Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews CJ Vick

Success Story Interview - CJ Vick

An Interview with CJ Vick (CJVickWrites on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Alex Brown of Mad Woman Literary Agency.

08/14/2024

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: CJ Vick:
This book is a middle grade horror adventure, inspired by a local Appalachian ghost story from the small Tennessee town my husband grew up in. It centers around a twelve-year-old boy, Casey, who recently lost his father and has struggled to connect with the living ever since. In an effort to stop isolating from his best friends, he agrees to a forbidden ghost hunt in a local cemetery where things go very much awry! Together the kids take on ancient ghosts, buried history, and an alternate version of their town that's straight out of their nightmares. At the heart of the story, though, is the question of how will you let grief shape you? And how can you learn to let others in, even when you don't know how to ask for help?
QT: How long have you been writing?: CJ Vick:
Like most writers, I've been dabbling since I could hold a pen. I started out mostly with poetry (fun fact: my mom actually got called into school when I was eight, as I was accused of plagiarism. My teacher didn't believe an eight-year-old could write the poem that I did. Lovely.) Then I started a YA dystopian novel about ten years ago, paused to have three kids, and finally picked it up again at the beginning of 2024. I queried that one first (it was NOT ready), but this book, my second novel, is the one that got me agented.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: CJ Vick:
I worked on this book for around 3 months, with two hefty rewrites in there. I'm blessed with fast drafting skills and even faster beta readers!
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: CJ Vick:
Not really. I knew statistically that querying was a marathon and not a sprint, and that it was unlikely that my first (or even my second) book would land me an agent. But on the days that I really felt down about the rejections rolling in, and there were plenty of those days, I took a step back and gave myself a break from sending out more queries. Writing is funny where your mood can influence so much of how you feel about your work - one day you love what you've created, the next you loathe it. I learned to hold on during those rough days, and not make any drastic changes until I'd sat with them a while. Soon enough, you'll see the light again!
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: CJ Vick:
I don't. I took some playwriting workshops when I lived in London, but that's it. I do swear by being well read in craft books, though.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: CJ Vick:
I try to get 1000 words in in the morning before my kiddos get up. Then I try to get a few more words in in the evening when everyone's settled down. The weekends sometimes allow for me to work a little extra too.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: CJ Vick:
Two substantial rewrites and counting! Plus multiple drafts/passes in between those rewrites. Overall, I'd say 10-15 times through at least.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: CJ Vick:
I did! I had about 5 beta readers, one fabulous CP who's my lifeline, and one developmental editor (I was lucky enough to be selected for a full manuscript critique giveaway - total game changer). I also had multiple eyes on my query package.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: CJ Vick:
This one I rewrote from the hip. Never again! I believe this is why the rewrites came into play - I had to reverse outline and it highlighted a lot of structural/plot problems that could have been avoided. For my next book, I've spent almost two weeks working on the outline.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: CJ Vick:
This book I queried for technically two months, although I only sent two queries at the start (to #joypit agent likes). My agent actually requested the full in less than two hours! However, the awesome developmental editor I mentioned earlier actually convinced me to wait to send the full, and tackle those plot issues first. Those rewrites took me about three weeks (and my agent was very patient and open to my delaying sending the full, another massive green flag for me!). After that was finished I sent out the rest of my queries, a process that began only about a month before the very first agent I queried offered!
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: CJ Vick:
54 queries total
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: CJ Vick:
They had to be open to middle grade and adult, with an eye for horror but also heartfelt stories. I enjoy writing in both age categories, and horror is my favorite genre to create in, but I do like to lace my stories with redemptive arcs and themes of healing. I also very much wanted an editorial agent, someone to work alongside, to create the best work that we possibly could together, and I'm thrilled to say I found that in my agent.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: CJ Vick:
Only if there was something specific to say. If they liked a twitter pitch I mentioned that, or if there was something in their MSWL that fit my book perfectly I popped that in the letter. Other than that though, I didn't. 4 out of my 5 full requests came from non-personalized queries, I think.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: CJ Vick:
Take your time. Try your best to enjoy the process, and don't be so desperate for representation that you settle. It's true that it only takes one yes, BUT make sure it's the right yes for you and your work!

Success Story Interview - CJ Vick

Query Letter: