Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Erica M Chapman

Success Story Interview - Erica M Chapman

An Interview with Erica M Chapman (emcwriter on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Christa Heschke of McIntosh & Otis, Inc..

01/04/2014

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Erica M Chapman:
TEACH ME TO FORGET is a YA Dark Contemporary about a girl who wants to die and the boy who won't let her go. I was inspired to write it due to my experience losing my dad to suicide when I was a sixteen. I wanted to write a story about the repercussions of suicide and the choices we make or don't and how they affect those around us, but from the POV of the person actually wanting to die.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Erica M Chapman:
I've been writing fiction for about 7 years. I started writing it when I was unemployed one summer.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Erica M Chapman:
I started this one the fall of 2012.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Erica M Chapman:
Yes, many times. It's the nature of the publishing beast, I think. Having others around to encourage me helps me get through those times. My family and friends are my rocks. Also, I can't imagine not writing. I do it for me just as much as I do it for the potential readers ;o)
QT: Is this your first book?: Erica M Chapman:
I've written 7 books now. Only 2 are fit to see any eyes at this point though ;o)
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Erica M Chapman:
I was a journalism major in college and I've taken several creative writing courses. I've also been an editor at a publishing company.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Erica M Chapman:
I do try to write or revise every night. Whether that happens is another story... Oh, hello Twitter. Distractions happen often ;o)
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Erica M Chapman:
This MS has gone through 2 revisions so far.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Erica M Chapman:
Yes, an amazing group of people. I'm lucky to have some great critique partners and beta readers. They ALWAYS find things I don't even think of.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Erica M Chapman:
It was all pants all the way. I wish I could outline though, would make it a lot easier! I wrote the first draft for this MS in one week.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Erica M Chapman:
I queried this one for 3 months. Previously, it was about the same, 3 months.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Erica M Chapman:
I sent 27 out and had 3 referrals.
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Erica M Chapman:
I researched each one and made sure they liked darker subjects and accepted and liked other sub-genres I write.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Erica M Chapman:
Yes, every one. I think it's important to try and stand out in the midst of so many other queriers. I used Literary Rambles as a resource and of course, QueryTracker. I also googled each agent and checked out interviews and blog posts to find out their personalities and tastes.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Erica M Chapman:
A query's job is to get an agent to read more. It's a sales pitch for your book. Keep that in mind when writing them. Also, have confidence. If agents have a posted time that you can check in or "nudge" do it. Think of it as a business partnership. Have patience as hard as it is, and keep writing and stay positive ;o)
QT: Would you be willing to share your query with us?: Erica M Chapman:
Absolutely!

Success Story Interview - Erica M Chapman

Query Letter: