book project opportunity

Question
Dear Mark:

I saw your name on the AllExperts Web site and thought you might be the perfect candidate for a book my agency is hoping to represent. BookEnds literary agency, of which I'm co-founder, has recently been asked by a publisher to find a writer interested in authoring a book on horse racing. If you are not already agented, I was wondering if you might be interested or know of someone who would be interested in discussing the possibility of writing such a project.

I am contacting a number of potential candidates and will be making my choice based on your strength and experience in the field as well as any writing or workshop experience you might have.

I can be reached via email or at 908-604-2652. I look forward to speaking with you and thank you in advance for any help  you might be able to give me.

Best,

Jessica Faust

BookEnds, LLC
136 long hill rd.
gillette, nj 07933
908-604-2652
http://www.bookends-inc.com  

Answer
Jessica -

Well, thanks for the most interesting AllExperts communication I've received in quite awhile.  Yes, I'd be interested in discussing the project you're considering, and no, I'm not represented by an agent.  

As far as my expertise and experience are concerned, I've been writing about racing since 1972, and have had an article published in the Best Sports Stories anthology (Best Sports Stories of 1974, to be exact).  I'm interested in racing history and handicapping, and have written one handicapping book, for which I was unfortunately unable to find a publisher.  Lack of an agent is a pretty serious problem when you're attempting to publish a book, as I'm sure you know.  

Altogether, I've probably published 100 articles or so, primarily in American Turf Monthly, Turf & Sport Digest, and Gambler's Digest.  I'll have an article in next month's American Turf Monthly about how running style affects the outcome of the three Triple Crown races.  

My e-mail address is [email protected].  I'll be happy to respond to any other questions you might have about my background.  My only question is:  What did you have in mind?  Let me know.

- Mark Shrager