From First Words, to Signed Agent in One Year

Jennifer wrote her first fiction in May 2025. Twelve months later, she had 18 requests, two offers of representation, and an agent. Her whole strategy: prepare relentlessly, and let go of the rest.

📚 8 Requests

🎉 2 Agent Offers

✍️ 2 Manuscripts Written, 1 Queried

⏱️ 1 Year from First Word to Signed

The Numbers:

The Backstory

Brand New to All of It

Jennifer started writing fiction in May 2025. She wrote two manuscripts and queried one.

“Everything was so new to me, I didn’t know what I didn’t know.”

— Jennifer R.

The Turning Point

Summer/Fall 2025: Finding Lauren's Content — and Suzy

Jennifer discovered Lauren's content in summer/fall 2025 and went on to work with developmental editor Suzy.

Asked what helped most, her answer was immediate:

"Working with my editor Suzy! But I also love the 'How I Got My Agent' panel."

A Mindset That Held Up Under Pressure

The advice that made the biggest difference wasn't a tactic — it was a frame:

"So much of the process is out of your control so focusing on preparing to the best of my ability was all I could do."

The Querying Journey

January – May 2026: Including One Heartbreak

Jennifer started querying on January 23, 2026, and got her first request a couple of weeks in.

Then came a moment most writers never hear about: a request for a call with an agent in late January — cancelled, and never rescheduled.

She kept going. A mid-March R&R came next; that agent didn't ultimately offer.

Then, in May: her first offer, followed by a second the very next week. She signed on May 20, 2026.

Including after-offer nudges, Jennifer totalled 18 requests and 2 offers.

What’s Next?

The Next Chapter

Jennifer is now represented by Tanera Simons at Greenstone Literary.

About Her Book

Fresh off a humiliating public breakup, a former reality star swears off commitment until a one-night hookup with a bar owner and tattoo artist dares her to choose between the vices that keep her numb and the kind of love she didn't think she deserved.

Jennifer's Advice for Querying Writers:

"Everything they say is true, so do your research and listen to the advice."
"Don't query too early. It's so easy to do, and most people do. Take your time and do it right!"
"Build a community, not just for critique but for support and hype too. I would be lost without mine!"
"Most rejections have nothing to do with your writing. The sooner you start thinking about it like a business and less like 'your art' the easier the rejections are."
"Start something new! I waited to do this, and wish I had sooner. Once I was able to let go a bit, things started moving."
"Don't give up! Everything can change overnight, and when you least expect it."