Kelsey Ketch recently signed with agent Bree Ogden at Martin Literary Management Thank you Kelsey for agreeing to this interview, and good luck with your book.

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

Kelsey Ketch: Sure. Death’s Island is a historical young adult novel set in early eighteen century. Meriden Cook’s troubles began a hundred years before, when her great grandfather stumbled into a mysterious world ruled by Death. Cutup Cook tries to shirk his commitment. For this act, Death wrecks the Plunderer, and places a curse upon his family’s bloodline--a curse that later caused the mysterious disappearance of Meriden’s father. She takes command of her father’s ship and journeys across the sea to solve her family secret.
It was my father who inspired my love of the sea and maritime history. After he died of cancer, Death’s Island was my way of coping with the loss.



QT: How long have you been writing?

KK: If you ask my mother, she’ll tell me I started in first grade, and she has the little books to prove it. I’ll tell you that I started writing just before my junior year of high school, the summer of 2003. So, for argument sake, seven years this July.



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

KK: Six years. Four years for research and to complete the story line. Two years of editing and continued research. A lot of research.



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

KK: Oh, yes. To be truthful, I thought I would never actually complete the manuscript. But, as I continued my journey into its pages, Death’s Island became my sanctuary. A place I could escape to when things were gloomy or dull. Even then, I still never thought I would finish. Then came the day where I did actually finish the manuscript. Boy, that hit me like a ton of bricks.

Also, my family and friends encouraged me to continue my writing. Even as I started querying and receiving rejections, they were my support team.



QT: Is this your first book?

KK: This is my first novel. I have written a few short stories throughout the years as well.



QT: Do you follow a writing "routine" or schedule?

KK: No, no. I can’t really schedule an exact time for my writing. I have to write when I’m feeling creative. That’s why I carry a journal with me everywhere I go. So, if I suddenly get an idea for my book, I can quickly jot it down and not lose it by the time I get home.



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

KK: Oh, boy. I had at most four editing sessions where I just sat down and read the book cover to cover, cutting and revising. Even so, as I was writing Death’s Island, I was continuously going back to individual chapters. Editing, re-writing, or even cutting them out completely.



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

KK: I write from the hip. I sometimes set up a basic plot line. Generally, I create a plot line using music, to create inspirational playlists for when I write. Otherwise, I write different sections as I’m inspired to.



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

KK: Well, I joined Querytracker.net in November 2009, but I’ve actually started querying in August 2009.



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

KK: I’ve sent out 199 queries (yes, 199 – that will put a smile on your face). The majority was returned as a rejection or no response. Actually, give me just one moment. Let me see if I can get you the actual numbers. Let’s see here. Ah, yes. Based on my Querytracker.net statistics, 193 queries were negative responses. And of the six submissions, five were negative responses as well. Well, as they say, ‘it only takes one.’



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

KK: “Never give up. Never surrender.” ~ Jason Nesmith, Galaxy Quest. Yes, I know. Interesting movie to be quoting from, but it’s true. You should never give up on your dreams. Just keep your head held high and send out those queries letters. You’ll come across the right agent when the time is right.



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

KK: Sorry, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. ; ).



QT: Ooo, mysterious. I like it.