Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Ellen Mulholland

Success Story Interview - Ellen Mulholland

An Interview with Ellen Mulholland (ellen911 on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Rebecca Angus of Howland Literary.

12/09/2024

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Ellen Mulholland:
My offer came for my middle grade fantasy, THE KEY TO FALLS TOOTH WOODS. It’s an eco-thriller where an adventure-thirsty girl sets out to prove she is over her fear of the woods. Until she learns they’re alive.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Ellen Mulholland:
I wrote my first novel draft more than 30 years ago but didn’t get serious until about ten years later.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Ellen Mulholland:
I worked on Falls Tooth during the past year.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Ellen Mulholland:
I’ve stayed true to my dream, but it’s been rough. After my first agent dropped me, I spent two years working on my writing and querying like crazy.
QT: Is this your first book?: Ellen Mulholland:
I’ve written about ten stories over the years.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Ellen Mulholland:
I’m a trained journalist but I’ve taken a few writing courses as well as one with author T.C. Boyle.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Ellen Mulholland:
I have the luxury of getting up early and writing for at least four hours every day. I like the routine, and I always have something to work on.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Ellen Mulholland:
Is a story ever not being edited?
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Ellen Mulholland:
I have several trusted critique partners and a few beta readers who offer feedback on all my stories.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Ellen Mulholland:
I am a true plotter! I outline enough to create a synopsis, then let the story flow as I get to know the characters and setting.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Ellen Mulholland:
I started querying Falls Tooth October 1, 2023 (I love that I could find out this data through QT’s amazing archive!)
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Ellen Mulholland:
For this particular book, I sent 42.
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Ellen Mulholland:
I do a ton of research for the agents I query. That includes: MSWL website, social media stalking, finding out agents for authors whose books comp mine, talking to other writers, Discord chats, and on and on… It’s a second job lol
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Ellen Mulholland:
In my experience, personalization isn’t so necessary. Agents are busy. I try to prune my query letters as much as possible. However, if there is something in particular that I think connects us, I will add a single opening line.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Ellen Mulholland:
DO. NOT. GIVE. UP. Also, don’t query until your story is publish-ready. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect, but it’s as perfect as you can make it right now. Do your research on agents and agencies. Remember, we’re all human; we make mistakes. But you want this agent to be someone you trust. Think of it like finding a partner. They can’t satisfy all your needs, but they should be someone you respect and one who elevates you.

Success Story Interview - Ellen Mulholland

Query Letter: