Ep 155: A Lawyer's Flawed Characters Challenge the Idea of "Happily Ever After" (with Sarah Vacchiano)

Write the Damn Book Already

Write the Damn Book Already
Ep 155: A Lawyer's Flawed Characters Challenge the Idea of "Happily Ever After" (with Sarah Vacchiano)
Feb 04, 2026
Elizabeth Lyons / Sarah Vacchiano

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Sarah Vacchiano’s journey from querying 100 agents to publishing with one of the industry’s top houses is a story of patience, "luck," and the power of building genuine relationships.

In this episode, Sarah shares the behind-the-scenes details of her publishing journey, including how a chance reconnection with an editor led to her debut novel’s acquisition and publication. You'll discover how her strategic persistence, timing, and a bit of serendipity turned a decade-long work into a real-life success story that defies typical timelines.

We break down:

  • The unconventional path from manuscript to publication, including querying, rejection, and a six-year pause
  • How the universe conspired through a friend’s recommendation to seal her deal with Little A (an imprint of Amazon)
  • The magic of editorial collaboration, with insights into the intensive editing process
  • The importance of vulnerability and personal growth reflected in her characters and story
  • Why embracing failure and loss as part of growth unlocks opportunities we never imagined

This episode is perfect for aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating the unpredictable road to success. Sarah’s story proves that sometimes, the biggest wins happen when you least expect them.


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Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.

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