My novel began as a grief workbook, then evolved into a (more marketable) historical fiction mystery. Still, when I first sought publication, my book was rejected by dozens of agents and I almost gave up on it.
Then a Reedsy editor helped me rewrite 70,000 words — and when I pitched it again, I was signed by an agent within a week. That agent would go on to secure a six-figure publishing deal for my book. Here’s how it happened.
A therapist with a story to tell
I’ve had what you might call a non-linear career. Chartered accountant, website designer, doggy daycare owner — I’ve done a little bit of everything. But it was while working as a therapist that The Midnight Carousel first stirred to life.
Every single one of my clients was dealing with grief in some form, whether they recognized it or not. I became fascinated by how differently people cope with loss. I thought: maybe there's a book in this.
So in 2020, locked down like the rest of the world during the Covid pandemic, I started writing. The book began as a self-help manual — but six months in, I had to admit that it was too dry for anyone to really engage with it. Then I thought: what if, instead of explaining grief in technical terms, I showed it through characters’ experiences in a novel?
My self-help manual about grief slowly but surely turned into sweeping historical fiction — part mystery, part love story — set against the dazzle of carnival life.
Twenty rejections and a crisis of confidence
It took about a year of writing and revising before I felt confident enough to query literary agents. I sent my manuscript to around 20 of them in early 2021. For six weeks, I received one rejection after another. It was brutal.
I decided the only way to know whether my book was even “publishable” was to get an honest, professional opinion. Not from a kind friend or family member, but from someone who makes their living knowing what works and what doesn’t. That's when I turned to Reedsy.
Finding Lauren and rewriting (almost) everything
I found Lauren H. on the Reedsy marketplace, and I felt a connection to her from her very first message. She was friendly, enthusiastic, and professional — and her experience as a historical fiction editor shone through immediately. In my first message, I asked her to be completely upfront and tell me if I was wasting my time. I needed to hear the truth.
Luckily, she thought my premise was strong, and that I could write. But she did perform an extensive structural edit; in the end, only the first 15,000 words survived almost untouched, while the remaining 70,000 words needed major changes to structure, plot, and character. It really was a complete rewrite from the version I sent her.
As an editor, Lauren allowed me to see where the story sagged, where characters fell flat, and where the plot lost its way. And she went far beyond just editing my book — she also imparted wisdom about key writing skills and the publishing industry, helping me grasp important rules I'd never learned. As someone who had never had any formal writing training, this was invaluable.
Her enthusiasm and belief in my novel’s potential was infectious and spurred me to continue with the process. For the first time, I didn't feel like I was doing this alone. Writing is such an isolating process, filled with self-doubt, that having someone knowledgeable and encouraging in your corner is a priceless gift.
By the end, with a much stronger manuscript and my own renewed confidence, I felt ready to start querying agents again.
From rejection to six figures in a matter of days
The difference after working with Lauren was quite literally life-changing.
I sent my newly polished sample pages to a few agents, and I started receiving requests for the full manuscript within hours. That same week, I received an offer of representation from Hellie Ogden at WME, who turned out to be an absolute dream agent (and a lovely person to boot!).
Things moved fast from there. Hellie secured a six-figure deal for the UK and Commonwealth with Penguin Michael Joseph, a major commercial imprint. She sold North American rights to HarperCollins’ Park Row, and got a few translation deals for multiple territories, including Germany.
It was a dream come true.
I would never have gotten an agent — not to mention a six-figure publishing deal! — without Lauren’s input. She transformed not only the manuscript, but my identity and confidence as a writer.
A wild ride since launch day
Since The Midnight Carousel was released, it’s been one pinch-me moment after another.
The novel was published in April 2025 in the UK and in January 2026 in the US, alongside the translation editions. It was named one of Penguin's Most Exciting 2025 Reads and a Penguin Top 4 Historical Fiction Pick, and Amazon made it an Editor's Pick as well.
Perhaps the most surreal part has been receiving responses from authors I've long admired. New York Times bestselling authors Kristin Harmel, Kate Quinn, and Sarah Penner all blurbed the novel. Sarah even called The Midnight Carousel her favourite book of the year — and she offered to interview me at the North American launch event. It was an amazing experience, and we’ve since become actual friends!
What’s next (and some final tips)
I’m currently working on my second novel, using all the skills I’ve learned to create another genre-blending story — again, part mystery, part love story, but still solidly under the historical fiction umbrella. The journey from that first dry self-help draft to here has been extraordinary… and I feel like I’m just getting started.
My heartfelt advice to budding authors is: listen to professional advice. This doesn’t mean you have to change every element of your story because someone else says so. But professional editors really do understand how a novel should function — and, just as importantly, how to navigate the cutthroat publishing industry.
I nearly gave up after those first rejections. The only reason I didn't was because I found the right editor at the right time. If you believe your story is worth telling, invest in the help that can make it shine.
Follow Fiza’s work on her website and Instagram.
