Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Fabiana Munoz

Success Story Interview - Fabiana Munoz

An Interview with Fabiana Munoz (FabianaMunoz1 on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Vicky Weber of The Purcell Agency, LLC.

03/29/2024

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Fabiana Munoz:
BLOOD (working title) follows Catt, a girl whose fear can kill others. It’s an ability that doesn’t exist – not in the city of Auris, where only people with elemental powers are trafficked for servitude. But when Catt’s little sister is arrested and fated for execution, Catt must learn to forge her anxiety into a weapon and disguises herself as a socialite to save her sister’s life.

Catt was a character that lived in my mind since high school, inspired by characters I had seen in television experiencing anxiety, just like I was. I remember being impacted by Terra from Teen Titans when I was a kid and watching her struggle with her abilities and self-doubt.

Nearly a decade later, I asked myself what if your anxiety could spill past your own body? What if others could feel the pain of your own panic?
QT: How long have you been writing?: Fabiana Munoz:
I have concrete proof of when I wrote my first book (and I’m so glad my mom kept it)! I wrote it when I was seven years old, in 2nd grade. We had a school project to write a story and “bind” it. The best story from each grade would then be chosen to participate at a fun book event held at Books-a-Million.

I had always been a big reader, but my desire to become an author was born the moment I read my book out loud in front of my parents and a small audience at my favorite bookstore.

My 2nd grade book still exists, although my mom likes to hoard it and refuses to hand it over haha!
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Fabiana Munoz:
I started writing a prologue for BLOOD in 2018. I ultimately cut it, realizing it was the wrong entry point for the story, and didn’t try writing it again until 2020 when the pandemic hit.

It took 2 years to write the first draft!
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Fabiana Munoz:
I never once gave up on the dream of becoming a published author. But I did put it “on pause”. Work and life took me down a different path for a while, but I never let go of that goal.

When I turned 27, I decided I would keep writing and querying until it happened for me. Even if it took me multiple manuscripts and endless rejections.
QT: Is this your first book?: Fabiana Munoz:
BLOOD is the first (real) book I ever finished. I started writing other stories (like 5), but never reached the end.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Fabiana Munoz:
Other than my degree in Fashion Journalism, I don’t have specific writing training. But the best writing training I’ve ever gotten has always been from reading constantly.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Fabiana Munoz:
When I was working full time, I would wake up at 5 AM, drive to Panera Bread, and write until 9 AM, when I had to clock in for my job.

Now, I am extremely lucky to be a full-time writer and try to keep a general 10 AM – 5 PM schedule, 5 days a week.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Fabiana Munoz:
I signed with my agent on my 4th draft of this book. Vicky actually read the 3rd draft originally and countered with a Revise & Resubmit request. Her feedback was so helpful in leveling up my writing!
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Fabiana Munoz:
I didn’t use beta readers, but I do have 2 fantastic critique partners! They are two of my high school friends, and each gave me great feedback on my query letter, synopsis, and manuscript!
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Fabiana Munoz:
BLOOD was the book that taught me my writing process. I tried “pantsing” this novel at first (it went horribly, and I deleted everything).

After trial and error, I discovered I am a meticulous outliner. I follow a 3-act structure and prefer the “Save the Cat” method. My outlines tend to land around 15-20 pages.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Fabiana Munoz:
I sent out the first query for this book in July 2023. Vicky showed interest in my pitch for BLOOD during DVPit in October 2023. The Revise & Resubmit request came in January 2024. She offered me representation in March 2024! This was my first book I’ve ever queried.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Fabiana Munoz:
I sent out 114 queries for BLOOD!
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Fabiana Munoz:
I mostly checked to ensure each agent’s Manuscript Wishlist matched what I was submitting. I researched who represented some of my favorite authors (by checking the Acknowledgement section of books and skimming through Publisher’s Marketplace) and made sure to add them to my query list!
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Fabiana Munoz:
I personalized maybe 10% of the queries I sent out. Usually if it was for a pitch event or a particular agent I felt very strongly towards. I would add a single line in my intro paragraph calling out specific interests the agent mentioned on their MSWL and incorporated it into my query.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Fabiana Munoz:
Patience is key. Querying makes you question your writing skills and is a massive anxiety pit. Don’t let it break you! You are stronger than rejection, and your words matter.

Take your time finding the agent that believes whole-heartedly in your story. An agent is supposed to be your best partner and #1 cheerleader. While you’re waiting for that person to say yes, do something non-writing related to keep you from obsessively checking your inbox. (For me it was LARPing on the weekends).

Success Story Interview - Fabiana Munoz

Query Letter: