Conferences can be great networking opportunities, but I don't think they're essential to finding an agent. Not being able to attend, you might miss an opportunity or two, but I think those chances can often be replicated in online events like this one! #AskDV

If my full was rejected, but I made significant revisions over the past year and have been a part of a mentorship program, can I requery? #AskDV

#AskDV is a word count of 120,000 for literary fiction an immediate rejection?

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IMO 45-58k might be a good place to start!

What does the market look like for why choose and poly books?
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When a comp is popular in a pitch event or in query letters, does it still land for you, or does it start reading as bandwagon? Is a well-worn comp a risk or a plus? #AskDV

#AskDV are fiction books that are critical of Israel allowed, or as with so many other aspects of society, is the bias highly highly in favor of censoring anything critical? for example, must talk about "both sides"?

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Absolutely! I have several clients that aren’t based in the US!

For an autistic/ND protagonist in a fantasy world that doesn't have modern diagnostic language, and whose neurodivergence therefore isn't explicitly named in the book, do you prefer the query/pitch to identify them as autistic/ND, or let that emerge through characterisation on the page? #AskDV

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You can see the query record on QueryManager. Sometimes I check but I usually only do so after I’m interested in learning more to see if someone else at my agency has the manuscript.

If you’re writing nonfiction, an author’s platform is important, so yes. If it’s fiction, social media is not required but it is helpful to reach future readers. Sometimes I do look at social media if it’s available, but it doesn’t sway my decision on whether or not I like a manuscript. #AskDv

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I always recommend focusing on the character arc in your pitch and query, covering your character’s turning points that take them from who they were at the beginning to who they’ve become by the end.

How long does a query letter pitch need to be? #AskDV

Is it worth experimenting with a few versions of comps in DVPit?! Or sticking to the same.

Are TV shows or movies welcome as one comp during DVPit?

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#askdv what pitches in these kinds of events really grab you? Cool graphics? Text only? An agent’s guide?

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I usually recommend at the end of Chapter 3 or sooner for the adult space. Even sooner for KidLit. But these do vary! The biggest thing is to ground the reader first in a typical life or day of your character before their life changes.

#askDV what are the minimum and maximum WC you think is Accra for Mystery with speculative elements

It seems like 60K is the word count cut-off for a lot of agents repping upper MG fantasy nowadays. If my book is slightly longer than that (in the upper 60s) but I still made it as short as I could, do I still stand a chance querying, or will I be rejected by default? #AskDV #MG #F #ND