Historical novel set in medieval France, query the second.

[Tim]

OK, I admit the first one was a dud. Here’s another try:

Dear Agent:

I have long admired your track record for representing the best quality and best selling novels recounting the adventures of medieval lady pirates. Your uncanny ability to select the leading examples of this major genre has readers running to bookstores and competitors writhing in jealousy. It is therefore not without trepidation that I submit to you THE TIGRESS, my own humble effort, but I hope that its Homeric scope, its Keatsian lyricism and its overall Shakespearian eloquence will overcome any weaknesses in plot, character, pacing and basic storytelling (I won’t mention spelling; Shakespeare’s spelling was often weird).

Jeanne de Belleville, a 14th century noblewoman, lives a quiet life until her husband is unjustly executed and her property is seized by the French crown. She joins a rebel army allied with England, and through her brilliance, charisma and the sheer force of her rage, becomes the leader of that army. She dispatches the people involved in her husband’s framing. But this doesn’t satisfy her. France as a nation must burn to the ground.

So Jeanne does what any wife of the medieval aristocracy would do: she becomes a pirate.

The conflict between France and England that became known as the Hundred Years’ War was marked by two women we know as Joan. Jeanne d’Arc, who became a saint, brought hope to France. A century earlier Jeanne de Belleville, who was anything but a saint, brought France to its knees. Her exploits earned her the name The Tigress. But unlike her more famous counterpart, Jeanne de Belleville and her story have remained obscure for centuries. Until now.

THE TIGRESS is an 85,000 word historical novel, written in an objective style. It is based on a person who actually lived and who was connected to well-known actors of 14th century France. But it has some elements of magic: a savant child, an amazing bird (hawk, not parrot), and a bevy of 1000-year-old Druid priestesses. THE TIGRESS is a meld of history and adventure, with a bit of fantasy thrown in to give it some lift.

Once again, thank you for your consideration. I am enclosing my bank information for the deposit of royalties after you’ve extracted your well-earned albeit rather ridiculous commission.

Sincerely,