Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Michael Winchell

Success Story Interview - Michael Winchell

An Interview with Michael Winchell (queryhater on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Brenda Bowen of The Book Group.

10/08/2010

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Michael Winchell:
It’s a middle-grade adventure with paranormal elements. I like to describe it as Goonies meets Cirque du Freak.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Michael Winchell:
My whole adult life, but I believe you mean “for publication.” Answer: about three years.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Michael Winchell:
Yes, there were many, many times I had that monster named Doubt creep in my mind and beg—no, demand—that I give up. My first book had me searching for rep for almost two years, and I had my cup runneth over in terms of rejection. What kept me going at that point was my wife and my mother, the most supportive people in the world. I decided, tough as it was, to retire my first book and start fresh. And once I got started on this book, it was like a cathartic experience where everything, and I mean everything, clicked into gear. All my lessons learned with book one guided me as I wrote, and then as I queried.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Michael Winchell:
Well, I am an English teacher and I suppose my many years of higher education can be considered formal writing training. However, being a junior high English teacher for eleven years is perhaps the best “training” a writer can get when it comes to middle grade and young adult. I’m around many authentic “characters” each day!
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Michael Winchell:
Not really. I am quite obsessive when it comes to something I am “in” to, writing and otherwise. So when I start a new project, I am all about getting it done, and getting it done right. I guess the closest thing I have to a routine would be to stay up late and write (I’m a true night owl). I like to use the mornings (summers and weekends) to re-read what I wrote the previous day. This gets me going, and puts me back in “that” place. Then I usually write at night into the early morning.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Michael Winchell:
For this book, I had three revisions. I tried to use feedback from agents, or plain rejections, as guidance. When an agent was kind enough to reject a full with specifics, I’d evaluate their advice and revise.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Michael Winchell:
I jot notes when I have ideas, but no formal outline. Those sparks that go off, at random times, are housed in my notebook that I keep with me at all times. When you get those sparks you have to quickly apply them to paper or else they’ll fizzle out and disappear. I mean, you know what happens when you apply sparks to paper, right?
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Michael Winchell:
Last book: almost 2 years (way too long).

This book: About two and a half months (big difference).
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Michael Winchell:
First book:
187 queries sent
3 requests for fulls
4 partials
157 rejections
the rest didn’t respond

This book:

118 queries sent
38 requests for fulls
15 partials
31 rejections
the rest didn’t respond
In the end I had 8 offers of representation.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Michael Winchell:
You know what, I realized it doesn’t matter with most agents. Sure, if an agent does an interview and mentions they need their ego boosted with a personalized line or two, I’d chuck it in there, but for most of them I just gave them the query. The best agents just want to hear about your great story.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Michael Winchell:
Seriously, there’s way too much to put here. The number one piece of advice is USE QUERY TRACKER! I can’t stress enough how amazing this site is, and how much it helped me. I will also have a post on my blog solely dedicated to Query Tracker, how I used it, and how it helped. Also, I realize how important it is to get some words of wisdom from someone who has been through the storm, and that’s why I started a blog. The first few posts are dedicated to my journey, especially my crazy week in which I received 8 offers, and I try to offer as much advice as I can.