Hi Babydoe, and welcome to the board. It sounds like that literary agent is really a piece of work, eh. I'm sorry that he/she wasn't of more help about your book.

Good for you in writing one - that's hard work and quite an accomplishment.

I'm sorry I don't know anything about promotion of a book...

I do understand a bit about agoraphobia though - I have been/was agoraphobic for over 1 1/2 years. I do get out some now, but it took starting with really, (and I mean really), small steps everyday, until I was finally able to go to the gym down the street, which has become another 'safe place'. '

I then tried to build on the success of that, little by little. I am only now able to go to a dentist and a grocery store, and I was actually able to go out of state when the necessity became really great, and just yesterday downtown for a meeting, (although I was at all times 'accompanied' on these foreys except to the gym - I drive there).

I guess what I'm trying to demonstrate is that there is hope of recovery, although I have yet to have the anticipatory anxiety completely evaporate if/when I leave my 'safety zone'.

Can you go as far as a local bookstore? Maybe starting with stepping outside your front door, then the next day to the mailbox, etc.?

Have you looked into diaphrametic (sp?) breathing techniques and/or cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help with the panic?

Just some thots that come to mind. Again, welcome, and I hope you keep posting.

Best regards, Peanut

<font color=blue>HI FROM PEANUT</font color=blue>