By Rebecca Lawrence

I’m excited to spotlight one of my incredible authors, Sheri, whose novel The Seller of Secrets recently sold! In this interview, she shares valuable insights about her path to representation and the publishing process. Her journey is both inspiring and encouraging—especially for anyone navigating the query trenches.

The Road to Representation: How did you get here?

So Sheri, first off tell us about the book that just sold, THE SELLER OF SECRETS. What inspired you to write it? What are some tropes that readers should expect? What is your favorite part?

THE SELLER OF SECRETS is the story of a girl who sees her magical gift as both dangerous and a safeguard against the world around her. It comes out of my own experience of moving from the safety of my childhood home to the responsibility of adulthood. I wrote it for myself and for everyone else who has experienced that unsteadiness and fear when we realize how much power we have as individuals. We get to choose what to do with that power: hide it away, dominate other people, or, like Bell, use it to bring light and goodness to the world.

It's hard to choose a favorite part. But the most fun scenes for me to write are the Night Bazaar—the rich magic atmosphere there—and the ones in Bell's garden. I really want a garden shed made out of a magical vine!

Let’s rewind: When did you officially start querying THE SELLER OF SECRETS? Did you revise the book between each round of querying agents? Was THE SELLER OF SECRETS the first book you queried?

What a long process this was! I'm grateful for every step, though. I learned so much that prepared me for where I am now.

First, TSOS was the second novel I've completed and queried. My first book, a dark romantasy, was too complex for my skill set at the time. After receiving feedback, I shelved my first book and began work on THE SELLER OF SECRETS.

I officially began querying TSOS in Summer 2021. I submitted to a few agents and some small publishers. While I received only rejections that round, one of the publishers was kind enough to give me feedback. Again, the changes/problems they discussed were beyond my ability, and after some deliberation, I hired a developmental editor.

A note here: I'd always been afraid of hiring an editor. I couldn't afford to hire one with every book, so why do it with the first one? I didn't realize how much I would learn with that first edit and be able to apply to all my books going forward.

After that developmental edit was completed, I geared up for a second round of querying in 2023. I made a spreadsheet and made a list of 75–100 agents I thought would be interested before I began. I sent queries out in batches of 5–10, personalizing each query as much as possible.

The rejections began to roll in, but my determination only grew, and I recorded each one on my spreadsheet. Then I started to get some requests for full manuscripts. By the time you made an offer, I was just sending out the last of my batches. I had over 75 rejections (if I count the no replies), and I was rather proud of them, haha!

How long were you in the trenches before getting an offer of representation?

I tried off and on for about seven years, but 2021–2023 was the two-year period where I really doubled down.

Was there ever a moment you were about to give up—and what kept you going? (Chocolate and sheer spite are valid answers.)

Honestly, I'm really determined. I wasn't very afraid of rejections once I realized that hearing anything at all is a plus. The feedback I was getting made me realize my book was good enough—it just wasn't a good fit for anyone yet. I've rarely seriously considered giving up.

Did you do anything to level up your skills while querying?

Yes! I'm always doing this. I take writing courses and go to conferences when I can afford them, and read craft books. Maggie Stiefvater has a few incredible writing courses that have changed how I write stories. The Writer's Sanctuary also has taught me quite a bit. I was always working on a book or short story while querying too. I never put all my hopes in the book being sent out.

I know you have editorial experience. Can you talk about how that has contributed to your career as an author?

Yes, I'm a certified proofreader. I've enjoyed being part of the book-making process for other authors. It's a satisfying job to find all the little mistakes! While I'm sure none of my books will be typo free, I do think it helps me catch little errors without trying too hard.

Life is so busy. Is writing your escape? Does it ever become a chore?

Writing can be an escape, and a refreshing job. It can also feel like a chore when I'm stuck in a plot hole or can't figure out how a scene is supposed to feel.

If you could time travel back to day one of querying, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give past you?

Remember that rejections are a good thing. They are a normal part of the publishing process. No one can accept your book if you don't send it first.

Thank you so much Sheri for being willing to share your insights!

Please support her by subscribing to her own newsletter or connecting with her over her socials https://sheriyutzy.substack.com/p/how-i-got-my-literary-agent

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And of course, stayed tuned for a publication date for her upcoming book Seller Of Secrets!

The Merciful Crow: A Fresh Take in a Saturated Genre

A few days ago, my sister started telling me she had some Audible credits to use up—and immediately followed it with a rant about how all the audiobooks she’d chosen lately were disappointing.

“Jessica,” I said, “I’m a literary agent, for goodness’ sake. Ask me for recommendations.”

So I told her to read The Merciful Crow.

I read this duology a minute ago, but it’s stuck with me ever since. In a genre where originality is hard to come by, Margaret Owen delivers something that feels sharp, unique, and genuinely original. The worldbuilding is one of the book’s strongest points—clever, brutal, and layered. The magic system tied to caste and teeth is unlike anything I’ve seen before, and it’s introduced so organically that you’re never lost, just pulled deeper. (Really gave me that Brandon-Sanderson-worldbuilding-vibe.)

This book has the kind of pacing that inspires late night reading. Every scene drives the story forward, and the tension builds in a way that makes it nearly impossible to put down. And through it all, the heart of the story is Fie.

I love Fie. She’s fierce, practical, angry, compassionate—and most of all, real. She shoulders so much and still pushes forward with grit and integrity. You root for her from page one.

If you’re feeling burned out on YA fantasy, The Merciful Crow is the reset button you didn’t know you needed.

Blurb

A future chieftain. A hunted prince. A kingdom built on bones.

Fie has spent her life as part of the Crows, a caste of mercy-killers who are reviled for their role in disposing of the dead and tending to the sick. Born into a life of survival and duty, she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to protect her people. When the kingdom is struck by a deadly plague, it’s the Crows who step in to save those who would otherwise be abandoned—no matter the cost.

But Fie’s world is turned upside down when she’s thrust into a deadly game of politics and survival. A royal family’s betrayal leads to a dramatic escape, and Fie is forced to protect Prince Jasimir, the very heir who betrayed his family’s bloodline, alongside his volatile guard, Tavin. With ruthless enemies hot on their trail, Fie must navigate a world where nothing—and no one—is as it seems.

As the journey becomes darker and the stakes higher, Fie must decide if she’s willing to risk everything to change the future of her caste, her kingdom, and the people she’s sworn to protect. Caught between power-hungry royals, deadly secrets, and an ancient magic that runs through her veins, Fie is forced to make impossible choices that could either break or unite her world.

If you have a topic that you think I should write about or you want to write an article for us, email me at [email protected] with your bio and topic. We’re always looking for fresh perspectives.

Of course, authors or industry professionals if you want to write about something email me!

Authors, do you want to submit a book to us?

Check us out at the Booker Albert website.

Happy reading,
Rebecca Lawrence