Thanks for the words and tips everyone!
I've got an writers and artists yearbook coming tommorow - so I'll be writing lots of letters over the next few days.
I'll keep you informed of progress both on the project and the weight loss.
Big Fella's Book - and getting an agent. Page 2
Never being one to let something lie for too long. I found a couple of email addresses of agents in an old W+A book a friend had. And fired off a couple of emails. I got an email back straight away wishing me luck put saying that the project wasn't for them because
1. He wasn't sure how such a book would sell in todays market place
2. He doesn't take on people with only one book in them.
So I have addapted my letter. As I normally rush in and do things without a great deal of consideration ( I get excitied and want things to happen now) I thought I would let you guys have a look. I'd be grateful for any advice on the letter.
Thanks
Dear Sir,
I am seeking representation for an autobiographical book I am writing at present regarding by personal battle with obesity.
In October of this year a documentary programme about me is going to screened on the Discovery Channel, I am hoping to capitalise on that exposure with my book called "Everything to lose." The series is called the Fat Doctor, and regularly attracts viewer numbers in excess of 3 million. In addition to this I am also appearing in an art expedition about obesity from which the photographer is also publishing a book.
On the 4th of March of this year I entered hospital for a gastric bypass operation that will save my life, but at the same time could have easily killed me. I weighed a staggering 43 stone. Fortunately all went well and it is hoped that the operation will enable me to lose around 25 stone.
The book will detail my past with a specific focus on how my weight managed to balloon to such an unbelievable figure. It will also highlight my concerns and fears regarding having the operation done. Finally it will chart my weight loss after the surgery. Clearly the book is still being written as I am only just starting to lose the weight.
As you are no doubt aware the market place related to weight loss is worth a great deal of money and an inspirational story such as this is likely to attract a considerable amount of interest. With over half the adult population now classed as being overweight or obese this is an ever growing market place. Further books are possible in this field such as a healthy eating cookbook, healthy well balanced meals are essential post-operatively for continued health and weight loss.
I have included for you the first chapter which describes my consultation visit with the surgeon and the realisation that I weighed such a stupendous amount of weight.
I was previously the editor of a trade newspaper and regularly write comedy sketches for monthly stage shows in London and Brighton.
I would be delighted to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Yours sincerely,
It sounds good to me, except a couple of typing errors....but watch that...i.e in the first sentence you have put by instead of my
Quote: bushbaby @ March 23 2009, 6:00 PM GMTIt sounds good to me, except a couple of typing errors....but watch that...i.e in the first sentence you have put by instead of my
Bugger! Yes. Thanks.
I thought you might be that you have a cold
Quote: bushbaby @ March 23 2009, 6:19 PM GMTI thought you might be that you have a cold
Now I'm lost 
I can not wait to read this book. I can not comment on the writing itself but on the idea alone Im sure theres a lot of publishers out there who would take this on. good luck
Quote: Blenkinsop @ March 22 2009, 8:58 AM GMTAlso the producers who are making the documentary would surely have contacts that they could introduce you to. A book and TV tie-up is a fairly common thing.
I think this would be a good starting point.
Quote: swerytd @ March 22 2009, 7:36 PM GMTAs an aside, I'd take pictures of yourself standing in the same position with the same backdrop every single day for the entirety of that time. That could (potentially) give the bottom corner of your book a sort of 'flick-book' element, as you visibly get thinner if they flick through the corners. Might be gimmicky, but it's a bit different at least (and you'd have a record of how it happened).
This is a great idea, I reckon. Depends on your flicking technique though, as it could all go in reverse.
The other big selling point is why you are on the BSG site in the first place. You write funny stuff. So make it funny. How many similar health improvement journals are earnest and sincere? If yours is funny amongst all the serious bits then you have your unique selling point.
And best of luck from me too!
Do you actually mean art expedition or is that a typo?
Quote: Badge @ March 23 2009, 6:44 PM GMTThe other big selling point is why you are on the BSG site in the first place. You write funny stuff. So make it funny. How many similar health improvement journals are earnest and sincere? If yours is funny amongst all the serious bits then you have your unique selling point.
And that's brilliant advice.
Quote: zooo @ March 23 2009, 6:53 PM GMTDo you actually mean art expedition or is that a typo?
Bugger for a second time! Thanks Zooo. 
Badge - I think the funny approach might work. There are quite a few funny bits in the TV programme. Good idea fella!
Letter reads well
Do also like the idea from Badge, quality!
Quote: bigfella @ March 23 2009, 6:54 PM GMTBugger for a second time! Thanks Zooo.
Heh!
It sounded quite fun.
Quote: bigfella @ March 23 2009, 6:23 PM GMTNow I'm lost
do you not talk down your nose with a cold? i.e... my becomes by
I've sat down with my artists and writers yearbook today and sent out loads of letters and emails.
The great news is that two agents have been in contact already, one emailed and one phoned.
Trying not to get excited because this is clearly at first base and I've still got most of the book to write.
And the bloody weight to lose!!!
But its hard not to get a bit excited, isn't it!
Yayyy!
Well done so far.
I like the sending out letters bit. Is fun.