Hi Debra,
It's been a few months since you posted, but I just found the link to this forum in my files and thought I would drop in. And I find that I was the last topic in this post. I'm honored.
Or maybe y'all got tired of talking about agents.
In answer to your question, yes, Paul Levine did his job. He got me the perfect multi-book deal with a major publisher - and my dream publisher, to boot. Marc Allen (New World Library) publishes Deepok Chopra (Seven Spiritual Laws of Success), Eckhardt Tolle (The Power of Now), - both of which sold millions - Dan Millman (Way of the Peaceful Warrior, last year's film) and other notables in my genre. To say the least, I'm thrilled. Marc is very hands on, handles me personally and anticipates similar results with my books. The first book is based on the proposal I mentioned above, not the memoir.
Title:
Feel Free to Prosper
Two Weeks to Unexpected Income With the Simplest Prosperity Laws Available Today
I finished the proposal on December 1. Paul sent the pdf proposals out on January 22. He wanted to wait until things settled in the publishing industry with all the layoffs, etc. The next day we began receiving responses, including Marc Allen's. I knew that was the publisher I wanted. And in dealing with Marc, I believe it was destined.
So you cannot fault Paul because I dilly dallied for two years to get him the proposal on the "how to" book he wanted. That was my resistance. As soon as I did my part, he got an overnight deal.
Since the proposal was based on material I have already written and now editing...the book release will be this Fall or in January.
I'm happy. And I will summarize with this...I don't believe you will find many agents in existence who will take on a first time writer and push her for two years to get a proposal done (despite her resistance) and get that deal. What Paul did was way beyond obligation and industry standards. Of course, he believes that my books will sell millions. Marc Allen feels the same way. I say:
From their mouth to God's ears
I would be open to making an introduction to Paul if anyone feels that their material would be right for him. But you can't take it personally if he doesn't take you on - I have referred others to him in the past and he passed. He will look at any referrals I give him though.
Since I don't come here often, you are welcome to contact me through my website:
http://www.FeelFreetoProsper.com
Marilyn