Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Jeanine Lunsford

Success Story Interview - Jeanine Lunsford

An Interview with Jeanine Lunsford (Jeanine_Lunsford on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Katie Salvo of Metamorphosis Literary Agency.

03/28/2023

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Jeanine Lunsford:
My novel is Upmarket Historical Fiction. Set during the Cuban Revolution, my novel explores love, sacrifice, and social injustice.
The novel is inspired by my emotive empathy for the Cuban people who lost everything when they left their beloved homeland coupled with equal compassion for those who remained and have lost many of their freedoms.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Jeanine Lunsford:
Since I was twelve or thirteen.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Jeanine Lunsford:
After extensive research, it took six months to complete and another three or four months to edit.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Jeanine Lunsford:
Never wanted to give up. Honestly, I had an urgency to tell the story.
QT: Is this your first book?: Jeanine Lunsford:
No. I have written and independently published three books (a trilogy of Women's Inspirational Fiction with romantic elements).
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Jeanine Lunsford:
Other than a few online writing courses, none whatsoever.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Jeanine Lunsford:
I write best in the early mornings. When my drive dwindles, I stop.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Jeanine Lunsford:
Three drafts, several edits.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Jeanine Lunsford:
Yes. Beta readers and listeners.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Jeanine Lunsford:
A little bit of both. When I begin, I have three acts in mind, but no specifically plotted scenes. I let my characters take me on the journey that occurs between the three acts.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Jeanine Lunsford:
four to five weeks.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Jeanine Lunsford:
25
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Jeanine Lunsford:
I researched their accepted genres and wish lists. If it seemed to me that they would be interested in my novel, I queried.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Jeanine Lunsford:
When possible, I opened the query letter with a quote from their wish lists, e.g., "Because you like historical fiction with emotional, well-paced narratives ..."
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Jeanine Lunsford:
Don't stop until you find the right one.
QT: Would you be willing to share your query with us?: Jeanine Lunsford:
Sure :)

Success Story Interview - Jeanine Lunsford

Query Letter: