Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Kym Dehoney

Success Story Interview - Kym Dehoney

An Interview with Kym Dehoney (Kdehoney on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Lauren Khan of FinePrint Literary Management.

09/09/2025

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Kym Dehoney:
OFF BOOK: A SHOWMANCE is a contemporary romance about ex-best friends who reunite at their alma mater to teach a summer performing arts program. Inspired by a scandalous bucket list, they revive a long forgotten dream of writing a musical together, bringing their second chance at love center stage. It was inspired by the time I spent doing musical theatre in college, I met many of my closest friends/chosen family through theatre, and I wanted this story to shine a light on the bonds that form through creative collaboration.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Kym Dehoney:
I'm a lifelong writer, but got serious about it in late high school, early college. I took a long break from writing after I graduated, and then got back into it in the summer of 2022.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Kym Dehoney:
Two years, almost exactly to the date!
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Kym Dehoney:
I certainly had ups and downs, but giving up was never an option for me. Boy, there were tough moments though. Imagining my book on shelves was a big motivator, but honestly, when I felt discouraged, I'd think about how much I love my characters, and how desperately I wanted their story to be told, and told right.
QT: Is this your first book?: Kym Dehoney:
This is my third book. I've also written a YA contemporary-fantasy, and a collection of poetry, but chose to shelve both of those projects.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Kym Dehoney:
I have an AA in creative writing, as well as a BA in theatre arts and minors in poetry and gender studies from California State University, Chico.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Kym Dehoney:
I'm a big night owl, so I often draft in the evenings, but I don't adhere to any strict schedules.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Kym Dehoney:
I had about ten drafts total. Some drafts were less drastic in re-writes than others, but I left no stone unturned before getting back into querying. All the agents I spoke with mentioned how clean my manuscript was, so while it was tedious work, all those drafts paid off in the end!
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Kym Dehoney:
I did! My beta readers where a huge part of getting this story to where it is today. I was really lucky to get such incredible feedback.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Kym Dehoney:
I spend a lot of time in the daydreaming/conceptualization phase, so I'm very much an outliner. Otherwise I'll forget things! I prefer a physical outline with sticky notes to digital ones. It's more visual to me, and I can add and remove scenes, bits, and bobs as I go.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Kym Dehoney:
I queried from August 2024 to January 2025 with no results. Then I worked with an editor on my pitch materials, which led me to discover a problem within the manuscript itself. I spent seven months doing major revisions, then began querying again in August of 2025. I queried for about two weeks before getting my first offer.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Kym Dehoney:
In my first (unsuccessful) round I sent 28, all with one version of my letter. In my second round, I used a revised letter, and only sent 5 queries before getting my first offer. I sent an additional 10 queries, received 4 more full requests, one of which turned into a second offer.
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Kym Dehoney:
Obviously, I double checked to be sure the agent repped my genre, but then I'd dig a little deeper into their MSWL to see if there were any specific elements they were looking for that aligned with my book. I tried to prioritize agents with higher response rates in my early rounds in the hopes that, even if it was a rejection, I might get some feedback I could use as I continued my querying journey.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Kym Dehoney:
If the agent had something in their MSWL that seemed like we'd be a good fit, I'd mention that in my opening paragraph. But most agent's inboxes are jam packed, and I know a lot of them only have time to skim, so I tried not to add too much extra fluff unless it was relevant.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Kym Dehoney:
Rejection always stings, but it's not always personal, so don't get too discouraged. Instead, with every rejection, ask yourself if there is something to be learned. Is there something you can do better next time? If yes, then it means you have an opportunity for growth. If no, and you've given it everything you have, then that agent just wasn't meant for you. And that's okay. But either way, every rejection is a stepping stone along the path to the "yes" that was meant to find you. Keep going. You got this.
QT: Would you be willing to share your query with us?: Kym Dehoney:
Absolutely! Reading other successful query letters was invaluable when I was composing mine. So I hope this can help others on their journey to representation:

Success Story Interview - Kym Dehoney

Query Letter: