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szestavilloauthor.com
SZ Estavillo
@szestavilloauthor.com
17K followers 8.4K following 1.4K posts
Biracial Feminist Thriller Author | Serpent Series @OliverHeberBooks | 24k Downloads BookRaid Best Seller | MA: TV, Radio & Film The Serpent Series: The Serpent’s Bridge (📚1) The Serpent Woman (📚2) Twilight of the Serpent (📚3) amazon.com/dp/B0CW6KP433
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · Nov 17
5 years ago, I had an agent and big dreams but zero book deals. After 150+ rejections, I parted ways with
my agent & signed with a small press. The duology they said would “die on sub”? Now it’s a 6-book deal.

Rejection isn’t the end. Keep going.

#WritingCommunity
The Serpent Series
Visit Amazon's The Serpent Series Page and shop for all The Serpent Series books. Check out pictures, author information, and reviews of The Serpent Series
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 7h
Thank you my friend. It still hurts. Hoping the pain eventually goes away.
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 7h
Agent feedback is invaluable—even if they reject your full.

I took notes on pacing, cut 6k words, and reworked the first 6 chapters to keep momentum sharp. The revisions feel stronger already.

And yes…still typing with a broken wrist.

#AuthorSky #BookSky
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 16h
Got a full request on my standalone—agent loved the writing & voice, but passed on pacing/plot. Honestly, that’s the most interesting rejection. Not the writing—just immediacy. Will be making tweaks to the action.

But at the end of the day, it’s subjective.

#AuthorSky #BookSky
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 1d
Tip for authors: always expect audio errors in production—mispronunciations & slips sneak in more than you think. Patience + a good narrator makes all the difference. Thrilled ours is done & can’t wait to share the #audiobook soon.

#AuthorSky #BookSky
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 2d
This wasn't from a friend—this came from my editor at the pub house:

“This series keeps getting better. Unique & compelling characters—readers will be eager to see Von & Xander’s story grow.”

The Serpent’s Order (Book 4) is coming soon & feedback like this keeps me going.

#AuthorSky #BookSky
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 2d
Same here. I can recall main characters by heart but it's hard to memorize all of the minor characters. I also have descriptions.
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 3d
I do, too. It is hard to keep track of character names when reading even when you're into the series. The assumption is that authors know all their minor characters by heart but that's not the case.
szestavilloauthor.com
SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 3d
When you’re writing a series, a character list is invaluable. As I dive into Book 5, I can’t always recall every returning name—but keeping a running list from past books has been a lifesaver.

A small tool, but essential for building a world that feels seamless across a series.

#AuthorSky
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 4d
Kicking off my birthday weekend strong—I just started Book 5 in the Serpent Series!

🎉 Yesterday I wrote 730 words with a broken wrist.

Not a bad way to celebrate.

#AuthorSky #BookSky
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 5d
I love my husband so much—he got me a few outfits I wanted and the most thoughtful writer’s birthday gifts.

This cute t-shirt, socks, and lavender candle. These are my favorite. 💙

#BookSky #AuthorSky
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 5d
She is growing so quickly and has big paws. She's definitely going to be a big dog. Used to have little dogs, so it is an adjustment cause she has so much energy. She's playful and doesn't know her own strength.
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 5d
Awe…thanks for thinking of her. Here is our silver lab. Chloe will be 4 months old next week.
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 5d
🤗🤗🤗
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 5d
Thank you my friend!
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 5d
It’s my birthday today! 🎂

Book 4 revisions done! Every time I start a new book, the jitters hit—but that’s part of the magic. Here’s to finding my way into Book 5.

#AuthorSky #BookSky
oliverheberbooks.bsky.social
Oliver Heber Books @oliverheberbooks.bsky.social · 5d
Please join us in wishing S.Z. Estavillo a Happy Birthday! 🎁🎈

@szestavilloauthor.com
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 6d
I can’t believe it’s been three months since we said goodbye to our sweet Abraham. Seventeen years and eight months together.

After having a companion that long, it doesn’t get easier with time.

I miss him every day.

#AuthorSky #PetSky #DogSky
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 7d
Thank you so much!
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 7d
Thank you my friend. Hard to squeeze it all in to 300 characters.
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 7d
Pitched Boy on a Bus today—my standalone w/ both adult & teen POVs. I posted 2 pitches (6 allowed but felt like overkill). Got a like from an editor, which feels like a win.

All you can do is try. If nothing more comes of it, I’ll stay focused on my contracted thriller series. #DVpit #AuthorSky
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 7d
Hijacked school bus. Teens forced into viral debates—poor vs wealthy. Each promised $1M if the rich don’t escape. For 16yo Blue, the money could save his sick brother. The detective’s father is the driver & she races to save them.

Dual POV: teen + adult detective. THE CHAIN × HOSTAGE. #DVpit #A #T
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szestavilloauthor.com
SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 7d
16yo Blue—poor & surviving off dumpster food—is trapped w/ classmates on a hijacked school bus. The gunman pits poor vs. wealthy teens in viral livestream debates. Outside, a detective must find her father’s bus before time runs out. 2 POV: teen + adult detective. THE CHAIN × THE GAME. #DVpit #A #T
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szestavilloauthor.com
SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 8d
It’s such a great feeling when my editor at the publishing house says the newest book is their favorite yet. The Serpent’s Order (Book 4) just earned that praise—she said my writing keeps getting better and better.

Couldn’t ask for more motivation to keep going.

#AuthorSky
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 9d
Lol…I hate them. I once tried the Micky Mouse one at Disneyland and that one was terrifying, the cages you're in spin and swing in circles! Never again!
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 9d
Fun fact: I can write serial killers without blinking… but Ferris wheels? Terrifying.

At the fair yesterday, my 10- & 4-year-old had to reassure me: “Mommy, it’s going to be okay. Just don’t look down.”

My younger self rode every rollercoaster. Older me turned into a wimp.😅

#AuthorSky #ParentSky
a cartoon of a dog brushing its teeth with the words " i don 't like it up here " below it
ALT: a cartoon of a dog brushing its teeth with the words " i don 't like it up here " below it
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SZ Estavillo @szestavilloauthor.com · 9d
It’s a little frustrating—book marketers keep emailing me, then replying to their own messages every few days: “Did you get my last email?”

Finally, I told one, “I’m not interested at this time.”

They replied: “Alright, but why?”

Respectfully, I don’t owe you a reason.

#AuthorSky #BookSky
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