ANOTHER PITCH

It's been two weeks, has to be, since I emailed my proposal to the Arts Editor at the Metro Times. I explained my pitch in a straightforward manner: "Dear Mrs. Rebecca Mazzei, Arts Editor, I am currently writing a book review of a debut short story collection titled 'The End of the World' by George Dila. Dila appeared in two previous Metro Times fiction issues. His title story and "Teddy and Freddy" appeared in your 2002 and 2001 issues, respectively, and are in his book. I believe a review of his book in tandem with this year's summer fiction issue will show your readership the type of talent your contest draws. Furthermore, my stories have appeared in your weekly. Please let me know if you're interested, and if so, a word limit and deadline."

The very same day I got my response: "Hi James, good idea! Why don't you give me a 500-word review due by next Thursday? I'll take a byline too, explaining when your work appeared, etc."

I'd made my pitch, I'd gotten my response, so I finished the review two days prior to the deadline and did a follow-up email: "Attached is the 500-word review of 'The End of the World' by George Dila, including my byline. Also, I've attached a jpg file of his book cover. I hope it meets the needs of the Metro Times. Let me know."

Now I wait, wondering why the hurry in the first place, paranoid some intern has my book review on the bottom of some "to do" pile, that is, if it were printed out and not accidently deleted. Maybe he'll count 530 words and per the directions of his boss scrap my piece altogether. As I wait, I email the author of the book, filled with false hope, trying to make it a reality. He responds: "James, A review in MT would be fantastic. I'm currently in Iowa attending workshops, having a great time. George." I wish I could say the same.