Tom Phillips (MG Contemporary)

Author: Tom Phillips (@tommypx3)

Age Range: Middle Grade

Genre: Contemporary

Agent: Ann Rose, Prospect Agency

The Query Letter:

Dear [agent]:

I am seeking representation for my contemporary comedy/mystery novel about an orphan living in the New York Museum of Natural History, who becomes the prime suspect in the theft of Egypt’s Fire, a beautiful and priceless ruby on display at the museum. To clear his name, young John must become the protégé of an unpredictable Inspector and help him weed through a menagerie of colorful characters in order to locate the real thief, a criminal mastermind known only as the Mauve Moth.

After a thorough investigation of my own, I found you on twitter. I believe these adventures will be right up your alley. “Right up your alley,” of course, doesn’t refer to the street behind your home, but in this case is used to describe something you will enjoy. For example, blueberry pancakes, root beer jazz clubs, and literary agents wanting to represent my work are right up my alley.

THE GRAND ADVENTURES OF INSPECTOR TOADIUS MCGEE is a 63,000-word mid-grade much like From the Mixed up files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler or A Series of Unfortunate Events if the series of unfortunate events had events which were fortunate.

A little about me. I moved from New York City to Los Angeles, six years ago to pursue a career in storytelling. From Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D to LeVar Burton's Reading Rainbow, I have honed my storytelling skills as a video editor and illustrator, but my true passion lies in writing mid-grade novels.

Thank you for taking time to join Toadius and John on their adventure. Per your request, I am honored to include the query, Synopsis and the full manuscript below. You may contact me through email or my cellular phone.

I hope you find what you are searching for.

Tom Phillips

[Redacted: email address]

[Redacted: phone number]

P.S. Please do not send a response by monkey or tattooed on the bottom of a carrier pigeon’s beak, for I am afraid those methods have both been compromised.