Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Michelle Carstarphen

Success Story Interview - Michelle Carstarphen

An Interview with Michelle Carstarphen (MichelleCarstarphen on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Naomi Davis of BookEnds, LLC.

09/17/2026

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Michelle Carstarphen:
The book I queried was a Contemporary STEM romance. I originally wrote it while thinking of things on my lifelong bucket list. Which lead me to do a lot of research and daydreaming, and eventually I decided it would be the perfect idea for two of my characters to get to explore.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Michelle Carstarphen:
I started writing more seriously back in 2020, but have always loved writing ever since I was a child, where I would draft the most random fanfiction stories and send them to my grandmother, who would pay me for each story I sent her. I drafted my first romance novel in 2022.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Michelle Carstarphen:
I wrote the first draft of this story in early 2023.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Michelle Carstarphen:
There absolutely was. As much as I loved this story, it was one that really tested me as a writer, but I had the best beta readers and friends lifting me up. I gave myself time away from the story, but then went back to it more than once because my heart couldn't stop thinking of it.
QT: Is this your first book?: Michelle Carstarphen:
It is not. I had drafted several stories before this one, but knew was one I definitely wanted to use for querying again after parting ways with my first agent.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Michelle Carstarphen:
My only formal writing "training" is from classes I took in college.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Michelle Carstarphen:
I don't have a set schedule. But when school is in session, I am lucky enough to have that time to write. I tend to have breakfast, get other things in order, then force myself to do three writing sessions before the school day ends. Sometimes that's three twenty minute sessions and sometimes I let myself write until I need a break.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Michelle Carstarphen:
I did two "re-writes" along with at least three or four rounds of revisions (with beta feedback and personal) and I also did a couple rounds of self edits.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Michelle Carstarphen:
Yes.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Michelle Carstarphen:
I am a big outliner! I outline every story I write knowing it will change as I get to know the characters more. But I feel like I'm able to get in the best flow after I've created an outline.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Michelle Carstarphen:
I sent my first query for this book in January and received my first offer in mid-March.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Michelle Carstarphen:
About 20
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Michelle Carstarphen:
I based it on their client list, Wishlist, and if they were actively looking for something that aligned with my project and future projects.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Michelle Carstarphen:
I did for some, but not not most.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Michelle Carstarphen:
Do the work of looking into each agent you query. You don't have to personalize each letter, but it's fully worth making sure the agents you query are people you would want to work with. When the time comes to meet with offering agents, ask all the questions, and if something doesn't click, it's okay to keep looking.