Success Story Interview - Holly Bowden

An Interview with Holly Bowden (Hb6wdy on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Nikki Carrero of The Rights Factory.

03/04/2026

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

Holly Bowden:
SONDER is a speculative fiction novel with romantic elements. It follows a discontent angel who falls in love with a human whilst possessing a body that is not her own. The species of the protagonist of this novel (a Sonderer) works as a symbol for neurodivergence. I wanted this decision to capture what it feels like when existing with a different brain. Similar on the outside, but with something compositionally different on the inside. Not wrong, just different. My aim was to provide a lens into the autistic experience, without it consuming the entire narrative. I was also just completely fascinated by the concept of 'Sonder’ itself (the profound realisation that every random person you see is living a life as complex and vivid as your own). The opportunities were endless, and I wanted to compose this captivating ideology into a story that explores the themes of identity and mortality, with a dash of emotional vulnerability and romance at its core.

QT: How long have you been writing?

Holly Bowden:
I know it sounds incredibly cliché, but I've been writing stories since I was very little, literally ever since I can remember. Though, despite my love for literature, I only started taking it seriously around three years ago.

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

Holly Bowden:
This particular book took me about a year in total. Two months to plan, four to five to actually write and the rest I spent editing furiously.

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

Holly Bowden:
Of course! This was my second time querying (different manuscripts), and both times I very nearly gave up. This time around, I was going to shelve SONDER after I had finished querying the remaining agents on my list. I’d had some interest but also an overwhelming amount of rejection. I eventually made the decision to wait to hear back from the remaining agents before moving on to my next project. Luckily for me, my dream agent was waiting amongst those I had yet to hear back from. I think remembering why you’re putting yourself through the querying process helped me a lot. I knew how much effort and time I had poured into the manuscript itself, so I believed I owed myself at least that much time and patience in finding the true champion for it.

QT: Is this your first book?

Holly Bowden:
No, this is actually my third. It is, however, my first adult novel. The other two were YA.

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Holly Bowden:
Nope. Apart from an A Level in English Literature (which hardly counts) and a short Curtis Brown Creative course after I’d finished SONDER, I don’t have any formal writing training or experience.

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

Holly Bowden:
I believe I did six drafts of SONDER before querying. Everyone edits differently. For me, I focus on one thing that needs changing per draft. For example, continuity, voice, beta feedback, etc.

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Holly Bowden:
I did. I had six beta readers who were crucial during the editing process. Their feedback was truly invaluable, and I will be forever grateful for their (very honest) critiques.

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

Holly Bowden:
For my first novel, I definitely wrote from the hip. I was a complete pantser. I had an idea of how I wanted the story to go and (sporadically) went from there. Since then, I have become a strict plotter (peculiar switch, I know). I now find an outline imperative to ensure my story stays on track, particularly as I do have a tendency to wander off course. Especially with character arcs. The Save the Cat beatsheet has been a lifesaver for me.

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

Holly Bowden:
For SONDER, I queried for (an exceptionally long) 5 months. With my first novel, I queried for around 8-9 months before landing a deal with a small publisher.

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

Holly Bowden:
I honestly dread to think. I believe it was somewhere around 90? But I ended up closing a fair number of those due to no responses.

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

Holly Bowden:
I certainly tried my best to. I think the only time I didn't add any specific personalisation was if the agent didn't have a manuscript wishlist to aid me. If their bio didn’t give anything away and they appeared to be open to all genres, that didn't really leave me with a lot to work with. So in those instances, I wouldn't specifically tailor them.

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

Holly Bowden:
Honestly, as trite as it sounds, just don't give up. Do not give in to the imposter syndrome, to the nagging voice in your head telling you that no one will like your work. That it will never find its home. There are thousands of agents out there; one of them will like your writing. It might not be this manuscript or the next, but it could be the one after that, and if you give up now, how will you ever know? Remember, it only takes one yes. Your perfect champion is out there!