Searching for a literary agent was “grueling and disappointing” for Brian Finkelstein, who I worked with on a full manuscript critique in early 2024. The same week he sent out the bulk of his query letters that summer, real life managed to imitate his art, and traditional publishing no longer seemed like an option. Self-publishing was, however. I’m delighted to share my interview with Brian on his debut novel The Triumph of Jules Coletti, which he released last month.