Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Christine Drummond

Success Story Interview - Christine Drummond

An Interview with Christine Drummond (CMDrummond14 on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Sebastian Godwin of David Godwin Associates.

03/19/2025

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Christine Drummond:
Kingdom of the Owl is an adult fantasy romance that follows Addie Howell, a 26-year-old career-driven New Yorker whose anxiety and sleep hallucinations are spiraling out of control—until they trap her in a mystical realm where Druids wield magic and a deadly Scourge threatens everything. There, Addie is forced to confront a hidden past and powers she didn't know she had, while outrunning a diabolical queen and grappling with an undeniable, slow-burn romance.

This book was inspired by a close friend's real-life experiences with hypnagogic hallucinations. She sees fantastical things in her bedroom nightly (including owls and black smoke). When I heard her story, I asked myself, what if these visions were actually messages from another world? And thus, a fantasy novel was born.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Christine Drummond:
I've written short stories and poetry my whole life and had a brief career as a food writer in my twenties. I started writing this novel (my first) in autumn of 2023, and have since written 2 more books.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Christine Drummond:
18 months, with several rounds of revision to ensure it's the strongest version possible.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Christine Drummond:
When I was in the thick of querying and facing a lot of rejections with no real feedback, I felt discouraged. I think it's normal to consider what other options you have at this stage. But my close family and friends reminded me what I already knew: that tradituonal publishing is my dream and a long game. I'm so glad I listened to them and stayed the course, since it led me to find an agent who believes in my work.
QT: Is this your first book?: Christine Drummond:
Yes, this is my first full-length novel.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Christine Drummond:
Aside from a few creative writing classes in college and some seminars, no - I am self-taught through avid reading, craft books, and non-stop writing.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Christine Drummond:
As a mom with a part-time "day job," I have to schedule my writing time or it doesn't happen. Typically I write every day from 2 - 3:45 pm, and then edit at night. On Friday's I am off, so I try to get a longer writing session in. If I'm diligent, I can write 8-10K words a week like this, but it doesn't always happen.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Christine Drummond:
I've done a couple of rounds of revisions, incorporating feedback from beta readers, an editor, and now my agent to refine the manuscript for submission.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Christine Drummond:
Yes, I had a handful of fantasy beta readers that were invaluable to me!
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Christine Drummond:
When I started this book, I didn't know where it would lead so I was "pantsing" the first few chapters. Once I realized the idea had legs, I quickly mapped out the full book with a 3-act structure. Since then, I always outline. It helps keep me focused and ensure the story hits the right beats, but I always wind up deviating - that's often how I write my favorite scenes.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Christine Drummond:
KINGDOM is the first book I've queried. I sent a few queries in August of 2024, but realized the book wasn't where I wanted it to be, so I paused to work with an editor. I resumed querying in November, and signed with my agent at the beginning of March - so about four months in total.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Christine Drummond:
I sent out a little over a hundred queries, which might sound like a lot, but this is a competitive industry. I also evolved my submission package as I went, learning and refining along the way.
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Christine Drummond:
I relied on both QueryTracker and Manuscript Wishlist to identify agents looking for fantasy romance. From there, I looked at their websites and more detailed wishlists to see if my particular book would appeal to them. I also was looking for an agent with a strong track record of deals, or if a newer agent, an established agency behind them. Being a newer writer, I definitely cast a wide net and learned as I went.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Christine Drummond:
I had a base query letter that I started with for all agents. At a minimum, I tried to personalize the ending based on a commonality between my book and their wishlist. Some agents / agencies require more specific customization, though, and I often had to do that. It's important to follow those requirements closely - you don't want to get rejected over a technicality!
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Christine Drummond:
There are two things I learned that are critical:

First, do not start querying until your book is "ready." Find beta readers who don't know you (and therefore are not biased to be "nice") and will give you real, harsh feedback. Hire an editor if you have the means. Then, actually take their advice. It's difficult, but try to take a truly objective look at your work and see if it feels like a published novel that you'd enjoy reading. If not, keep working on it until it does. Same goes for your query letter. Get feedback and refine it until it's as strong as it can be.

Second: Rejection is incredibly difficult to deal with, especially if you are a newer writer who hasn't developed that thick skin yet. Be patient with yourself and give yourself grace, because there will be moments where this process feels painful. Remember your "why" for writing, and hold onto that. And don't be afraid to keep going in the face of rejection - I am so glad I didn't give in to self-doubt.
QT: Would you be willing to share your query with us?: Christine Drummond:
Absolutely, see below:

Success Story Interview - Christine Drummond

Query Letter: