Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Isabelle Engel

Success Story Interview - Isabelle Engel

An Interview with Isabelle Engel (ig1234 on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Kendall Berdinsky of Dystel Goderich & Bourret LLC.

08/06/2024

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Isabelle Engel:
My book, LOVE ON THE RECORD, is a contemporary rom-com about an investigative journalist who goes undercover as a contestant on a hit reality dating show to write a killer exposé, only to discover that the new host is a flame from her past. I'm a big Bachelor fan and I always love the moments when the lead dances with a contestant to a live, private concert. I thought: What if they say "I love you" in that moment, but the person she really wants to say it to is the singer?
QT: How long have you been writing?: Isabelle Engel:
I've been writing since I was very little and I'd narrate my stories about horses to my lovely mother, who would write them down for me. I got very serious about romance writing in 2021 and never looked back!
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Isabelle Engel:
I started writing this book in March 2023 and finished a draft in the fall. I participated in the SmoochPit mentorship program in Winter 2023 and did several rounds of revisions before querying in early 2024!
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Isabelle Engel:
Yes! I queried a different book in 2023 and when it was clear that I'd have to shelve it, I had a moment of wanting to give up. But then I thought, What else would I be doing if I wasn't writing? I made sure to remember that I was writing, first and foremost, for me and because I love it, and tried to mentally put any external successes or failures to the back of my mind.
QT: Is this your first book?: Isabelle Engel:
No! I have previously written 3 other romance manuscripts.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Isabelle Engel:
I have a BA and MA in English literature and have taken creative writing classes during both programs. I have also participated in several online courses offered by The Shit No One Tells You About Writing podcast, which I highly recommend.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Isabelle Engel:
I did about 6 drafts of this book before querying, including one pretty hefty rewrite of almost half of it after the first draft.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Isabelle Engel:
A bit of both--I like to know the general outline of the book, and where I want the characters to end up, but I also like to be surprised along the way!
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Isabelle Engel:
I looked for agents who were interested in contemporary romance, romcoms, or romantic women's fiction. I also looked at each agent's manuscript wishlist to see if there were any specific aspects that aligned with my book, for example if they were specifically looking for a reality tv romance, or a book involving a musician.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Isabelle Engel:
I included each agent's name on queries. If there was a specific aspect on their wishlist that matched up with my book, I included that in the first paragraph. For example: "Per your interest in reality tv romcoms, I'm delighted to share..."
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Isabelle Engel:
When sending passes, a lot of agents say that publishing is "subjective." While this can be frustrating feedback to receive, it's also true. Unfortunately, at some stage in the process, there will be rejection--for everyone! And even though it's nearly impossible, try to remember that it really is not personal. You want the best advocate for your work, and that will be someone who falls as in love with it as you are (or pretty close)!

Success Story Interview - Isabelle Engel

Query Letter: