Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews RJ Hawthorne

Success Story Interview - RJ Hawthorne

An Interview with RJ Hawthorne (rjhawthorne on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Alex Land of Mad Woman Literary Agency.

12/31/2025

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: RJ Hawthorne:
MURDER NIGHT AT HOTEL ADAIR is a slasher-horror with a sentient setting that explores the toxicity of friendships and the fear of being "outgrown" by your peers. It was inspired by a trip to YAllfest where I felt like the odd one out among my CPs because of where I was in my publishing journey. I realized horror was the perfect container for that specific brand of emotional vulnerability—plus, I really wanted to play with the Scream-franchise vibes and subvert the Final Girl trope.
QT: How long have you been writing?: RJ Hawthorne:
I had participated in November writing challenges since 2007, but only started seriously pursuing publishing in 2021. Since then, I've written and queried three books, started countless others, and found the right genre for me.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: RJ Hawthorne:
I started drafting MURDER NIGHT AT HOTEL ADAIR right after YAllfest 2024. Despite a three-month hiatus due to a grueling R&R on a previous project, the book essentially took about a year from first spark to signed offer.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: RJ Hawthorne:
Honestly, no. Not because it was easy, but because I went into traditional publishing knowing it would be a long game. Confidence in the work and a stubborn commitment to finishing the next book kept me moving forward.
QT: Is this your first book?: RJ Hawthorne:
MURDER NIGHT AT HOTEL ADAIR is my third. Book one was a 186k-word romantic fantasy that I had to butcher down to 110k just to learn how pacing works. Book two was a dystopian slasher that taught me how to pitch (and that I loved horror and the thrill of the hunt!). Book three is just the one that finally "lured" the agent in and gave me confidence in my brand as a writer.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: RJ Hawthorne:
I began my undergrad as an English major with lots of time spent in creative writing classes, but no formal degree since I switched to history halfway through. I do have a mentorship under my belt, and what I learned during that experience fundamentally changed my approach to craft.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: RJ Hawthorne:
If I'm deep in drafting or revising, I'm typically awake between 4am and 5am. Between projects and drafts, I usually find pockets of time to do something. But life with twins means I sometimes have to be pulled away to focus on being a good mom.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: RJ Hawthorne:
My process is very hard to nail down with numbers. I often edit and rewrite huge chunks during the 1st draft phase. So, my second draft is usually clean enough to give to my CPs. Once I get their feedback, I go back over it once or twice, and that's it. Because I'm a "pantser," most of the work is front loaded in early drafts.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: RJ Hawthorne:
I did not work with any beta readers for this book, only critique partners. That being said, I did have a few people do a positivity read while I was in the trenches, and that was absolutely lovely.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: RJ Hawthorne:
I have a basic Save the Cat outline in my mind for the first act, midpoint, and all is lost moment. But the rest is exploration!
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: RJ Hawthorne:
I sent my first query for my first book on January 18th, 2024. For my third book, I sent my first query on July 31, 2025. So, altogether, I was in the trenches for 682 days.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: RJ Hawthorne:
I sent around 100 queries for this book, mostly to agents who had requested my previous book, but also to new horror agents as well.
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: RJ Hawthorne:
I looked for agents who understood "elevated horror" and dark, toxic platonic dynamics. I specifically targeted agents who had seen my previous work and expressed interest, building a "brand" in the slush pile. But I also got a Publisher's Marketplace subscription to monitor sales and trends.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: RJ Hawthorne:
I only personalized queries if the agent had requested through a pitch event. Though, I don't think this makes a difference unless you're comping something very specific that the agent wants or has worked with.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: RJ Hawthorne:
Other than the typical "do your research"... Don't be too nice or lenient with yourself. Don't be patient. Be the most difficult thing in the inbox to ignore: a good book with something to say. No one is coming to save your manuscript but you—decide how much you want this and put in the work.
QT: Would you be willing to share your query with us?: RJ Hawthorne:
Absolutely! Please know that I broke some rules on purpose and there are always tweaks that could be made, but I am so thrilled with how it turned out.

Success Story Interview - RJ Hawthorne

Query Letter: