HFA Alum Isabelle Giuttari’s Journey to "Most Eligible"
Written by Chloe Borgida
Content
We sat down with Isabelle Giuttari, UMass HFA alumni to discuss the upcoming release of her new rom-com novel: Most Eligible, written under the pen name Isabelle Engel. Giuttari touched on the writing and publishing process, her time at UMass, and her hopes for the book. When Giuttari sat down to write her first draft, she wasn’t focused on the pressure of publication. Instead, after years of writing and revising earlier manuscripts that didn’t land with publishers, she made herself a promise: this time, she would write something that felt fun.
“I’ve always been a writer,” she said. “Going into Most Eligible, I really wanted to focus on enjoying the process—writing something I loved, regardless of the outcome.”
A Path to Publication
Giuttari drafted Most Eligible while pursuing her graduate degree at George Washington University. Over the course of four to five months, the manuscript took shape, eventually earning her a spot in a mentorship program for aspiring romance authors. There, she deepened the story through months of edits. A lifelong fan of humorous, dramatic storytelling, Giuttari found her spark in the world of reality TV. The idea of a romance unfolding within a delightfully chaotic, over-the-top competition setting felt fun and fresh. “I wanted to create an environment that was already dramatic and then add even more drama,” she laughed.
When she began querying literary agents, she prepared herself for a long road; sending the manuscript to “many, many people as she had with previous manuscripts.” This time, one said yes. Together, they reworked the story, including an ending that changed “a few times.” After signing a two-book deal with St. Martin’s Griffin (an imprint of Macmillan Publishers), the book went through another few rounds of edits and multiple title changes, but ultimately found its final form. Though she hasn’t yet held a finished copy—“hopefully next week,” she said at the time of the interview—Giuttari described listening to the opening chapter of the audiobook as a surreal moment. With publication approaching next month, the whirlwind is only just beginning.
How UMass Shaped A Writer
Long before Most Eligible, Giuttari was an English and theater major in the College of Humanities & Fine Arts, where she also pursued the creative writing specialization. What began as a budding interest in theater eventually expanded into a deeper passion for writing. “I had such a great experience at UMass,” she said. “The things I did there really helped me grow as a writer.”
Much of that growth came from creative writing courses with Professor John Hennessy, whom she remembers as extraordinarily supportive and kind. His workshop environment gave her space to experiment, stretch creatively, and learn from peers. Giuttari also credits Professor Marjorie Rubright for shaping her voice and academic confidence through courses centered on Shakespeare and early modern literature. “I’d like to think that enjoying Shakespearean comedy has influenced my writing,” she said. “There’s definitely some over-the-top humor and sneaking around in my book.”
Outside the classroom, Giuttari spent four years on the UMass Mock Trial team, eventually becoming president. While she never intended to pursue law, the experience sharpened her writing skills and introduced her to lifelong friends, including her boyfriend of five years. “Mock trial was such a fun way to develop writing and storytelling skills,” she said.
Writing Female Friendship
Although Most Eligible is a romance novel, Giuttari hopes readers notice the layers beyond the love story. Among her favorite elements to craft were the friendships formed between contestants on the fictional reality show. “I loved creating this dynamic of female friendship and empowerment,” she said. “Even though the environment is meant to pit these women against each other, they still find ways to lift each other up”
Advice for Aspiring UMass Writers
For students hoping to pursue writing or publishing, Giuttari emphasizes the importance of self-recognition, intentional practice, and finding community.
“If you write, you are a writer,” she said. “You’re allowed to claim that title.”
She encourages students to prioritize their writing time, explore creatively, and stay rooted in what brings them joy, not what they think others want from them. “Write what makes you happy or what makes you feel something,” she said. “That’s what matters.” As Giuttari prepares to send Most Eligible into the world, her journey serves as a reminder of the power of persistence and the importance of finding delight in the creative process. From UMass workshops to national publication, her story is one of growth, community, and the courage to write what you love.
Most Eligible releases on January 13, 2026 and is available for preorder now. To preorder, visit the Macmillan publishers website.
To preorder a signed copy from East City Bookshop, visit their website.
