Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Tyler Pyka

Success Story Interview - Tyler Pyka

An Interview with Tyler Pyka (TylerPyka on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Frannie Dove of The Caldwell Agency.

05/05/2026

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Tyler Pyka:
Blood on the Mic, a Bride-of-Dracula retelling set in 1960s Motown-Era Detroit. Music, glam, vampires. In 2024 I watched Dreamgirls and Interview with the Vampire in the same week and had the idea to blend the two.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Tyler Pyka:
Officially? About six years. Unofficially since I was a kid.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Tyler Pyka:
Two years but I took a long break in between and picked it back up again with fervor last fall.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Tyler Pyka:
All the time. Imposter syndrome is very real. I only kept going because I'm stubborn and felt like I needed to prove a point to myself. Also, my mind would not stop torturing me with thoughts of this book - the only cure was to finish writing.
QT: Is this your first book?: Tyler Pyka:
It's my second. My first book was YA fantasy and I had found an agent. She left the industry and I was back at square one after trying to re-query for about six months. At the time I was still drafting Blood on the Mic and feeling really down. I took a break, came back fresh and churned out the last of my manuscript.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Tyler Pyka:
I try to. Usually I can carve an hour or two after work before life kicks in. I'm 70% consistent with it, and when I can't write I keep notes in my phone.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Tyler Pyka:
I make the terrible mistake of editing/polishing as I go. I honestly don't recommend it, but can't help it. It's the only way my brain will allow me to finish. First draft was pitched as YA but the feedback from agents during querying pushed me to lean more adult so I made edits and kept querying with a second.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Tyler Pyka:
No and I tried. After a while I just started holding my husband hostage as I read aloud to him.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Tyler Pyka:
Yes, and yes. I always make a rough outline but leave myself room to let my characters change as they please. They seem to have a mind of their own and kept me on my toes.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Tyler Pyka:
Started querying late October/early November 2025 with this manuscript.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Tyler Pyka:
An even 100. Which I find serendipitous because it makes the stats very easy for me to keep track of.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Tyler Pyka:
Do not give up. Take breaks, take all the breaks you need but never quit. The story only ends when you do. Also, give yourself all the grace in the world. This is a tough process. Preserve your mental health and focus on writing other books or keeping yourself busy. Just please, don't give up.