Having fun reading through #DVpit pitches! If I like your post, I'd love to see your query and first 20 pages. You can submit them through this form: querytracker.net/query/michae...

Thanks for having me, #AskDV! And thank you to everyone for your excellent questions! 😊

Mike (Michaela) Whatnall@mwhatnall.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Very excited to be participating in this Q&A event! Get your questions ready!

Both 😅 For projects I sign, it needs to be the full package--strong writing, strong idea! I will say that we're in a moment in the market where a strong hook can be crucial in getting a project across the finish line. So both the hook and the quality of the writing really do need to be there! #AskDV

sydney 𑣲⋆ | currently querying!@writinganddreams.bsky.social · last mo.

#askDV do you think that a good hook/plot or good voice matters more? which do you look for in a query/manuscript? alternatively, which is more preferable for publishing nowadays (because of shorter attention spans, especially in YA)?

I know some people focus a lot on POV, but personally, I truly don't care either way. Whatever better suits the story and your writing style! #AskDV

Kelsey Gomez@kelseymgomez.bsky.social · last mo.

Do you prefer third-person POV or first-person POV for MG? #AskDV #F #MG

I think the main question here is what category the project is, which will depend more on voice, subject matter, and themes than it does on the inclusion of romance. I'd encourage you to dig into recent publications in your genre in both MG and YA to see what feels like a better fit! #AskDV

@linajamal.bsky.social · last mo.

is it okay for a middle grades book with a 13 year old girl to not have her fall in love with anyone? sometimes i get the impression YA has to have romance. (earlier comment said 13 year old would be YA, but if 13 and no romance, does that make it middle grades instead?) #AskDV

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

V. S. Vasan@vsvasan.substack.com · last mo.

#AskDV Does 'standalone with series potential' work for adult epic fantasy when it's actually a planned trilogy?

Comps 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

Galen Bunting is querying 👽📚@galenbunting.bsky.social · last mo.

#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?

It 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

Keke Davis, MLS✨@literarykey.bsky.social · last mo.

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

I 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

Claire Every@cripademia.bsky.social · last mo.

💬 What as agents makes your ears sing in terms of dialogue in a manuscript? 💬 What is your one good tip to elevate dialogue?! #askDV

I'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

A.M.Sahu 🧚 SFF Author@amsahubooks.bsky.social · last mo.

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

I 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

sydney 𑣲⋆ | currently querying!@writinganddreams.bsky.social · last mo.

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

I'd say so, yes!

Kelsey Gomez@kelseymgomez.bsky.social · last mo.

Are fantasy stories that take place in our world still popular in MG and YA? #AskDV #F #MG #YA

Something I've had multiple editors ask me for is "cozy with stakes" or "adventure cozies." So, cozy vibes, but with genuinely high stakes. For what it's worth, I love these kinds of books too!

A.M.Sahu 🧚 SFF Author@amsahubooks.bsky.social · last mo.

#AskDV what do you see working in the cozy fantasy space?

I love first pages that open in an unusual circumstance, or present a unique protagonist or situation. If the opening scene is something more familiar, that can work too, but it means that your writing/voice are going to need to do even more heavy lifting to stand apart from other openings.

A.M.Sahu 🧚 SFF Author@amsahubooks.bsky.social · last mo.

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

An agent is going to first and foremost consider the current project you're pitching, so make sure you focus on that in your query! Many agents work across a range of categories/genres, so you can always try agents that you know work across the categories you're most interested in writing in.

Ruchi🌟is querying🌟@ruchi-writes.bsky.social · last mo.

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

I recommend making sure that each of your scenes is achieving multiple things, rather than just one--whether that's plot development, character development, or something else. So if you find a scene that's only doing one job, see if it can be combined with another to serve dual purpose!

A.M.Sahu 🧚 SFF Author@amsahubooks.bsky.social · last mo.

#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 ?

Very excited to be participating in this Q&A event! Get your questions ready!

