Success Story Interview - Shannon K. O’Brien

An Interview with Shannon K. O’Brien (SK_OBrien on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency.

11/18/2024

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
It’s a speculative romance/archaeological adventure based off real evidence of an older civilization (Atlantis) and prophecies by psychic Edgar Cayce. It was inspired by an old documentary hosted by Charlton Heston “Mysteries of the Sphinx” which I saw as a child and never forgot.

QT: How long have you been writing?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
Since I was a teenager and being I’m about to turn 40 . . . it’s been a while now!

QT: How long have you been working on this book?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
Almost 9 years.

QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
Yes. My last agency turned out to be extremely shady and seeing the success of my other writer friends, ones who signed with legit agencies, I absolutely wanted to give up. When I parted ways with my former agent I was going to try self-publishing, but thanks to my loyal friends and CPs, who convinced me to give Trad another try, I listened and here we are.

QT: Is this your first book?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
No, and I’ve written eleven since.

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
No. I’m entirely self-taught. I’m obsessive when it comes to learning the craft and the business, which is what I’ve been doing since 2008.

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
When drafting, I implement a 2,000 a day word goal. I don’t have hours to sit and write, but I do have 10 minutes here, 30 there, so I use them wisely and have yet to not make my 2k goal.

QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
Honestly? Probably close to 100.

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
Yes, I have betas and CPs.

QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
This book I didn’t outline. However, I now use a combination of Save the Cat’s beat sheet and Story Genius.

QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
Almost 4 months.

QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
I queried 102 agents, 40 ghosted/no response, 35 requested fulls, and 27 passed.

QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
Fit for the novel and me, sales, agency, and reputation.

QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
Yes, I did. I think it’s important for the agent/agents to know you did your homework so I made sure to list why, based off their “wants”, I thought my novel would be a good fit.

QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
This is a marathon, the entire business, not a sprint. Have patience. As long as you never give up, you’ll find success. And do not settle on a small agent from a no-name agency, even if they’re the only one to offer. Move on to the next novel and query again. No agent really is better than a bad agent/agency.

QT: Would you be willing to share your query with us?

Shannon K. O’Brien:
Absolutely! Below is the general template for my query. . .

Query Letter:

Dear (I use their first name),

After I amicably parted ways with my agent, I’m pursuing new representation. And, since you’re looking for (use specifics here), I think I may have just the manuscript.

What if Atlantis was real and proof lies hidden under one of the world’s most infamous monuments?

I’m excited to present SEEKING ATLANTIS (88,000 words), an adult high-concept commercial speculative romance with magical realism, NA crossover appeal, and series potential. This romance-filled archaeological adventure, based on factual accounts, brings a fresh take on the Atlantis theory. The spice is a delectable slow burn with just enough forbidden romance to keep readers turning the page, perfect for fans of The Mummy Returns, Indiana Jones, and Ashley Poston’s magical love stories, as well as those of Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Lindsey Sparks.

Archaeologist Katarina Hamilton believes the Atlantean Hall of Records is real. Located beneath Egypt’s Great Sphinx, the storehouse of knowledge and advanced technology could change history and mankind’s future. But since everyone thinks it’s a myth, she’ll do what any self-respecting professional would. Prove it.

The grandson of the dig’s benefactor, Eric Danbury, is an unwelcome “supervisor”. The last thing Kat needs is some jerk looking over her shoulder. He’s cocky, meddlesome and, perhaps worst of all, ridiculously handsome. Yet, when she and Eric accidentally touch, they share a vision of a past life twelve thousand years ago and a love that transcends time. The only problem: Kat’s heart belongs to another.

As if the dig isn’t complicated enough, Azrael, a group of radicals destroying ancient monuments, have their sights set on the Sphinx. In their hands, the technology inside the Hall could destroy humanity, leaving Kat to decide if the potential consequences are worth proving Atlantis was real or if it should remain a myth forever.

The novel stems from three facts:
1. In 1933 psychic Edgar Cayce said a Hall of Records rests below the left front paw of the Sphinx, containing artifacts and advanced technology from Atlantis.
2. In 1991 seismic surveys done at the Sphinx’s left front paw showed a 30x40-foot anomaly.
3. The Egyptian government has denied all attempts to excavate since the 1991 discovery.
I’m a disabled freelance editor who contracted Lyme’s at age ten, never recovered, then was diagnosed with the dreadful and irritating Fibromyalgia at age eleven, which I’ve been struggling with now for close to thirty years. I live in Albany, New York with my husband of twenty-three years. While I’m a debut author, I’ve written twelve novels, all with romance being front and center. Those novels include: commercial/high-concept, action/adventure, reimaginings, paranormal, and fantasy. I also have a YouTube channel with several thousand subscribers where I sing (mostly show tunes) and cook on my “good” days, though not simultaneously—that’d be plain bonkers.

I know from my former agent how busy your job is so your consideration is greatly appreciated. I also have two other polished manuscripts. One is a dual POV adult romantasy/Phantom of the Opera reimagining with NA crossover appeal and series potential (Phantom meets Beauty and the Beast and A Court of Thorns and Roses). The other is an adult standalone contemporary swept at sea survival romance with NA crossover appeal. I have queries and synopses for each if interested.

Even if it’s a pass, I genuinely look forward to hearing back from you. Thank you again for your time and consideration,

Shannon K. O’Brien