Andrea Estelle

X: @AndreaE_Writer

Instagram: @andrea_estelle_writer

Bluesky:@andrea-estelle.bsky.social

Agent: Nicky Lovick

Agency: WGM Talent

www.wgmtalent.com

Check out our #Agent121 page to book your own appointment.

Found her agent, Nicky Lovick from WGM Talent, following an Agent121.

“Elane and Sarah are forever part of my success story. They are professional, helpful and warm – they guided me to specific agents and encouraged me to keep persevering.”

As a child, Andrea promised herself she would write a novel and she has not let herself down. After being educated at Cambridge University, Andrea embarked on a teaching career in California before becoming a headteacher in the UK. Now, working as an educational consultant, supporting schools, Andrea loves carving out time to write.

IAIP: What was the inspiration behind the book that ended up securing you an agent?

AE: I started writing, in earnest, during the pandemic, embarking on an online writing course. One of their prompts, for a writing exercise, sparked an idea. That spark ignited another idea, and another, and another … and in a frantic, messy, haze of a weekend I carved out a plan for a novel. Suffice to say, the novel as it stands today is very far removed from its 2020 inauguration, but the kernel is still there.

IAIP: Was this the first book you attempted?

AE: Yes and no! Yes – as it is still from that same initial spark. However, my process has involved reaching out for feedback. Taking that on board, over the years, has meant that the original 20% has gone, the last 40% has gone too, so I am left with the middle 40% which, in itself, has morphed beyond recognition.

IAIP: How long did it take to write?

AE: That initial spark was November 2020, and I got my agent in February 2025.

IAIP: After you sent your submission to your current agent, Nicky Lovick, how long did it take until you signed on the dotted line?

AE: It was a whirlwind. I submitted on a Friday; she offered on the Monday (!). Two weeks later, after a flurry of activity between me and agents, I signed.

IAIP: What has happened since that offer of representation?

AE: My agent (the wonderful Nicky!) once again read my whole novel, this time editing it. I had a couple of very long Zoom sessions with her, worked on the edits and sent them back. She’s warned me that we may do this another couple of times, to get it in its best shape for submitting to publishing houses.

IAIP: You took part in a few #Agent121 sessions to help strengthen your pitch whilst querying. Do you believe that these helped you secure your agent deal? If so, in what ways did they help?

AE: Yes, because I listened to their advice. If something particularly resonated, I acted on it. Also, if there was a common thread of advice then I realised that needed listening to, as well. Possibly the game changer was opening the story in a slightly different place.

IAIP: What have you learned about the publishing industry since you started querying?

AE: Two harsh realities. First, your novel needs to grab the agent’s interest in its opening pages. Second, your novel needs to be marketable.

IAIP: What advice would you give to aspiring writers looking to get an agent?

AE: In my experience, it’s a cycle of working incredibly hard for a ridiculous amount of time, getting feedback that’s daunting and/or crushing, brushing yourself down and being resilient enough to set off on the work hard / receive feedback / be resilient cycle again, and again, and again.

IAIP: Do you have any tips on making the most of an #Agent121?

AE: Do your prep and have your questions ready, the time goes really quickly.