Success Story Interview - Becky Grace

An Interview with Becky Grace (beckygrace on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Mara Cobb of Lighthouse Literary.

07/16/2026

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

Becky Grace:
I was a middle school teacher for 20 years. My writing is inspired by all of the wonderful students I've had the joy of teaching. I want to write books that kids WANT to read, books with characters that they can see themselves in, and books that leave them feeling inspired, brave, empowered, and loved.

QT: How long have you been writing?

Becky Grace:
I've always considered myself a writer, starting with short stories and stage plays when I was a little girl. This was my first complete novel.

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

Becky Grace:
I started writing this book four years ago. Since then, it has undergone a number of revisions and several rounds of queries. Timing is everything.

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

Becky Grace:
I never felt like giving up entirely, but I certainly took a break for a while to focus on other things—more than once.

QT: Is this your first book?

Becky Grace:
Yes, but I already have four others complete now, as well as one in the drafting stage, and another in the brainstorming stage.

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Becky Grace:
In a manner of speaking, yes. I am a veteran middle school English teacher with a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. My writing training has been primarily academic.

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Becky Grace:
Not really. I steal moments when I can. It definitely ebbs and flows.

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

Becky Grace:
I'm not sure. A dozen maybe? After some feedback from an agent I met at a conference, I did a major rework, but there were lots of line-level edits along the way.

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Becky Grace:
I tried. I found it tough to find good beta readers for middle grade though.

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

Becky Grace:
I had a general idea of where I wanted it to go, but I mostly just let the story tell itself. In retrospect, that's probably why I had to spend some much time revising it!

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

Becky Grace:
I started querying this book as soon as I "finished" it, four years ago. There was some interest, but it just wasn't ready. I have a novel of another genre that I just started querying about six months ago. It has already received an offer of representation!

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

Becky Grace:
Honestly, I lost count.

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

Becky Grace:
I relied a lot on Manuscript Wish List and the wish lists on agencies' web pages. In the end, I signed with an agent I pitched to at a conference. I did my research beforehand. Her wish list was a great match, we genuinely connected, and the in-person pitch was successful.

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

Becky Grace:
My query letter evolved over time. I'll admit, the first attempts were pretty cringy. Now I try to tailor minimally, addressing agents' wish lists or interests, and then I use a general highly-polished template.

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

Becky Grace:
Don't only send out query letters. Get out there. Network. Meet people in person. And use all the feedback you're given to improve your writing.