Success Story Interview - Michelle Bulsiewicz

An Interview with Michelle Bulsiewicz (mbulsiewicz on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Erica Bauman of Aevitas Creative Management.

07/31/2025

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

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
It's a Victorian fantasy retelling of the Jane Fairfax story from Jane Austen's Emma.

QT: How long have you been writing?

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
Seriously as an adult for about ten years.

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

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
I wrote the first draft in fall of 2021.

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

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
Definitely. I just knew I had to keep writing so I might as well try to get published too.

QT: Is this your first book?

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
No my seventh.

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
I majored in journalism but in fiction writing I just picked it up from books and conferences and writing groups.

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
Since I had my first kid seven years ago I've been writing during naptimes, quiet times, TV times, and preschool.

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

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
At least five major revisions. With more to come!

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
Yes at least seven, over a few rounds.

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

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
I did some pre writing with the Story Genius method but didn't make a true outline.

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

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
Two years for this book. Five years total, with three books before this one.

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

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
Close to 50.

QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
Whether they repped my genre and seemed interested in the themes.

QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
Most of the time no.

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

Michelle Bulsiewicz:
Keep going, you never know when the one yes might show up.