From "An Idea for a Story" to a Book Deal — On Her Very First Book
Lauren Moore came to us with a story idea and no draft in August 2024. She worked with one of our editors from start to finish, then another editor on a full developmental edit in May 2025, and signed with Ariele Freeman at UTA in March 2026.
✍️ Her First Book
👥 1 Editor for Book Coaching (August 2024 - April 2025), 1 Editor for a Full Developmental Edit (May 2025)
🎉 Signed with Ariele Freeman at UTA (March 2026)
The Highlights:
The Backstory
An Idea, and a Lot of Possible Directions
Lauren Moore didn't arrive with a polished manuscript. She arrived with a concept and the very common problem of not knowing which version of it to write.
"When I started working with my editor, I had an idea for a story but was overwhelmed by possible directions."
Already known to the writing community as @bookhuddle, she was making the leap from talking about books to writing one
Because she was already so busy running a hugely successful social media account and regular reading retreats, she was having trouble carving out the time and committing to writing a book. But it had always been her dream to write one. So she decided to take the leap and invest in herself, her writing education, and an accountability partner.
The Turning Point
Lauren Moore worked primarily with one editor as a book coach, from concept through a completed draft.
Here’s what she had to share about her coach:
Working With Two Editors
"Writing can be extremely vulnerable. My editor created a safe space where I could explore, question, and learn. I especially appreciate how she paired her years of industry experience with a genuine passion for stories. She thinks like a reader and an editor, which is extremely valuable."
She had a second editor do a full developmental edit once that draft was ready.
"My editor took my ideas seriously, gave me thoughtful feedback, and ultimately became a catalyst for my author journey. Now, I simply can't stop writing because I love this process so much. It feels so good to genuinely love my story."
What Her Editor Changed
"My editor has helped me become a better writer than I ever thought I could be. I want to work with her on every book I ever write—now and into the future."
On the Agency Experience
"I wouldn't have written this book if it wasn't for you and your agency. You've helped me become a better author faster than I ever could have on my own."
"Your agency gave me the confidence to take my dream of becoming an author seriously. I've dramatically improved as a writer and, even more importantly, fallen in love with my story. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
The Outcome
Lauren Moore signed with Ariele Freeman at UTA for her debut fantasy novel.
Follow Lauren Moore on Instagram: @bookhuddle