Success Story Interview - GC Patterson

An Interview with GC Patterson (GeorgiaBCP on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Tommy Dean of Rosecliff Literary.

06/10/2026

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?

GC Patterson:
I suffer from sleep paralysis, so I write a thriller about it!

QT: How long have you been writing?

GC Patterson:
On and off my whole life. But seriously for about 5 years

QT: How long have you been working on this book?

GC Patterson:
4 years

QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?

GC Patterson:
No not really, I was very passionate about this project.

QT: Is this your first book?

GC Patterson:
yes!

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

GC Patterson:
No

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

GC Patterson:
No

QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?

GC Patterson:
It’s hard to quantify because my edits were not formal it was just rewriting each chapter over and over. My guess is there was probably 5 distinct versions of the manuscript

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

GC Patterson:
Yes, two.

QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?

GC Patterson:
I wrote from the hip, and I learned that next time I really need an outline

QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?

GC Patterson:
I, like many other authors, started querying way too soon in March of 2025. I realized it was too soon, went through professional and self guided edits. And started requerying around February of 2026.

QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?

GC Patterson:
After the book was actually ready, probably around 20.

QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?

GC Patterson:
I combed through every bit of information I could find on each agent. Wishlist, social media, websites, other books, and used all of that information to determine if I thought they were a good fit.

QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?

GC Patterson:
Yes, I used a line in the beginning “I believe this book would appeal to you because of your interest in [xyz]” and I used direct verbiage from somewhere in their digital footprint on why it was a good fit.

QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?

GC Patterson:
Keep going! It seriously only takes one yes. And download X, so many pitch events happen there that you are missing out on.