Success Story Interview - Angelina Flood

An Interview with Angelina Flood (AFlood27 on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Juliana McBride of Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency.

06/22/2025

QT: How long have you been writing?

Angelina Flood:
I seriously started writing novels about 7 years ago, but I've been writing in one form or another since I was in middle school.

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

Angelina Flood:
I started this book in 2020, but it was a very different creature then. I put it away in mid-2020 because it was a hard time for me to be creative, then I had kids, so I didn't pick it back up until fall 2023. I tinkered with it a bit, then life got in the way. Then I picked it up again in April 2024 and couldn't stop. I wrote like a fiend through the spring, the summer, and into the fall. By the end of the year, it was with beta readers. It was very different from the 2020 version--I had about 80,000 words of that version when I picked it up in 2024, and only about three scenes of those original 80,000 words survived.

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

Angelina Flood:
All the time while querying! Querying is so, so, so hard emotionally. You doubt your talent, your skill--everything. What helped me was to step away and focus on things that weren't bookish for a couple months. A lot of people say to focus on another project, but I was just so burned out that I didn't have it in me. So a break was the right choice in my case.

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Angelina Flood:
I have a Bachelor's and a Master's in English, and I am an academic editor professionally.

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Angelina Flood:
Not really, but I do try to make some progress every day when I'm in the thick of writing. Even 500 words is still something. Especially when you're working full time and you're a parent!

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

Angelina Flood:
I've honestly lost count. 5? 8? More?

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Angelina Flood:
Yes! Their feedback as readers (not as critique partners) is invaluable in seeing holes and inconsistencies you might be blind to.

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

Angelina Flood:
Outline for sure. I like using a spreadsheet to keep track of scenes, beats, chapters, etc. I find it more malleable than the traditional bulletin board with sticky notes.

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

Angelina Flood:
I queried my first book about 6 months without luck, and I queried this one for 6 months.

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

Angelina Flood:
Over a hundred.

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

Angelina Flood:
I looked for agents who listed the subject matter of my book in their MSWL and whose tastes more broadly seemed to gravitate toward the tone/style of this book.

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

Angelina Flood:
Generally no. I didn't find that it made a difference really, but if something struck me about an agent's MSWL in particular, then I might try to work it into the opening paragraph. I did make sure to always check the submission instructions for each agent in case they wanted anything additional/different, and I made sure to follow those instructions if so.

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

Angelina Flood:
Querying is, for most, emotionally devastating. Remember that you're not alone. Also, so much of success in publishing has nothing to do with you or your skill as a writer. That helps, of course, but there is a lot to be said for luck. For landing on the right agent's desk on the right day when they were in the right mood. Keep reminding yourself that publishing is subjective. What ten others pass on, someone else might love. That said, if you're getting feedback in your rejections (which is itself a spot of luck!) and there seems to be a theme--listen to it. It's terrifying, but turning a critical eye on your work is necessary. Good luck!