Success Story Interview - Amy de la Force

An Interview with Amy de la Force (amydelaforce on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Sarah Hornsley of Peters Fraser & Dunlop.

05/28/2024

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

Amy de la Force:
ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR is an adult historical novel set in 19th-century Italy. Inspired by a true story, it’s a gender-flipped, queer tale of a bisexual MC and her all-female art heist team. It’s fun, it’s feisty, and it’s the perfect blend of adventure and romance. I stumbled across the idea while in a research rabbit hole for my romantasy novel — and the concept stayed with me, to the point where I had to plot it out. I adore this story, and I hope future readers will too!

QT: How long have you been writing?

Amy de la Force:
I began in 2006, so 18 years now, but I only started taking my writing seriously in 2019 (after a charming bout of corporate burnout).

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

Amy de la Force:
I’ve been working on this novel for less than a year, but I definitely feel like it’s a craft culmination for me. I’ve learnt a lot about writing in the past five years, and I think it shows in this story.

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

Amy de la Force:
After querying my first novel, getting a full MS request from a *major* US agent and agency, and eventually receiving the big R. That said, I was lucky enough to receive personalised feedback, which really helped me in my next edit. In terms of staying on course: my husband, my writing critique group, and the fact that I physically can’t quit the writing life. It’s my calling.

QT: Is this your first book?

Amy de la Force:
This is my fifth novel.

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Amy de la Force:
I'm a Bachelor of Communications graduate who majored in journalism and minored in creative writing, and I completed Curtis Brown Creative’s selective novel-writing programme in 2020. I’ve also been working in digital marketing for over a decade, which has definitely honed my skills at communicating with purpose.

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Amy de la Force:
I start every day with coffee and morning pages, and my daily routine is writing then exercising before school pick-up, because parenting.

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

Amy de la Force:
I edited the first three chapters within an inch of their life, then edited as I wrote. It’s a slower process, but I find my quality (including that of my plot) is much higher than when I’m speed-drafting.

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Amy de la Force:
I’m lucky to have a brilliant writing critique group in my CBC course alumni, so they offered feedback on my initial chapters.

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

Amy de la Force:
Definitely outlined. I've pantsed once before and it was absolute chaos, never again!

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

Amy de la Force:
Not long — about 2 months? The previous novel I queried for longer, and that full MS went to some big agencies, but ultimately it needed a little more work (which I’ve since done).

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

Amy de la Force:
I had ten queries out, so I was really pleased with the outcome.

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

Amy de la Force:
A blend of expertise, sales performance, reputation, editorial notes and vibes, honestly. Sarah ticked every box, and on top of this, she represents one of my writing friends, who has had an absolute dream experience and is being published in 2025. Then I met her, and not only was she lovely, but her editorial notes were GOLD. So I signed!

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

Amy de la Force:
Yes, but not as much as the previous novel I queried, as things moved much faster the second time around.

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

Amy de la Force:
Don’t give up, especially if you get industry validation. Getting into CBC was my first step, and made me realise I might just be able to make this writing life work, and from there, my motivation and determination only increased. And enter competitions — you never know who’ll be reading your submission, and where your work might take you!