life as a writer with a literary agent ✨🖋️ going on submission, 2025 plans + Q&A

[@christy-anne-jones]

Project tea cup is officially on submission to editors at the publishing houses!!! This is very scary!! I didn't even vlog the process of draft 7 (which I completed in October) because I was so stressed about the whole thing, but I did want to say a huge thank you to all of you for all of your beautiful support and enthusiasm, both this year and in all of the years that I've been making videos here. I'm so incredibly grateful to have you guys watching these videos. Thank you again and I hope you all have an amazing holiday period and a safe and happy new year 💛💛💛

[@faizayousufwitpk]

Rooting for you!

[@christy-anne-jones]

@faizayousufwitpk thank you!! 💛💛

[@ryanaustin1576]

I would LOVE a syllabus video!! Your insight and advice is so helpful and encouraging!

[@shanalaneblock]

I would LOVE the Master’s syllabus video!

[@kannot1]

I literally wait for these videos like they're some sort of reward after a rough week🥺

[@christy-anne-jones]

Awh 😭💛

[@ymn9738]

Big relate. Had a couple bad days earlier this month, and I just binged Christy's videos to feel better.

[@summoner2100]

me too

[@ClaudiaDCD]

Would love a syllabus/book list for teaching oneself to write. There are so many books on "how to write" but trying to figure out which actually have a point or are the most efficient way to get information across even, is the hardest part for me

[@patriciasustersic7265]

Yes!!! I would love that, too!

[@ReadingNymph]

I love how candid you are, the video idea of what books to read instead of doing a masters would be great!

[@JennyinGero]

Yes! Please! A syllabus or précis on what to read instead of an MFA would be awesome!!!! 💓

[@drawrobot]

The syllabus and master’s reading list is a fantastic idea for a video. I get approached a lot at shows by young artists asking me if art school is the answer. The short answer is no, you really don’t.

[@garethhanson4778]

I’d love to see the master’s video! I’ve always wanted to study literature but worried it might make writing feel more like a task rather than a pleasure. A video summarizing the curriculum would be really interesting!

[@BapsBapsBaps]

Such a huge inspiration for writing and videoing. Have a great one in 2025!

[@christy-anne-jones]

Thank you so much!! You too 💛

[@xandriagb]

please please please make a syllabus video!! id love to consider a higher degree but it is not financially feasible :((

[@saqua608]

Wow, I feel like your twin. I got an agent not long after you did and I started submission a few months ago. Yeah It's BRUTAL.

[@christy-anne-jones]

It's REALLY tough. I hope you hear good news soon 💛💛

[@saqua608]

@@christy-anne-jones There have been a lot of complimentary passes. In all likelihood, we will have to go on a second round (it's alright - I have already mourned it and I'm trying to get a draft of something new done in early January). Anyway, my fingers are crossed for you and Project Teacup!

[@iluvSchleeping]

How long did it take before you started getting responses?

[@abigailhoneycombe]

I've been counting down the hours for this video, I've been very excited for a Christie video today

[@christy-anne-jones]

💛💛

[@ian.t]

Argh, it shouldn't be this difficult! Publishers need to take more chances, and not always rely on agents, and similarities to existing books and trends. The pain of feeling log-jammed by existing work awaiting its freedom in the world is so hard. Your Tokyo book makes me want to travel there. I believe Project Teacup will be uniquely wonderful! Thanks for the always helpful Q&As.

[@lynndjung]

I appreciate your candor in this (often frustratingly) opaque industry so, so much - I'm rooting for you and Project tea cup so much!! Also, what a stunning filming location

[@jordanseifert4640]

Best of luck with the submissions! Hope everyone has a happy holidays and a happy new year! Btw, I would love a syllabus of your recommended books Christy. Keep calm and read on.

[@Cait.N.Loingsigh]

First comment and I love this update, Christy, I can't wait to read your published writing someday!

[@christy-anne-jones]

Thank you so much 😊💛💛 If you'd like to read published non-fiction and short stories I've written, they're linked on my website :D

[@literaryted]

It’s been a difficult, burnt out week for me and these videos are always a comfort 🩵

[@christy-anne-jones]

Thank you for being here 💛💛 I hope you're doing okay!

[@lewisgennery8897]

I love watching your videos so much, I too want to be a writer and am currently writing short stories to try and get them published, and watching your videos and seeing where you're at in your writing journey is hugely inspiring and motivating for me, so thank you. 😊

[@miahandwrites]

i want to meet and give you a hug so bad.🥺 you're so sweet and tender-hearted and sincere. it requires courage and strong personality, to be like that, on social media esp. can't wait to be able to read project teacup! so proud of how far you've come, christy. 💛💛💛

[@miahandwrites]

and like many have already commented, i would also love that video about your MFA insight !!

[@monicasdesignprocess]

I would love to see a video of you sharing more about the books you would recommend as an equivalent of an MFA in writing!

