Success Story Interview - Amy Hillman

An Interview with Amy Hillman (Hilltop on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Mona Kanin of Mona Kanin Literary.

09/10/2026

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?

Amy Hillman:
I wrote a two different NF PBs about things that have recently made the news, the topics were totally in my wheelhouse. I also had pages ready for a middle grade manuscript.

QT: How long have you been writing?

Amy Hillman:
I started writing with the goal of becoming a traditionally published author in 2018. I did take a couple years off here and there to help an ill family member. But actively writing and querying= about 6 of those years.

QT: How long have you been working on this book?

Amy Hillman:
The specific nf pb came to me really easy. It was fun and the connection to the topic made this book write really quick- about 2 months from start to querying.

QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?

Amy Hillman:
I thought about giving up so many times. But the thought was fleeting because I've managed to surround myself with a great group of cps who walked with me when imposter syndrome reared its head.

QT: Is this your first book?

Amy Hillman:
I think this is about my 15th pb and my 4th mg novel.

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Amy Hillman:
I do not have any formal creative writing training outside of a class or two in college for fun. It was not my major.

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Amy Hillman:
I follow a routine when I can. Usually writing in the morning as time allows. It helped me to have time set aside to stay focused.

QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?

Amy Hillman:
This particular PB was pretty strong from the start. A CP read it, I made edits and that was it.

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Amy Hillman:
Yes-Cps and friends read it.

QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?

Amy Hillman:
I did the research ahead of time, but I already knew the topic so this was all very quick, again the whole book start to finish was about 2 months.

QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?

Amy Hillman:
I queried this book for about a 6 weeks.

QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?

Amy Hillman:
I sent out 17 queries for this project and had 3 full requests.

QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?

Amy Hillman:
I wanted an agent that rep'd pb to mg. Especially nonfiction pbs. I also wanted an agent that had sales in the areas I write.

QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?

Amy Hillman:
I made sure I used their name and spelled it correctly and a brief line "Querying you bc your mswl asked for..."

QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?

Amy Hillman:
Keep going, find your people, form writing groups, critique groups, and read in the genres you want to write.
Also, apply to all the mentorships you can.