PBParty 18: DERLOCK BONES AND THE BAKER'S DOZEN

Title: DERLOCK BONES AND THE BAKER’S DOZEN
Genre: Chapter Book
Word Count: 12,000

Query:

Dear Michelle and Sharon,

I am seeking an agent for Derlock Bones and the Baker's Dozen, a chapter book complete at 12,000 words. Readers who enjoy Nate the Great, Encyclopedia Brown, and mystery chapter books by Lewis B. Montgomery will enjoy Derlock Bones.

Derlock Bones is a Dobe detective extraordinaire who lives with the Dotson family. Vaughn Dotson, a boy selected by Derlock to be an S4 -- Super Secret Serious Sleuthster -- records the detecting exploits of their Doberman-boy team. When Mom's bakery cupcakes disappear, Derlock and Vaughn face accusation and must clear their names. What they discover at the end of a long day's work is nothing short of amazing!

With roots extending from Oklahoma to Appalachia and beyond, I live with my husband and three boys in a lair, a classroom, or a castle, depending on the moment. I enjoy creating characters with voice and heart. I am a member of the SCBWI and the author-illustrator of a picture book, Moon Mail and Star Kisses, forthcoming by Anaiah Press. In 2014, I published a novel, The Founding of Josiah Turn.

I would love the opportunity to work with you on Derlock Bones, whose adventures are only limited by my creativity. Thank you for your time and consideration.

First 100 Words:

Vaughn Dotson, Super Secret Serious Sleuthster, here recording the genius of the famed Dobe Detective Derlock Bones. As an S4, I know what it takes to unravel a mystery. Problem is, we have no raveled mystery for the undoing.

I push the stop button on the video camera. Perfect, I think. I plan to reenact some of our most sensational detecting but first, a snack.

“Vaughn, dear,” Mom calls. Derlock prances ahead. Between the light actions of her feet and the silly sway of her body, I think Derlock must have a soundtrack of spy music in her brain.