[@alandavies3727]

My first novel has been published, release date on the 28.1.25. know how hard this is. I can relate to what you’re talking about. You have to keep on keeping on. Good luck.

[@WesleyPatterson-t9x]

I honestly needed this. I had a lot of real life stuff going on this year and so didn't get to write nearly as much as I would've liked, and I've really been beating myself up about it as new year rolls around. Thank you for reminding me that this is a marathon, not a sprint

[@starklingspars8956]

I'd be interested in the Masters video, just as I'm curious and will never do one. Good update vid Christie!

[@newbooksmell9221]

it's such a joy to watch your videos 💛 I really appreciate and admire you for sharing your thoughts and feelings and being vulnerable even though it's not always easy. as I get older, I think "finding peace in not knowing the answers to things" is actually essential in order to live. cheers to doing that with tenderness and love.

[@christinacreech1974]

I would love a master list of the books you read on writing and your actual reading list

[@gnomercy14]

your videos always inspire me to go and work on my projects, especially when i'm in a slump! have a lovely new year, i can't wait to have project teacup in my hands someday!

[@tonydeluna8095]

Christy Anne! How are you? Happy holidays to you and your family! I am looking forward to what you have in store for next year! All that writing and publishing really pays off! Hard work pays off!

[@wademarkham8047]

As someone who lives with a disability, I often struggle with writing and find it challenging to reach even a modest goal of 250 words per day. That's why I can truly empathize with your situation, Christy, and completely understand the difficulties you're facing. The limitations we deal with can make what seems like a simple writing target feel like an overwhelming task.

[@aishahahmad4924]

13:11 if you do this we would be so grateful christy ❤️

[@epu8021]

Second this!

[@BlueBelle277]

Happy to hear the update Christy!! Just wanted to say you inspired my writing journey this year your query video was the first I ever saw and it jump started me into finishing my book ❤ I’m editing it now and hoping to query in a few months thank you for inspiring me ❤❤

[@arie1578]

best of luck!!! you're a true inspiration and such a wonderful and incredibly strong person! i really would love to read your book one day 🩷 have a lovely time in Japan!

[@tomorrowkiddo]

Yes, a book list syllabus vid or resource would be wonderful.

[@pallavikrishnan8660]

Hey Christy... absolutely lovely as always... I'm progressing through my novel and it's going well...Thank you so much for all your advice 🫶

[@andreadaga]

It hits different seeing you record in Yoyogi after I've actually been there myself ❤️ Also, would love that video about what you learnt in your Masters degree! Take care, enjoy Japan and have a wonderful end to the year ✨⛩️

[@prajaktag1145]

I am so happy for you ❤ keeping my fingers crossed!!!

[@RachelB.BookReferences]

Can't wait for your book to be published so we can finally read it!

[@mylifeaschel]

Yes, please! Would love for you to do the master’s video! ❤

[@peachyhooligan]

I would love love love to see a syllabus from you! School is so constraining, but I still want to learn!

[@muthin8607]

It's so full insights and inspirations thank you

[@leslieshE]

I wish you lots of happiness for this year ❤

[@janamohr4152]

Finally i can watch your videos in German. I'm so happy with the new KZbin function, because I can't speak English very well

[@courtneycardini]

A syllabus video would be amazing!

[@kristywhilden3772]

To the person who asked about an MFA.... do it. I just graduated and it was very very worth it. At Southern New Hampshire University our thesis was a novel. So it's like writing a novel wth a coach. Snhu was wonderful.

[@melindabiddy7165]

That would be great about the books for helping us to craft our writing! Deeply interested.

[@jamesradcliffe6103]

Yes please to the book list / syllabus video 🙏🏼

[@LiahMorley]

I would love a syllabus/book recommendations video for a MFA! I have been looking into one but unfortunately the cost and full-time work means I just can't afford one right now. It's my dream but I know that, as you said, there's a merit in actually writing rather than the MFA if you're short on time and/or not able to afford it

[@cassboudreau8421]

I would LOVE a syllabus video! I love writing, but I feel like I'm not good enough

[@hypercortical7772]

I don't even know what Project Tea Cup is, but I am going to be it's biggest fan

[@christy-anne-jones]

😭😭💛 (It's a 1920s inspired atmospheric fantasy novel, set in a magical city. It's got witches and gothic twists and very flawed characters and monstrous women and complex examinations of love: platonic, unrequited, found families, etc. I'm very proud of it. I hope people get to read it one day 💛)

[@KrisMF]

best of luck on sub!!! 🥳🤞✨✨

[@Rafeswifeyy]

a syllabus would be absolutely amazing

[@bookishmik]

wishing you good luck on submission!! ✨️

[@KMort]

Perfect timing for an update, I'm just sitting down to keep writing after a month of uni😂

[@christiehall361]

Yes please, I would love to know the books to read instead of doing a Master’s Degree in Literature ❤ I have an MBA but my dream is to become a writer! Love your videos! Thank you so much for all you do for all of us aspiring writers ❤❤

[@lesliewells-ig5dl]

Yes, please do a syllabus video!!!!

