If you've had a revise & resubmit from an agent but have already sent out the previous manuscript to other agents what is the best thing to do regarding the other agents?! TIA 💐

(Yes, I'm in the middle of this scenario, just before #DVPit 🫠)

#askDV

#askDV What do you see editors are asking to see more of in SFF? Any tropes, themes. Where is the SFFH books heading in the next 2-3 years?

Because picture book texts are so short, I ask to see additional manuscripts to get a better sense of the author's writing style. I'm more likely to request this for text-only PBs because I get some of that information about storytelling style from an illustrator's portfolio. #askDV

You can mention it in the query, sure! A lot of my colleagues (and me!) are eager for more neurodiverse rep in the books we work on.

That said, also remember you don’t have to share everything about yourself with publishing. If you’re not comfortable, or it isn’t safe, there’s no need to. #AskDV

Thank you for the advice: that’s really helpful! With that in mind, what would you suggest is the maximum word count I should aim for with upper MG fantasy? #askDV

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

I love when folks hone in on some common themes between seemingly
disparate works!

#AskDV

If you anticipate questions about intentional choices you've made with the narrative voice, I recommend flagging it with a one-sentence explanation in your query letter. #askDV

#askDV When trying to decide which scenes to keep and which to delete/merge with another, what is your advice on that? What criteria should authors look for when revising a scene ?

I think it’s much less contested now than it was a few years ago. My gut would still be pitch as adult with crossover appeal (but obviously that is project dependent!).

#AskDV

This will depend on the individual agent. Check each agent's submission guidelines to see their preferences for updates and nudges. When agents ask to be updated on "movement," they usually mean offers or calls from another agent/indie publisher. #askDV

The novel I intend to begin querying this month is a contemporary e-sports romance, but I'm also working on a cyberpunk project that I'm having a lot of fun with. Will this be a difficult sell for most agents? Do agents sign you based on your current project or future ones as well? #AskDV

#AskDV Marginalized books especially BiPOC authors are scrutinized much more, and I understand that it’s gotten better but as gatekeepers what efforts can still be made/ or rather agents are making? I realize pub is such a mess and none of it is in anyone’s control but still I think changeis needed

How can a picture-book writer demonstrate range across humor, quieter emotional stories, family stories, etc., without making their body of work feel unfocused? #AskDV

#AskDV What are some ways to make the first pages sparkle? Hook the agent?

MG romance often tends to be first-crush storylines, and more often as a subplot. #AskDV

Depends on the agent, I think!

All agents will likely be prioritizing client work before diving into submissions, so it might take a minute regardless. It’s why it takes a bit to hear from us. #askDV

New Adult seems to be a highly contested age category, is it “better” in a way to pitch it as adult? Mention it was originally thought of as new adult? (For clarity, the MC is 20)

#askDV

I recommend waiting until you have a complete, polished draft. Most agents won't offer rep on a partial for several reasons (unless someone is an established author). One is that drafting, finishing a book, and revising are 3 different skills. Prove you can do all 3 in your query! #askDV