Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Louise Ingham

Success Story Interview - Louise Ingham

An Interview with Louise Ingham (LouiseIngham on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Natasha Mihell of The Rights Factory.

12/17/2025

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Louise Ingham:
My book is an adult, gothic fantasy fairytale reimagining. I was inspired to write it after reading the Grimm’s Fairy Tale book that my parents bought me for my birthday in 2022. I am a huge fan of anything scary, so it really piqued my interest. It’s filled with feminine rage and softness alike, and is my love letter to the strength of women and healing from trauma.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Louise Ingham:
I’ve been writing ever since I learnt how to! I’ve still got all these old stories I hand wrote when I was very little, and plenty of unfinished drafts still squirrelled away somewhere on my laptop.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Louise Ingham:
I started writing this book in 2022, and then took a long break from it. It’s been through 3 rounds of revisions now so it’s quite different from the first draft.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Louise Ingham:
I definitely find it tough to balance writing with work and life in general, but it’s something that I just love to do. It’s such a wonderful feeling to dive into a fantastical world all of your own making and spend time with your characters. So, I always just kept writing because I love to, even if I wasn’t sure the story would ever see the light of day.
QT: Is this your first book?: Louise Ingham:
I have written one other completed book, and I am currently working on 3 other WIPs.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Louise Ingham:
No, although I worked on college newspaper as an editor, wrote for my university newspaper and interned at a local newspaper. I’ve also volunteered as a copywriter for a charity. I’ve always loved writing and I’ve tried to do it as much as I can.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Louise Ingham:
I would love to say that I do, but unfortunately, I am quite a sporadic, mood writer! I prefer to write late at night in the dark with a candle and my favourite writing music blasting in my headphones.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Louise Ingham:
I revised it once myself, and then again after beta readers, and I then did a further revision with my agent.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Louise Ingham:
My mum! She was instrumental in getting my book in the shape it is today. My dad has also been amazing; he read the first book I ever wrote and still says how much he loves it. I also had three amazing friends who read it and gave me feedback. My lovely agent prepared some reader’s reports for me too, so I’m also very grateful to her and the Editorial Assistant’s at TRF for their thoughtful advice.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Louise Ingham:
I have learnt I should outline future books (and I am doing so going forwards!) This is something I’ve figured out for me personally, as I know many authors can write brilliant first drafts ‘from the hip’. I had a very rough outline for this book so it took quite a bit of work to revise. I do find pantsing very fun though, so maybe never say never…
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Louise Ingham:
I searched for agents who represented fantasy, and especially those who enjoyed the darker side of fantasy. My book delves into some horror elements and daker themes so I wanted someone who would appreciate this. Luckily, I found the perfect partner in Natasha for this! She loves horror and is constantly urging me to go deeper into my horror elements which I adore.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Louise Ingham:
I did. I would look at clients who they represented that I felt might be similar to me (in terms of the types of books they write) and I also looked at their MSWL to confirm how my book might fit what they were interested in. In my query with Natasha, I mentioned how I this book was inspired by my obsession with Skryim!
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Louise Ingham:
Even if you’re struggling, never give up. There might be a lot of rejection on your journey, but it truly does only take one yes and one agent who understands and loves your book as much as you do. If it’s the book of your heart, you’ll find an audience for it!