Only if the book actually can stand alone. If the story relies on there being three books in the series, then you'll want to be up front about that so that agents understand what's being pitched. #AskDV
@mwhatnall.bsky.social
@mwhatnall.bsky.socialOnly if the book actually can stand alone. If the story relies on there being three books in the series, then you'll want to be up front about that so that agents understand what's being pitched. #AskDV
@mwhatnall.bsky.socialComps can help you here! I'd also recommend really honing in on the project's key elements/genres/audience--I personally love genre bending, but sometimes when a project spans many categoies, it gets harder for me to know how I'd position it as an agent. #AskDV
@mwhatnall.bsky.socialIt helps when you can convey how even a seemingly small thing feels high-stakes to our protagonist. As long as I can relate to why it's important to our main character, I'm in! #AskDV
@mwhatnall.bsky.socialI love dialogue that ties deeply to character! My favorite books are ones where you could pull a line of dialogue and know who said it without being told.
Elevate dialogue by making sure characters aren't responding directly all the time. People often respond to questions indirectly! #AskDV
@tinyfairyhunter.bsky.socialWHEW that's the end of the hour. Thanks to all who participated with thoughtful questions. I believe there's another #AskDV event with another group of agents next week, so if your questioned wasn't answered tonight, you can ask again then.
@noreenmughees.bsky.social#askdv is mystery with speculative a thing? Asking for a friend
@tinyfairyhunter.bsky.socialMy big dialogue tips are
1) Say the lines out loud while you revise. You'll see what sounds awkward and what sounds like people actually talking.
2) Break it up with breaths and pauses and digressions and fidgets. Overly perfect dialogue will sound stilted, like a rehearsed speech.
@mwhatnall.bsky.socialI'm really in the mood for YA fantasy that feels big and exciting! That said, I'm always super open-minded when reading queries--I'm never looking for one specific thing, just a pitch that surprises and excites me. #AskDV
@tinyfairyhunter.bsky.socialNapkin math*: If it takes 1 yr to write a book, 6 mos to query, 3 mos for your agent to get the book on submission, 6 mos for a publisher to offer, and 2 yrs for the book to be released, that's 4.5 years (*optimistic timeline). Trends will change by then so don't worry about writing to trend. #askDV
@mwhatnall.bsky.socialI typically discuss ideas with my clients before they've even embarked on writing the manuscript, because it means we can get on the same page early and I can be sure to give feedback on the premise before they've invested a ton of time on writing a draft! #AskDV
@dvpit.bsky.socialThat's it for this round of #AskDV!
Thank you for everyone who attended & asked questions!
Thank you to our amazing Lit Agents who graciously gave their time! #DVpit
@ericsmithrocks.bsky.social @allielevick.bsky.social @mwhatnall.bsky.social @tinyfairyhunter.bsky.social
Join us Sept 21 for #PreDV!
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@allielevick.bsky.socialAs early as they’ll allow me into the process, often I can tell them if I think one idea is more viable than another or if they have a major editorial problem and save them time/energy.
@toptags.bsky.social