Success Story Interview - H.B. Elliott

An Interview with H.B. Elliott (HBElliottAuthor on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Amanda Wooden of SBR Media.

11/09/2026

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

H.B. Elliott:
My book was a dark romantic comedy about a mortician that moonlights as a cleaner for the Irish mob, and a mob executioner that falls in love with her. Inspired by a scene in the movie John Wick, and my love for dark humor and the macabre.

QT: How long have you been writing?

H.B. Elliott:
Since I was 14.

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

H.B. Elliott:
Almost two years.

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

H.B. Elliott:
No. There were times I was stressed or had brief stages of writer's block, but I step away for a day or so and hop back into the story with strong coffee.

QT: Is this your first book?

H.B. Elliott:
No. This title was my fifth published novel.

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

H.B. Elliott:
No.

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

H.B. Elliott:
Yes. I have to balance my work with my home schedule. We have a full house. Six to seven hour days with writing, and then full time mama as soon as my babies get home.

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

H.B. Elliott:
There was only one full chapter re-write with Seven Graves and only because I felt like it was lacking a few minor things. The book had 3 drafts before final edits were made.

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

H.B. Elliott:
Yes. I had a full ARC team.

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

H.B. Elliott:
I work by notes, but I'm a total pantser. :)

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

H.B. Elliott:
A little over a year.

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

H.B. Elliott:
Over thirty.

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

H.B. Elliott:
I looked for agents that represented other authors in my genre.

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

H.B. Elliott:
Yes. I looked for their wish lists and their preferred style.

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

H.B. Elliott:
Don't get discouraged and be consistent. Never give up.