[@Ms.SpookyNerd]

What a lovely park. Hope you had a festive Christmas, and Happy New Year 🕛🎊🎄📚☕

[@karenraycosta]

I would also love the syllabus!!! ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@redpixi07]

I would LOVE to have a min-syllabus resource for what you learned doing masters classes!! ♥

[@Shardai_smith]

I've been on sub for months and I want nothing more than to close out that tab too! I'm revising my second novel for my agent (my third overall) and drafting my fourth. I wish I could start fully fresh, but I needed to tell myself this is what I can control and go for it.

[@awritingdai]

Would super appreciate the reading list!! Fingers crossed for your submission process!! 🤞🏽🤞🏽

[@mysticmaren]

please make a mini syllabus!

[@sianacrawford3258]

Please do create a video about books to read instead of a masters degree!! I agree and don’t want to spend time on the course that I could just use on writing!

[@VicGala]

Loved your querying vlog! Would you be willing to share what questions you asked the agents who requested meetings and offered representation? Thank you for your transparency and beautiful videos!

[@tomburke9624]

I'm know re MFAs in fiction that the process and system is different in the UK/ Canada/ Australia from how it is in the US. I'm finishing an MFA here in the US at the moment and here there are a great many FUNDED MFAs. They don't pay much-mine was on the high end at 34,000 USD a year-but you don't have to take out loans. Granted, they're usually funded because as an MFA student you teach undergrads. The only MFA program I know of that funds its students without requiring them to teach is Michener at UT Austin, and its acceptance rate is about 1%. I'd say the degree requirements (teaching, workshop, seminar) take up 20-30 hours a week of work, depending on how efficient you are, which to my mind leaves you with more than enough time for your own writing. Of course, the funded programs are very hard to get into. I think mine has an acceptance rate of 2-3%, for example, and are often very small. Moreover, they can't usually fund students from outside the US. So pros and cons, but I did want to note that.

[@michellemachesney1487]

id love a book rec/syllabus video i have a short story i want to make into a novel but havent worked on it all year bc i decided to start a masters program in library and information science but i love hearing about your writing experiences/thoughts/opinions etc❤❤❤❤❤

[@ellehumes9306]

Please share the books you’d recommend instead of a mfa. That would be so great!!

[@rosinasavino7378]

Adding another yes to a syllabus video pls 😊

[@everausten]

Enjoy your well-earned holiday! ✨

[@GngrViking]

I want the syllabus desperately 😅

[@rebeccagardner1616]

Drop the syllabus list! 😂❤

[@devongadberry517]

I’d be interested to see if you see a difference in quality with your work with this process!

[@GngrViking]

So, when you submitted to the agent, and from this point on to publishers, did you did a proofread edit? Or were you only concerned with story drafts? Does it need to be fully polished with perfect commas, etc. before submitting to agents?

[@prashantkumar4217]

Two people materialized there out of thin aur 3:57

[@doomera5911]

I would love to hear what you learned in your masters

[@mariannegrande7455]

Hi Christy, do you think you could put project Speigeltent on the back burner temporarily and begin your third story first? Just a thought if you’re struggling a bit?

[@christy-anne-jones]

I am a lot further a long with Spiegeltent than the third project, and it would be a much, much smaller book (and faster book to write) 😊 also it's what I actively want to write next. I've just been so consumed with TEA CUP, that it's been tricky to move on, no matter what project I'm moving onto 😅

[@mariannegrande7455]

@ well that’s fair enough! lol….i love watching your videos and I’m always excited when I see one that is posted…you’re an inspiration and you having a kind and loving heart. I’m wishing you much good health and happiness in 2025…no more low iron for you, methinks! 😅🎄🕊️🌹

[@billy.bandit]

It took a year for your agent to submit your novel? Seems long

[@christy-anne-jones]

We did two big drafts of the story in that time, remember. It's actually really common for the process to take about a year between signing with an agent and submitting to publishers

[@M.B.Kruger]

Hey Christy, I know you probably won't see this, but just wanted to say I love your content. Is there a specific reason you never went indie with your nice following? :)

[@pollyjeanz]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@krissisacrednotes]

I’m guessing historical fiction or historical fantasy or historical romance (secret project)

[@christy-anne-jones]

honestly, I could be absolutely wrong and eat my words here one day, but I really don't think I'll ever write a romance novel 👀 fantasy story with romance as a b plot or, rather, c plot is probably more likely but even then, it's not my main driver 😊 (I get more excited by theme, character and world building)

[@mimi.sh.]

Been following your journey with your novel for a while now and I’m so looking forward to seeing your name pop up on PM! 🫶🏻🫶🏻