Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Cass Scotka

Success Story Interview - Cass Scotka

An Interview with Cass Scotka (Cass_Scotka on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Diego Harrison of SBR Media.

01/08/2026

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Cass Scotka:
Don't Puck With The Librarian is a contemporary hockey romance inspired by my love of hockey and writing romance novels. The book centers around a shy librarian who is paired up with a hockey player for a fundraiser and they both develop feelings for one another. The hockey player is given an option to move teams across the county and closer to his family and struggles with weighing the decision to stay or go. He'd love to closer to his parents and siblings, but also doesn't want to ask his new girlfriend to either have a long distance relationship or move three thousand miles from her home.

I've been an avid hockey fan since high school and also a reader of romance novels since that time, too. Combining these two passions together was so fun to write!
QT: How long have you been writing?: Cass Scotka:
I started writing sometime around 2010 when a reading slump made me ask, "What do you want to read? Why not write that book for yourself?"
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Cass Scotka:
I started this specific manuscript in January 2025.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Cass Scotka:
There's definitely ups and downs in this industry. There were times I contemplated stopping, but I love creating characters and seeing their worlds come to life too much to quit.
QT: Is this your first book?: Cass Scotka:
No, I've written five other books and three of those were published with my previous agent who left the industry.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Cass Scotka:
Not at all! I've always been a voracious reader, but have no training in the writing realm. Everything was learned through trial and error, joining writing groups, and becoming part of the author community.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Cass Scotka:
I don't follow a routine or schedule. I do try to make time to write each day, even if it's only for 10 minutes. However, there are times when I do take breaks to rest and refill my creative well.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Cass Scotka:
This book went through three edit round with the support of other author friends who critiqued and gave feedback.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Cass Scotka:
Yes, beta readers are wonderful to see if the vision I have in my head is the reality of what ended up on paper.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Cass Scotka:
I have a very light outline, but mostly I'm a pantser.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Cass Scotka:
I queried this book for about 7 months before receiving offers of representation. Previously, I queried the first novel I ever wrote for about a year, shelved it, and wrote something new, then queried that book for about a year and landed my previous agent. Changing agents was tough, but I truly feel it worked out for the best in the end. I'm thrilled to be working with Diego!
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Cass Scotka:
73 total
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Cass Scotka:
Foremost they needed to represent contemporary romance or I knew it would be an automatic rejection. I also looked for agents with experience and an established record. From there, I examined each agent to see what they shared about themselves on agency websites and if they felt like there would be a personality fit between us.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Cass Scotka:
Yes, I tried to tailor each query to highlight items they stated they wanted to see and how it tied into my manuscript.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Cass Scotka:
Don't give up! It's okay to shelve a book, write another one, and go back into the query trenches. It's also okay (and even normal!) to change agents in this industry. While it can feel disheartening at the time, you'll likely find someone who is an even better fit for you. But seriously, don't give up!!

Success Story Interview - Cass Scotka

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