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.

Query Letter:

Since you like romance, I think this might be right up your alley. Two broken hearts, and one sweet love story.

Dog groomer Penelope Cooper is happily single. The toilet seat is always down, and everything’s always where she left it. But her identical twin sister Paige thinks Penelope needs a little excitement. When she hears about the show Celebrity Proposal conducting a contest, Paige auditions as Penelope…and wins. Now, Penelope must play the game or her sister could face serious trouble.

Angus MacLachlan loved being Hollywood's hottest leading man until a bitter, high profile breakup with his agent—and subsequent bad behavior—soured audiences against him. Now he's got to charm everyone back into the theaters. What better way than a reality TV show where he supposedly falls in love? Instant image-fix and a great way to show the world he's back to being his charismatic, fun-loving self.

Penelope has no interest in Angus and the feeling is mutual; but ratings are ratings. Their on-screen fiery interactions leave the audience wanting more, and the producers seeing green. They’ve got twelve weeks of living together in a massive Montana lodge. And based on their interactions, the house isn’t big enough for the two of them.

LOVE IN REALITY is a complete Adult Contemporary Romance at 53K.