Success Story Interview - Samantha Ryan

An Interview with Samantha Ryan (Bishop_Ryan on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Jared Johnson of Olswanger Literary.

03/13/2025

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

Samantha Ryan:
My manuscript is titled "Felt" - it follows the unraveling of the marriage of Marion and Alexander Ransom, creators of the puppet show "Fabricadabra" during Austin City Comic Con after Alexander comes out to his wife in an elevator on Day 1. The inspiration came from my experience both as a queer person and also as an avid con attendee. I love comic cons and comic con culture, which really celebrates diversity and provides found family for so many with various identities.

QT: How long have you been writing?

Samantha Ryan:
I went to college for Creative Writing and wrote my first novel between high school and college. Unfortunately, after graduation, I gave up my dream of becoming a writer for over ten years and only recently have committed to pursuing writing as a career.

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

Samantha Ryan:
The book only took around two months for me to draft and then revisions and querying total was roughly 8-9 months.

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

Samantha Ryan:
I constantly feel like quitting, unfortunately. The depth of the query trenches is easy to get lost in and with each project it felt more unobtainable. I had told myself that if I didn't get an agent with this book, I would likely step back and reassess my work with a potentially different plan to move forward.

QT: Is this your first book?

Samantha Ryan:
FELT is not my first book. I wrote several books when I first started writing just trying to understand how to write and rewrite. This is my fourth project that I've seriously queried. Two of those other projects found homes with small presses, but for this project, I really wanted to pursue representation.

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Samantha Ryan:
I have a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature from the University of Tulsa.

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Samantha Ryan:
I don't - I try to set word goals by week, but don't keep too strict to my own guidelines.

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

Samantha Ryan:
I don't write in order, so a complete draft really happens when all pieces are finished in my mind. This book had a few rewrites in the end sequence once it was all said and done.

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Samantha Ryan:
Yes, I have a core group that I often use and then I also used sensitivity readers within the queer community for both Marion and Alexander's respective identities.

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

Samantha Ryan:
I am a full pantser. The idea is usually there from start to finish and then I build around it as we go.

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

Samantha Ryan:
This is my fourth book to query. My first book I shelved and the other two landed with small presses. This book has been in the query trenches for a few months.

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

Samantha Ryan:
Around 40-45.

QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?

Samantha Ryan:
As a queer writer, it was important to me to look for agencies where support of the queer community was part of their vision for their manuscripts.

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

Samantha Ryan:
I always try to - if you see something on their MSWL or use a certain phrase for what they are looking for, it's always good to include why you think this story fits in their search.

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

Samantha Ryan:
Keep going - querying can be very discouraging, but every time you find ways to get better and better. Take breaks as needed and receive those "no"s as "not yet".