Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Catherine Schaff-Stump

Success Story Interview - Catherine Schaff-Stump

An Interview with Catherine Schaff-Stump (cathschaffstump on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Mary C. Moore of Aevitas Creative Management.

06/15/2016

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
The book I found representation for was The Vessel of Ra. It is a historical fantasy about demon-binding sisters fighting for control over their family in 1837 Venice and England. I love books like Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, so I decided to write a book like that. A writing mentor calls it Shirley Jackson writes Jane Austen.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
I wrote my first novel when I was 14. We won't talk about that novel. I have been actively seeking representation and taking my writing seriously since 2007.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
I began this book in 2014 and finished it in spring, 2015. Of course, there will be edits!
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
Of course there were times I wanted to give up. I think that's pretty common for writers, because we get a lot of rejection. I would remind myself often that I was writing to tell characters' stories and to enjoy my writing. I already have a day job, so I wanted writing to be an expression of my creativity that I could share with others. When I felt like no one was paying attention, I reminded myself that I was writing for myself, to make myself happier. I also have an incredible network of support: other writers, readers, family and friends who always reminded me that nothing was as bleak as I thought it was.
QT: Is this your first book?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
No, and I think that's important. You're going to write some bad novels as you learn how to write novels. This is my 8th novel.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
I have a year of writing workshops at the MA level. Then I changed my major to something more employable!
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
I am a professor with a fairly flexible schedule. I block out my entire week and chart my writing time during that week. Usually I go to a coffee shop to write. Home can be very distracting for me. If I work somewhere else, it feels like I'm going to work. I am trying to average 2000 words a day at this point. Some days it's more, some days less.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
This book went through 5 rewrites.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
Yes. I have writer readers and reader readers. Both kinds of readers give me very different feedback.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
Both. I usually start with an outline and go along until a character surprises me. Then I regroup with a new outline. Lather, rinse, repeat.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
I have been querying for this book for a little under a year. I have been querying a variety of novels and short fiction since 2007.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
I sent out around 50 queries before this happened.
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
The agent had to represent the genre of the current book. Also, I looked for agents that represent YA and MG as well as fantasy, as I write books in those areas.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
If I have met the agent, I will mention it. If I have read in Writer's Digest that I know they are looking for clients, I will mention it. If I know one of their clients, I might congratulate them on the book that I read and liked.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Catherine Schaff-Stump:
It's going to take a while. Don't take no or silence personally. Be persistent. Honestly, it might not happen, but it can't happen if you quit. And remember, the story is the thing.

Success Story Interview - Catherine Schaff-Stump

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