Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Elizabeth Anne Schwartz

Success Story Interview - Elizabeth Anne Schwartz

An Interview with Elizabeth Anne Schwartz (elizanneschwa on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Analia Cabello of Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

03/03/2025

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I queried one other middle grade novel before writing DEAR SAPPHO, the book that got me representation, and learned so much about the publishing industry from that experience. My second time around, I crafted my pitch before I even started working on a first draft. I wanted to write a book with a unique, interesting premise that would stand out in the slush pile, while still meeting industry standards--and of course, still following my heart and telling a story that was meaningful! My goal is to publish the queer middle grade novels I wish I'd had as a kid.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I've been writing for as long as I can remember. In elementary school, I won my first short story competition when I wrote a spooky story about a girl who finds a creepy old diary in the woods behind her house.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I started this book in mid-2024. The writing flew--it was so fun to write in my preteen narrator's sweet, spunky voice!
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I never felt like giving up, but I definitely felt disheartened many times over! Rejection is hard, but it helps to remember that writing is a competitive industry, and while skill is important, you also need perseverance and luck (the right project getting into the hands of the agent or editor who will fall in love with it). I've learned not to take rejection so personally, because finding the right fit is such an important part of the process.
QT: Is this your first book?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I've been writing books since I was thirteen. (Please don't ask to read those drafts--though they're still special to me and a testament to how far I've come!) This is my second middle grade manuscript and the first to get representation.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing from Purchase College, where I worked with talented, encouraging professors who helped me hone my skills.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I'm a night owl and usually write in the evenings. I try to write consistently, but also give myself breaks when needed.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I tend to write my first drafts extremely slowly and edit as I go, so by the time they're done, they read more like second drafts. Then I do a thorough edit of the whole manuscript.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I'm lucky to have writer friends from college who give me great feedback and encouragement. My family is very supportive and always cheering me on.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I started with a vague outline, then added more structure while writing, as I came to understood the story better.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I queried this book for about a month. I queried my previous book for several months before taking a break due to life circumstances (looking back, I wish I'd queried for longer and more widely--but I was new to the process and dealing with a lot in my personal life).
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I sent around 15 for my previous book and around 25 for my current book.
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I looked for agents who clearly stated that they were interested in representing queer middle grade, and who had a passion for children's literature.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I occasionally tailored my query letters with a personalized line or two. But most of the time, I submitted the same letter, and focused more on selecting agents whose manuscript wish lists matched my project.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
Don't give up! Learn about the publishing industry, hone your writing skills, and try not to take rejection personally. Then wait for your stars to align.
QT: Would you be willing to share your query with us?: Elizabeth Anne Schwartz:
I won't share my query letter just yet, as my book will hopefully go on submission later this year. But I will say that I kept it short and professional! I started with my pitch, and an opening line that I hoped would be eye-catching. Toward the end, I included my genre, audience, word count, and a comp title, as well as a short bio with my writing credentials.