What’s the first thing you look at in a query package, and what’s the thing you care about least?
#AskDV

Thank you all for taking time to answer questions today! <3 My question: What are the top things you look for in a DV pitch?
#AskDV

#askdv what is your best advice to cut word count?

#AskDV how’s the market for cozy fantasy? Any specific themes and tropes in the genre in more demand these days?

re series & trilogies still popular among MG and YA books? #AskDV #F #MG #YA

#askdv How do you guys think MG is going to shift in the next 5-10 years? I know shorter word counts and illustrated works are more popular now, but based on certain trends, do you predict any shifts happening? Do you think certain tropes will be more popular or certain genres?

What's the maximum word count you'd recommend for querying an upper MG fantasy? (Thanks in advance for any advice you can give: this is such a great opportunity!) #AskDV #MG #F #ND

What is the maximum recommended word count for fantasy novels in MG, upper MG, and YA? #AskDV #F #MG #YA

I'm going to be a liiiiiittle late to the #AskDV party today, but I'll jump in as soon as I'm free and am looking forward to your questions!!

#askdv
Hello everyone,
I queried my #mg #f back in 2017 . From what I remember, if you queried 10 agents and received at least 1 request, your query package was great. Is that still the same? Or is it normal to not receive any requests out of 10?

Hello,
#ASKDV

Working on a #MG #F, not ready to pitch this time. Asking about strength of pitch on ensemble cast of 4. Please comment on using 1 char as a lead in and say “and 3 friends” vs. use the approach of “4 friends” All 4 chars are equally important, though 1 character arc edges out a bit

Today we're hosting #AskDV (Q&A with lit agents) @ 1-2PM ET to prep for #DVpit!
Using #AskDV ask lit agents about pitching, querying, & publishing! Join us & @jimmccarthydgb.bsky.social
@laurenabramo.bsky.social
@stutitelidevara.bsky.social
@rebeccaw04.bsky.social
@sandraproudman.bsky.social

That's it for #PreDV Day 2!

We saw some amazing pitches and can't wait for #DVpit on September 30 8AM-8PM ET!
Thank you to everyone who provided pitch feedback & participated!

For more info on #DVpit go to dvpit.carrd.co

Next up: another #AskDV on 9/24 where lit agents answer your questions!

A climate in which publishers don't worry about book bans destroying crucial sales channels is a climate in which gatekeepers can more effectively advocate for projects by marginalized creators.
#askDV

I also want to add to this list @authorsabb.bsky.social and @pubprosabb.bsky.social, two groups organizing against book bans across the US. Book bans have shrunk the kidlit market, which relies on sales to schools and libraries (and disproportionately affects marginalized authors). #AskDV
(cont'd)

Is up to 75K for upper MG fantasy an automatic no? I’m trying to whittle it down as much as I can, but it’s hard to hit that 60K target! #askDV

Thanks for having me, #AskDV! And thank you to everyone for your excellent questions! 😊

Both 😅 For projects I sign, it needs to be the full package--strong writing, strong idea! I will say that we're in a moment in the market where a strong hook can be crucial in getting a project across the finish line. So both the hook and the quality of the writing really do need to be there! #AskDV

I know some people focus a lot on POV, but personally, I truly don't care either way. Whatever better suits the story and your writing style! #AskDV

I think the main question here is what category the project is, which will depend more on voice, subject matter, and themes than it does on the inclusion of romance. I'd encourage you to dig into recent publications in your genre in both MG and YA to see what feels like a better fit! #AskDV