Is there a gap in picture books that agents and editors are looking for? #AskDV

Are publishers looking to expand the horromance genre? (please say yes) #AskDV

Are agents running queries through AI checkers? It's stressing me out that mine might get deleted even though I wrote them myself 😢 #AskDV

YA wants a coming of age element and thematic focus to its stories; this can be a little blurry with crossover these days, but ultimately I think there is a noticeable difference between horror that is adult but starring kids and horror that is for teens. #askDV

My adult epic fantasy was planned as a trilogy with each book having its own arc. Should my query state planned trilogy or with series potential? #AskDV

I think about it this way: the biggest moments in most books are about interpersonal relationships, even the bigger more action-driven genres. Relationships are the things that make the stakes real in any genre. Emotional stakes are actually the highest stakes. #AskDV

I love when they come w/ a sense of what communication and practices work best for them. Not to make demands but to see if you're the right fit as professional partners and not just creatively. Many do, but I think some feel too intimidated to express what they need in a partnership. #AskDV

A really concise high concept that feels fresh will generally catch my attention. Something that feels unique and compelling in so few words will stand out to me. #AskDV

A good rule of thumb is to keep it long enough to hook people with your story, short enough that your full query if formatted as a letter would print on only one page. #AskDV

I would guess most authors haven't attended a con or conference prior to getting an agent. I wouldn't worry about this hurting your chances. #AskDV

For me it typically comes down to voice. That's what draws me in most, and without it even a great concept is probably not a fit for me as an agent. #AskDV

Definitely not. Some do but most don't, and agents don't expect it. Agents largely believe in the maxim that money flows TO the author, not away. That's why our jobs are set up so that we only get paid when authors do. #AskDV

I would say the soonest you can while putting your best foot forward. A few weeks is pretty normal a wait, in my experience. The sooner the better, but not at the expense of the work! #AskDV

If you wish to, you can bring it up in your query letter, but I would ask about it no later than an offer call. Mention any challenges you expect or accommodations you need and ask the agent to speak to those things. Try to bring ideas to the table for how you work best. #AskDV

95k is a solid word count: room to grow if an agent wants you to develop/add, and clearly not so short that your story is missing worldbuilding etc. For me if you’re above 100k you have to earn it—the world has to be really epic and the scope of the story much broader. #askDV

It can be helpful, and there's no harm in mentioning it in my view. It's not an expectation that authors will have done so, but it's good to know. #AskDV

What's an appropriate word count for YA SFF? I'm at about 95K and keep seeing different guidelines

#AskDV

oh hai #AskDV

if an unagented author has engaged professional services prior to querying (e.g., sensitivity reader, development editor) is that relevant info for a query letter? if yes, is it helpful to name names?

This is anecdotal, but I've had editors ask me for these lately, and I'm definitely looking for them :) #AskDV

"The Call" is definitely your time to make sure that an agent would be a good fit for you (we already love your book, so barring wild circumstances, we're locked in!) It is absolutely appropriate to voice your communication needs and to let an agent know where you might need accommodations #AskDV