Success Story Interview - Ronni Davis

An Interview with Ronni Davis (lilrongal on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Eric Smith of Neighborhood Literary.

04/16/2025

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

Ronni Davis:
I don't want to give too much away, but it's a YA contemporary romance! My inspiration came during my first semester of grad school. I was wanting to try writing new things, and struggling with a fantasy. I put that aside and started writing this one and it came so easily and was so much fun to work on. So I kept on with it!

QT: How long have you been writing?

Ronni Davis:
I've been writing since I was 11, but I've been making up stories much longer than that.

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

Ronni Davis:
I started in 2023, been working on it on and off over the years.

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

Ronni Davis:
This was my 3rd time querying! I jumped back into the trenches earlier this year when my agent had to leave agenting due to health. Going through this 3 times is not the thing. Do not recommend. I was OK until I got a pass from an agent I really wanted to work with. That's the first one (this time around) that stung, and I wanted to be done. But out of that came a newer, shinier query, so it worked out. But I've given up over and over. Something about that is freeing. And I know I can always come back.

QT: Is this your first book?

Ronni Davis:
Nope! I have 2 published novels, and an essay in an anthology!

QT: Do you have any formal writing training?

Ronni Davis:
I have an MFA in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults, plus I've taken loads of workshops. But I think a lot of it comes from just doing it.

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Ronni Davis:
My routine involves music and something to drink. Maybe a snack and/or some fruit. Sometimes, if I'm lucky enough, a cat. But I really don't have a routine, per se. I really just write when it strikes me—but I'm not in contract at the moment so I have that freedom. I get a bit more structured when I have a deadline.

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

Ronni Davis:
I did not outline this one until a friend and I worked on a synopsis to send to interested agents.

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

Ronni Davis:
I queried for two months with this one. For the other 2 agents, I queried for 10 months and 12 months, respectively.

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

Ronni Davis:
I sent exactly twenty!

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

Ronni Davis:
Among other criteria, I wanted them to have steady sales and good communication. Editorial is also very important to me. Most importantly, I wanted someone who gets my work and is excited to make it the best we can for submission. I wanted a partner, someone to be a team with.

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

Ronni Davis:
Always. I mention something about their MSWL or anything I see in their bio that we have in common. If they rep authors I enjoy, I mention how much I like the books.

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

Ronni Davis:
Find someone to commiserate with. I was invited to a community of querying writers and it was so validating to have people understand how much passes sting. The support there was unparalleled.