Success Story Interview - Adrianne Karasek

An Interview with Adrianne Karasek (adr900 on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary Agency.

07/13/2023

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

Adrianne Karasek:
I wrote it as a historical romance, but we're pitching it more as historical with strong romantic elements. It's set in London during the Victorian era and is about maternal/fetal health, the beginning of neonatology, second chances, and a marriage in trouble

QT: How long have you been writing?

Adrianne Karasek:
Since forever, really. Like, even as a 3yo I dictated stories to my parents and babysitters. I've seriously pursued publication for the past 7 years, off/on

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

Adrianne Karasek:
A year and a half, from rough draft to signing with an agent

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

Adrianne Karasek:
Lots of times! I honestly think that in this era, especially post-2020, querying becomes borderline traumatic. It's certainly not good for a person's mental health, but that's how the industry works right now. I have wonderful CPs, betas, and a couple of non-writing friends who encourage me and keep me grounded. I've also taken year-long breaks when I needed to focus on other areas of my life. I've also explored self-publishing and may continue to do so as a hybrid writer.

QT: Is this your first book?

Adrianne Karasek:
Ha, no. Not even close. As best I can count, this is my seventh book written as an adult, the fourth I've queried. (I also wrote four 100k length novels as a teen and lots of short stories in middle school)

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Adrianne Karasek:
I have an associate's degree in journalism

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Adrianne Karasek:
At this point in my life, not really. I've found that some things that worked in a different stage of life don't work for me now. I'm learning to be flexible and give myself grace when things don't work out according to my plans. Right now I primarily write/edit at night and sometimes the weekends. I can usually draft a manuscript in 2-3 months but revising/editing can take up to a year.

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

Adrianne Karasek:
I queried draft 6

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Adrianne Karasek:
Absolutely. Couldn't do it without them

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

Adrianne Karasek:
I pantsed this one completely. Actually I wrote the rough draft in 14 days, during NaNoWriMo 2021

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

Adrianne Karasek:
Not long. I think a grand total of seven months from first query to last, but I took a three-month break in the middle.

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

Adrianne Karasek:
39 in total

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

Adrianne Karasek:
Agents that I'd heard positive things about, repped ideally two of the genres I enjoy writing in, and ones who were either experienced with a good sales record or newer agents who clearly had strong mentorship

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

Adrianne Karasek:
Not really. If there was something specific, I would, but for most I did not. Something specific would include, "I saw on twitter you love CALL THE MIDWIFE," or "my friend who is your new client speaks highly of you"

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

Adrianne Karasek:
There is a reason we call it the Query Trenches. Do not go it alone. Find a few trusted friends and celebrate, commiserate, and edit together. They will keep you grounded during a long road (one of my CPs calls it "the whole ugly journey.") Also, understand that querying post-2020 is extremely different than pre-covid. Take query advice from pre-2020 with a grain of salt (for reference, I queried in 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Very different experiences!).