Success Story Interview - Claire Wells

An Interview with Claire Wells (CwellsAuthor on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Sandra Sawicka of Marjacq Scripts.

02/11/2026

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

Claire Wells:
It’s a horror romance with zombies.
I’d always wanted to write a zombie novel and actually saw a TikTok from a literary agent in which she discussed the industry’s desire for genre-blending stories.

QT: How long have you been writing?

Claire Wells:
I used to write a lot and then stopped for years. I started again during the COVID lockdown.

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

Claire Wells:
I started it in May 2025

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

Claire Wells:
I started writing and self-publishing just as a fun hobby. It quickly became a passion.
I never really thought about giving up because getting an agent wasn’t my primary goal. I just wanted to write stories people enjoyed.

QT: Is this your first book?

Claire Wells:
No. I have self published an urban fantasy, two thrillers, and three romance novels.
This will (hopefully) be my first traditionally published novel

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Claire Wells:
No

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Claire Wells:
Not at all. Some days I don’t write anything.
I feel that if I force it, the work isn’t as good

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

Claire Wells:
Too many! I edit and re-edit each chapter as I go - which I know isn’t how you’re “supposed to” do it.
But I like my first draft to be as polished as possible.
I actually deleted about 25000 words on my third pass and re-wrote the entire ending right before querying

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

Claire Wells:
I write from the hip for the most part. I usually have a general idea in my head but often don’t have anything set in stone until I get to it

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

Claire Wells:
I queried this book and got 4 full manuscript requests in 4 days. I then had 4 more full requests after I let agents know I’d had an offer of representation.
I signed with my agent within two weeks

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

Claire Wells:
33

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

Claire Wells:
I looked for agents specifically looking for horror. Even with the romance elements, I knew that only agents looking for horror would like the zombie aspects

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

Claire Wells:
I did not. I think if the pitch is good and the concept is strong, you don’t need to make things personal.

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

Claire Wells:
Work on your pitch. Do the research so you know what agents are looking for in terms of word count and make sure your query letter includes all the necessary details (relevant and recent comp titles, short synopsis, bio)

I think comp titles is where a lot of people go wrong. From what I’ve learned, they need to be within the last 5-ish years and not be huge sellers. For example, I would never comp Fourth Wing in fantasy. Instead, find something in the middle. Also, don’t go into too much detail with them. They agent should be able to understand the story/vibes just from the knowing the book.
I used this general format - It will appeal to readers who enjoy the enemies to lovers heat of {insert book}, alongside fast paced drama of {insert book}.

Also be sure to read submission guidelines for every agent because some have very different wants - like a blurb or a logline instead of a short synopsis.

My biggest tip: Check out Gina Denny on TikTok - she has so many incredible videos and often critiques query letters, which gave me some great insights into what not to do and how to approach it