Success Story Interview - Madison Cowsert

An Interview with Madison Cowsert (mdcowsert on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Amanda Carbonell of Belcastro Agency.

09/02/2025

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

Madison Cowsert:
My book, Moms Who Wine, is about 5 suburban women who meet every Thursday for a wine night and gossip about all the latest neighborhood drama. Until one night one of the 5 woman goes missing. Moms Who Wine is a domestic thriller about friendship, betrayal, and how far will women go to protect themselves.

QT: How long have you been writing?

Madison Cowsert:
I’ve been writing since middle school. However nothing to an extent like this. Few short stories here and there, however my ideas have always been there. I have a rather large imagination ha!

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

Madison Cowsert:
A year. However, I have been putting in crazy amount of hours so it feels a lot longer than that!

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

Madison Cowsert:
I had moments that were harder than others, but never giving up completely no.

QT: Is this your first book?

Madison Cowsert:
Yes

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Madison Cowsert:
No

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Madison Cowsert:
I always try to aim for realistic goals. For example, I tried setting word count goals every week depending on where I was within my journey. This allowed me to take days off if I needed a break, but it never felt like I was forcing myself to write a certain amount each day.

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

Madison Cowsert:
Twice

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Madison Cowsert:
Yes

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

Madison Cowsert:
I did kind of outline, I picked my characters and their traits before actually starting but the story itself came naturally

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

Madison Cowsert:
About 3 months

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

Madison Cowsert:
About 60, I blame my excitement ha!

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

Madison Cowsert:
Yes I always addressed my letter to who I was sending it to. Sometimes I’d also include projects they were working on in it as well if it was similar to my work or if they liked books I also enjoyed. Personal touches are definitely nice!

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

Madison Cowsert:
It only takes one yes, so don’t give up on yourself!