Dear Ms. Grimes,

I know I am foolish for requesting this because of what I just read—NOT. I can’t help myself. For so many years our school district has ordered your books for children from grades 7–12. Your reputation is sterling. You have won so many awards and gained accolades that would take a page to fill. In addition, I feel a certain connection with you because I have spent many years teaching African-American youngsters and because I am from Spanish Harlem and now live in Los Angeles.
My purpose in life is to help senior high African-American males realize the importance of getting an education, which in turn opens up multiple future possibilities for them.

I thought you might appreciate knowing that your writing and your many life achievements have inspired me as a teacher and as a writer.

I have written a novel –Jamaal’s Journey—with my purpose in mind. However, it is self-published (not a good move on my part). Nonetheless it has been given eight awards, one being The Kirkus INDIE Book of the Month Selection for African-American YA fiction for April 2015. The other seven are for African-American YA fiction and YA fiction.

In the coming weeks I’ll be trying to get a literary agent and publisher. If I am successful, because you’ve been a significant positive influence for me, would it be okay to send you an ARC? And if you like it, would you consider giving me a blurb (brief testimonial) that I may use in my publication? This would be a great honor!
My debut novel for young African-American adults—Jamaal’s Journey—stresses positive, healthy attitudes laced with humor and yet presents a realistic picture of what teens are facing today and how they behave under difficult circumstances. It takes place in an urban high school in Rockland County, New York.

I know you must be very busy, but I also know that you probably still remember what it was like when you were starting out, and I bet you received a little bit of encouragement from someone along the way as well. Thank you for your consideration and thank you again for all you’ve done for me already. I’m looking forward to reading more of your work and wish you continued success.

Sincerely,
John McCormack (email: jmccor5896@aol.com)

PS. Forgive me for being so bold!