Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Hannah Hickok

Success Story Interview - Hannah Hickok

An Interview with Hannah Hickok (writerlyone on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Haley Heidemann of William Morris Endeavor.

12/14/2023

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Hannah Hickok:
The book is a contemporary adult novel about a young woman in New York who falls for a guy only to learn that he is connected to a trauma from her past that she has kept hidden, and the fallout that ensues. I was inspired by my own time living in New York in my 20s, looking for love and creative fulfillment, and how strangely small and interconnected such a big city can feel.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Hannah Hickok:
On and off in various forms since I was a kid, then professionally in an editorial capacity in women's lifestyle media.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Hannah Hickok:
Five years
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Hannah Hickok:
Absolutely, I questioned this project when discouraged by endless revisions, seemingly insurmountable character/plot issues, and the inevitable rejections and negative feedback. It helped to seek community—including this forum and these success stories—and step away from the book when necessary. On days when I couldn't face writing, I would count reading or audiobooks as "working on the novel" with the idea that the more writing I consume, the better writer I become.
QT: Is this your first book?: Hannah Hickok:
Yep
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Hannah Hickok:
Nope
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Hannah Hickok:
No schedule, but I set benchmarks and track my progress in spreadsheets and with accountability buddies to ensure that I'm moving the needle. Having that record helps remind me that I'm not running in place even when it feels like it.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Hannah Hickok:
I'm on my fifth major revision.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Hannah Hickok:
Writing partners I met through Study Hall, plus trusted friends and family.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Hannah Hickok:
I first tried and failed from the hip, then ultimately used the Snowflake Method to organize my characters and plot. It wasn't the most fun exercise, but it was necessary to give structure and direction to my messy ideas and eliminate the dead ends.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Hannah Hickok:
I queried this book for six months.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Hannah Hickok:
I sent 23 before I decided to pause and revise based on agent feedback, one of which turned into an R&R/offer.
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Hannah Hickok:
I went for people who represent my book's genre, as well as authors and titles I admire. I ended up with a then-junior agent who was forwarded my query from a more established agent.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Hannah Hickok:
I aimed to tweak the opening paragraph with a line to reflect the agent's authors, titles and interests.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Hannah Hickok:
Try not to get sucked into defeatist thinking—trust that your ideal match is out there. When you're feeling down, take a break to wallow, then get back to focusing on your craft. If you do that, I think things are a lot likelier to fall into place.

Success Story Interview - Hannah Hickok

Query Letter: