Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Elizabeth McCay

Success Story Interview - Elizabeth McCay

An Interview with Elizabeth McCay (ejmccay on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Tina Schwartz of The Purcell Agency, LLC.

08/11/2017

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Elizabeth McCay:
The book is called ‘Love in Reality’. It’s an Adult Clean Contemporary Romance. I like light, fun reads, and I wanted to write one. It came to me while I was in the process of writing a YA series. When I finished the YA, I started on it. The query tells more about the novel.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Elizabeth McCay:
Off and on until 2016, and then full time after I self-published my first book in April 2016.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Elizabeth McCay:
I started it June 6, 2017.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Elizabeth McCay:
No, not really. I love to write.
QT: Is this your first book?: Elizabeth McCay:
No, I self published three last year, and I’m working on my sixth novel for this year.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Elizabeth McCay:
No, not at all, but I have learned by being a reader and paying attention to the critiques I’ve received.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Elizabeth McCay:
No, I just approach it like a job. I write everyday.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Elizabeth McCay:
I wouldn’t call it rewrite, more like, I took the critiques given and fixed the problem areas.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Elizabeth McCay:
Yes, several. I’m grateful for them.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Elizabeth McCay:
I am a pantser. I’ve found any other way doesn’t work for me. It makes my stories dry.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Elizabeth McCay:
Uh, not super long.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Elizabeth McCay:
Seven.
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Elizabeth McCay:
I based it on comments given in query tracker.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Elizabeth McCay:
Yes, name, and requested first five or ten pages.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Elizabeth McCay:
Don’t let the process determine your value as a person or a writer.
QT: Would you be willing to share your query with us?: Elizabeth McCay:
This is my basic letter. Of course, I addressed to each individual agent, and tweaked the first line based on how formal I thought I should be.

Success Story Interview - Elizabeth McCay

Query Letter: