GENRE: *NF, Biography
WORDS: 855
Query:
Dear PBParty Agents and Editors,
Thank you so much for offering your time and taking part in such a wonderful event. I am pleased to present you with my 857-word picture book biography of Elinor McGrath, the first practicing female veterinarian in the United States, entitled SMALL ANIMALS, BIG DREAMS.
When Elinor McGrath decided she wanted to be a veterinarian, the world told her no. It was 1907 and that was a job not suitable for a woman. Even after she was accepted, the 137 male students in her class made it clear that she was not welcome. Yet through constant criticism, Elinor would persevere. She could see the future was changing and she was determined to show the world of veterinary medicine that accepting women wasn’t the only change the profession needed.
I am a member of SCBWI and 12×12, and when I’m not writing children’s books, I’m working at my day job as a small animal veterinarian. As such, this story has a lot of personal interest for me. During my research, I discovered that Elinor’s final resting place in an Alabama cemetery has no grave marker. I am currently coordinating an effort to build a new marker, with assistance from both the head of the American Veterinary Medical Association and of a well-known veterinary Facebook group that I am an active member of called DVMoms. Many of the 15k member of DVMoms have expressed interest in purchasing this book, and I believe that they, along with numerous other veterinary FB groups of which I am a member, provide a significant direct marketing opportunity.
This would be my first published book, but I have other manuscripts available upon request.
Thank you for your consideration.
Excerpt:
October 1, 1907
Elinor’s skirt swished as she entered the lecture hall for the start of a new school year at Chicago Veterinary College. All eyes turned her way. She ignored the hushed whispers, straightening her back and holding her head high as she took her seat.
Soon, the new students were ready to begin – one hundred and thirty-seven men… and Elinor.
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