PBParty 11: SUPERHERO REJECTS: THE RETURN OF SCORPIUS

Title: SUPERHERO REJECTS: THE RETURN OF SCORPIUS

Genre: Chapter Book

Word Count: 5400

Query:

Dear Agent,

I am pleased to send you this query for my chapter book SUPERHERO REJECTS: THE RETURN OF SCORPIUS, which is complete at 5400 words. Fans of CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS are likely to relate to this other set of unusual superheroes.

Morphus is ashamed that his superpower is morphing into pathetic objects like rubber bands, fishing line and hairnets. At ZITS (the Zapps Institute for the Training of Superheroes), he and the other rejects are the school’s only hope when Scorpius attacks and puts everyone but them in a trance. Could it be the world does have some use for a superhero who can morph into a rubber band?

 My published writing includes award-winning picture books TURKEY TROUBLE and TURKEY CLAUS (Two Lions Press, 2009 and 2012) and JUST ONE MORE (All About Kids Publishing, 2002) as well as several other picture books (including the upcoming TURKEY TRICK OR TREAT). I have also published more than a dozen emergent readers and numerous stories in prominent children’s magazines. I have a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and, in addition to teaching for 11 years, I have done considerable writing for the educational market. I am a member of SCBWI, a 2013 Picture Book Champion, and the Featured Author for February 2014 in Julie Hedlund’s 12X12 picture book challenge (writing about character-driven picture books).

I have been writing for many years without an agent, but have found that I am ready for one now, as more and more houses are closing to unsolicited manuscripts, and I have less and less time to deal with the business side of things. I desire to spend my time writing, doing school visits and presentations at events. I am hoping that you might be that agent.

I would mention also that I have a number of submission-ready picture book manuscripts, should you be interested in reading more of my work.

Thank you for your time in considering my query. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

First 100 Words:

The lunch line for pizza at the Zapps Institute for the Training of Superheroes (or ZITS) stretched to the cafeteria doorway. Morphus, Bullseye, Reeks and Splat fidgeted at the end of that line.

“Dang,” said Morphus. “There isn’t going to be any pizza left.”

“Maybe we should get burgers,” said Bullseye.

"No way!” said Reeks. “Pizza is what we want… and pizza is what we will have! I’ve got a stinky idea.”

 He sucked in a deep breath and blew out hard through his pudgy nose. In seconds the stink started.

 “Ewww!” 

 “Yuck!”

 “Get away!”