In this episode novelist and short story writer Trey Dowell talks about breaking into traditional publishing, mastering the art of the query letter, and navigating rejection.
Trey shares his journey from telling stories as a kid, which his parents called “lying,” to becoming a published author with a major publisher. Along the way, he reveals the pivotal role the Santa Barbara Writers Conference played in his career, and how one moment of encouragement changed everything.
This conversation is packed with practical advice for writers trying to land an agent, refine their query letters, and move from writing in isolation to becoming part of a writing community.
✍️ In this episode
Lisa and Trey discuss:
• how Trey’s love of storytelling began long before he started writing seriously
• why many writers delay starting—and what finally pushes them to begin
• moving from writing privately to sharing work publicly
• the impact of attending the Santa Barbara Writers Conference
• overcoming imposter syndrome as a new writer
• the highs and lows of meeting with agents
• how Trey landed an agent—and eventually a deal with Simon & Schuster
• why not every agent’s opinion matters
• the art and importance of the query letter
• common mistakes writers make when querying agents
• how to research agents effectively before submitting
• why debut authors are actually attractive to agents
• differences between querying for novels vs. submitting short stories
• why writing conferences transform your writing life
🌟 Key Takeaways
Not every rejection matters
One agent’s “no” doesn’t define your work. Trey went from a crushing rejection to landing an agent, and a major publishing deal, shortly after.
Query letters are their own art form
Even a great novel won’t be read without a compelling query. Writers need to learn how to hook an agent in 250 words or less.
Research beats mass submissions
Sending out hundreds of generic queries is far less effective than targeting a small group of agents actively seeking your type of work.
Debut authors are valuable
You don’t need publishing credits to land an agent. In fact, agents often look for fresh, undiscovered voices.
Writing doesn’t have to be solitary
Attending conferences and connecting with other writers accelerates your growth and confidence.
🧠 Practical Advice for Writers
1. Send queries in small, targeted batches
Instead of blasting a hundred queries at once:
- send five carefully researched queries
- evaluate responses
- refine your approach before sending more
2. Do your research before querying
Before submitting to an agent:
- check what genres they represent
- confirm they’re open to submissions
- review recent deals via tools like Publishers Marketplace
3. Lead with your story—not your résumé
In fiction, agents care most about your story. Your bio comes second.
4. Don’t worry about being “new”
Trey emphasizes that agents often want debut authors—they’re looking for new voices.
5. Read what publications actually publish
For short story submissions:
- study literary magazines
- match your work to their style
- avoid blind submissions
🎯 Query Letter Insights
Trey highlights key elements of an effective query:
- a strong hook that grabs attention
- a concise, compelling summary of your story
- clear, engaging writing
- a short bio placed after the hook
He also stresses that:
If your query doesn’t work, your book may never get read.
📚 Memorable Story from the Episode
One of Trey’s most powerful moments came at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference:
- After feeling like an imposter, workshop instructor Matt Pallamary told him:
“Dude, you’re a good writer.” - That encouragement gave him the confidence to keep going
- A year later, after setbacks and rejection, he found an agent
- Soon after, Simon & Schuster picked up his novel
A reminder that belief, especially from others, change everything.
✨ Short Stories vs. Novels
Trey shares his perspective:
- Short stories: quicker to write, more frequent creative satisfaction
- Novels: longer process, but deeply rewarding to complete
“Nothing beats the feeling of typing ‘The End’ on a novel.”
🌍 Why Writing Conferences Matter
Trey emphasizes that conferences:
- help writers overcome isolation
- build lasting relationships
- create a sense of belonging
- accelerate learning through feedback
For writers outside the local area, he encourages taking the leap, even traveling long distances, because the experience feels transformative.
✨ Final Advice for Writers
Trey’s core advice is simple and powerful:
Sit down and write.
Sit down and read.
And:
Don’t fear stepping outside your comfort zone—your growth waits there.
👤 About Trey Dowell
Trey Dowell is a novelist and short story writer whose work has been traditionally published. He teaches query writing and fiction at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and works with writers to refine their craft and improve their chances of landing an agent.
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