The Pursuit of Publication

Dear Literary Agents and Publishers:
     Twelve-year-old Hanuman Zucharino is not permitted to leave his upscale New Jersey house due to his unique genetic condition that must be kept, for now, out of the public’s eye.  Though seemingly sheltered, Han’s life is lively due to the colorful personalities of his family, as well as his double life as a VIP gamer.  
     “VIP,” a “virtual, independent, and physical” forum allows users, often disguised as costumed avatars, to tunnel through an underground universe of seedy massage parlors, raucous parties, unregulated petting zoos, MMA fighting stadiums, and more—with an infinite number of possible rooms.
     Han’s physical appearance doesn’t startle anyone in the VIP realm as all manner of avatars abound. Han’s friends in the VIP have dubbed him the “Monkey King,” in part due to Han’s rescue of a baby from the powerful jaws of a boa constrictor.
Almost equally important as Han is his chosen MMA coach, Aeson Cadmus, whose anger issues ended the 24-year old’s budding fight career.  With MMA fines to pay and a girlfriend back home in Colorado in serious need of impressing, Aeson welcomes the opportunity for a fresh start as this “special” kid’s secret coach.  As Aeson learns to harness his anger and earn cash in the VIP’s Ultimate Underground fighting circuit, Aeson and Han’s friendship grows.
     A cunning and brutal spy Katie Carouche, along with her deadly assassin husband Majstro, are hell bent on learning the secret to Han’s genetic condition. Katie has been tracking Han in disguise throughout the story, including buddying up to him as a cute teenage avatar in the virtual gaming world.  Their efforts may spell the ruin of this happy family as Han is pushed to discover just how powerful he really is.
     The Monkey King, a superhero coming-of-age story, is the first volume of a three-part series. MK is a 63,000 word YA, comic book fan, and martial arts action lover’s story. A synopsis as well as a full manuscript is available upon request. I look forward to hearing from you.
Nicholas Philliou
senseinickp@gmail.com
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