Success Story Interview - Lisa Rogers

An Interview with Lisa Rogers (lisarogers on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Albert Longden of Albert T. Longden Associates.

02/11/2009

QT: How long have you been writing?

Lisa Rogers:
I have enjoyed writing short stories and things like that most of my life but it has only been about the last two years that I was able to find the courage and time to attempt a full-length book with publication in mind.

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

Lisa Rogers:
It took me about a year to write it and probably about another six months to polish it, bite my nails, start the querying process, bite my nails, etc.

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

Lisa Rogers:
Oh definitely, but a few deep breaths and some encouraging words from my husband and a couple of close friends helped me to get the job done.

QT: Is this your first book?

Lisa Rogers:
Yes

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Lisa Rogers:
No

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Lisa Rogers:
I find that generally I do my best writing first thing in the morning. If I have a flow going, I continue as long as it holds out.

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

Lisa Rogers:
I am one of these crazy obsessive people, I constantly edited my work as I was writing it and I’m sure there are many more edits to come.

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Lisa Rogers:
Nothing professional or unbiased, and that is something that I hope to change before I complete the current book that I am working on.

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

Lisa Rogers:
From the hip.

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

Lisa Rogers:
Five months

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

Lisa Rogers:
160

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

Lisa Rogers:
They had to be reputable but other than that, I just made sure that they represented the genre of my book and that they were currently accepting queries through e-mail

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

Lisa Rogers:
Other than addressing it to a specific agent not really.

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

Lisa Rogers:
Never give up!!!

Query Letter:

Dear Agent

According to the Gallup poll and to The Associated Press poll one third of Americans admit to believing in ghosts. Considering the rising popularity of television programs that delve into the realm of the paranormal, and more specifically into the mysteries of ghosts one could conclude that many more are at least intrigued with the idea of ghosts, even if they are not yet ready to be counted among the believers.

Through the pages of Our Para Normal Lives, the reader will take a chronological journey of discovery as they peer into our reality of living in a haunted house. As these encounters unfold, they will meet the many entities that have resided with us in our home. They will also learn of the sometimes-humorous journey of two skeptics, my husband, and son, who after many years of denying the existence of ghosts have had to come to terms with the fact that ghosts do indeed exist.

Through these true stories, the readers will gain exposure to some new theories about ghosts as well as revisit some of the old. They will examine the popular trend of trying to prove the existence of ghosts through modern technology such as digital voice recorders, EMF detectors, and digital cameras.

Being sensitive to the presence of ghosts from an early age and living in a haunted house for the last twenty-four years has instilled in me a desire to learn more about their existence. That aspiration led me to study under well-known clairvoyants Carroll Heath and Ken Fugate who were featured on Sci-Fi’s Ghost Hunters series and are included in Our Para Normal Lives.

Our Para Normal Lives is complete at 46,000 words, and includes 19 photos. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Lisa Rogers