the rescue again. An editor-friend read the drafts of my query blurbs (summarize the entire plot of your book in 250 words or less) and made valuable suggestions. Then she approved the final version.

So, ASAP was today.

I’m excited about it, but also know that this is a case of hurry up and wait. The fact that I could put author-friend’s name on it, and remind the agent that she asked me to send this, puts me at the top of the list, but it’s still a very long list. The agent’s web page says 4-6 weeks, and from what I’ve heard, that’s on the fast said for most agents.

Beyond that… hectic day. Trying to get things cleaned up and sorted through so my house isn’t driving me so crazy.

And my folks just called–I’d invited them up to help me re-do my office–and they’ll be here the middle of next week. EEEEK! It’s really good news that they were able to come up so soon, but the amount of stuff I have to do between now and then is very scary. I need to get my office emptied and most of the wallpaper off, so when my father gets here he can begin actual work right away, instead of having to fuss with preliminary stuff. But… it’ll be worth it, so I’ll just suck it up and do what needs to be done.