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The rules are a little looser for pitch events because you have so little space. I'd say for pitch events, go for specific vibe match and striking combos with your comps. In your query letter, use comps in your genre that are recently published and from newer authors. #askDV

#askDV

at what stage do you like to see manuscripts for your agented authors? what happens if you don't like the idea?

#askDV What are you especially interested in signing right now? What genre/age/theme/vibes/tropes? Any personal favs?

It’s a consideration, but not the only consideration!

#AskDV

If the story arc could feel complete at the end of Book 1 even if Book 2 is never published, use "standalone with series potential." If not, misrepresenting a trilogy as a standalone will hurt your chances because agents will see the unfinished narrative arc as a craft issue. #askDV

#AskDV as a previously published author do the publishers always rely on bookscan for signing authors even though we’ve moved on to new genres? I see that some authors have multiple pen names for this reason. Any suggestions here?

The marketer in me is totally jumping out: When I'm writing at the intersection of the story I want to tell and what agents can sell, how do I balance that with the fact that publishing moves slowly while trends move quickly? Where should I focus my research/energy for best results? #AskDV

This will depend on the agent. I like working with authors across multiple genres when those are all genres I have experience with. I recommend researching agents who represent all the genres you write, not just the genre of the project you're currently querying. #askDV

💬 What as agents makes your ears sing in terms of dialogue in a manuscript?

💬 What is your one good tip to elevate dialogue?!

#askDV

For quieter picture books with lower external stakes, what helps them still feel compelling and substantial to agents? #AskDV

I would suggest pitching this as an early reader or chapter book as you have here! And go to agents who are either calling out that they are looking for such projects or those who rep MG and PB!

#AskDV

Series are still popular, but it can be hard to get a publisher to invest in multiple books for an unknown author. That's why I recommend querying standalone projects the majority of the time. #askDV

Literary is a category though! I’d look at writers you see yourself in the same space as, and then see who their agents / agencies are.

Everyone lists their agent on their website. Go lurk! 👀 #AskDV

I think it's always helpful to think about what purpose a scene is serving. For example, is it moving along a main plotline, subplot, character development? If it's not serving multiple purposes, it's a good candidate for being combined with another scene. #askDV

As an agent, are you less likely to sign a writer who writes in multiple genres (that are not similar)? Is it a harder fit? The project I'm about to query is a new adult e-sports romance, but I'm also working on a cyberpunk project. I usually write upmarket SFF. #AskDV

#AskDV When pitching novels which span multiple perspectives, multiple genres, and cross-over audiences (e.g. NA/YA with horror/specfic themes) what's the best way to showcase genre-bending in your query or pitch?

Depends on how you left things with the R&R agent. Some request an exclusive R&R so while you may be able to keep the existing mss out with agents, you wouldn’t be able to share the new material under that agent passed. Each situation is a little different though so this very much depends. #AskDV

There are industry-wide efforts via groups like @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social and @litagentsofchange.bsky.social. Several individual agents who prioritize submissions from specific marginalized groups. There are a lot of efforts in action right now! #askDV

Totally fine! A lot of my clients are in a bundle of categories. Just be sure to focus on that One Thing first while querying. I see folks make the mistake of listing all their projects sometimes. #AskDV