So the editor, my agent, my brilliant wife, and I have all been going back and forth for the past couple of weeks, getting a book proposal ready that's tailor-made for the needs of this particular academic press. We've got a summary of the book, an assessment of the potential audience, an overview of competing titles, a section on special marketing and promotional opportunities, and a plan for revising the book (i.e., trimming it by a third). We've also included a sample chapter, both before and after being trimmed by a third, just to show that we can do it.

I just sent off what I hope will be the last revision to this proposal. If she likes it, the editor will start preparing to pitch the book to her editorial board next week.

I'm fairly comfortable now with the idea that this particular academic press would make a fine home for Missionary Man. Now is the time for crossed fingers and good vibrations and all those other lucky talismans I don't believe in.