#DVpit - Diverse Voices Pitch@dvpit.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Join us for #AskDV on SEPT 17, 2026 @ 4-5PM ET on Bluesky for a Q&A before #DVpit with agents @ericsmithrocks.bsky.social @allielevick.bsky.social @mwhatnall.bsky.social @tinyfairyhunter.bsky.social ! Post your questions on bsky with #AskDV on 9/17 @ 4-5PM ET For rules: dvpit.carrd.co/#askdv

To all staff and affiliates: please mark your calendars and save the date for the worst team-building outing of all time. OTHERLING, my second horror novel for adults, is coming your way in Fall 2028.

Boosting this giveaway! I donated a query critique 😊 Check it out!

#DVpit - Diverse Voices Pitch@dvpit.bsky.social · 3mo ago

#Giveaway Time to prepare for #DVpit! Enter from July 13-18, 2026 to win query and/or first pages critiques from agents! TO ENTER: • repost this post • AND reply with your category & genre! (e.g. YA Fantasy) • Entries must be for completed, unpublished work. Full rules: dvpit.carrd.co#giveaway

SO thrilled to be working with @jasonlangford.bsky.social!!!

Jason L.@jasonlangford.bsky.social · 6mo ago

SURPRISE!! I have an agent! Mike's vision for my novel aligns with mine so well, and I can't wait to work with them! @mwhatnall.bsky.social

It's happening!!! ⚔️🐴✨

Fiona Creates@fionacreates.bsky.social · last yr.

Cat's out the bag! Ladies of the Knight, coming to you in July 2026 in actual bookbook form with Oni Press!! Complete with shiny new cover!

I am dipping into #DVpit! If I heart your pitch, please consider submitting your query and sample material to me via QueryManager, mentioning the request at the top of the query! I know I won't have time to look through all the posts, so even if I don't request, feel free to try me! 😊

I'm over the moon to be working with Rebecca! I have been a fan of her writing for years, so to get to team up together now is truly a thrill. I can't wait for the projects that are to come! 😊

Rebecca Mahoney@cafecliche.bsky.social · last yr.

I am so excited to share that I'm now represented by @mwhatnall.bsky.social at DG&B! I'm so so thrilled to work with Mike - I've admired their list and their taste from afar for a while, and I am SO looking forward to teaming up with them for some of these ideas I've got in the oven!!

So thrilled to be working with Lyndsey on her spooky, romantic, speculative YA novel! I've been waiting literal years to find the perfect project with an ocean setting, and I'm so glad the time is now 😊

Lyndsey is ✨agented✨@lyndseyreevewrites.bsky.social · 2y ago

I'm thrilled to be represented by the brilliant @mwhatnall.bsky.social at Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret! Their vision for my eerie boat book is a dream come true, and I can't wait to work together on this and future projects. 🌊

I'd love to find more layered, contemporary middle grade projects--especially stories that highlight an experience we don't often see on the page, and that have a unique story hook. #MSWL

I grew up on the coast and really love books that capture the vibes of the ocean--whether that's a lighthouse setting, a coastal town, or a high-seas adventure! #MSWL

Thanks so much for the opportunity to speak about my #MSWL and what I love about my job! Always fun to take a break from my inbox and gush for a bit about books 😊

Manuscript Wish List®@manuscriptwishlist.bsky.social · 2y ago

Next video in our Agent + Editor #MSWL Series is with the amazing @mwhatnall.bsky.social! This video also includes a lesson on what makes contemporary fiction - and the process of agenting - great. We love the stories in the latter part of the video. 🥰 Thank you, Michaela! youtu.be/zXf64SQcBgA

More and more, I'd love to find projects you could describe as a "romp" 😄 Bring on the adventurous plots and the fun! #MSWL

This year, I would especially love to find a grounded fantasy that comps to EMILY WILDE'S ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF FAERIES, which has been my favorite series of the past couple years. Hooky grounded magic, delectable characters and a romance to die for, cozy vibes that escalate into high stakes! #MSWL

I have not been the best at being active over here so far, but I'm using #MSWL Day to remedy that! I'm a literary agent at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret representing picture books, middle grade, YA, and adult fiction, and select nonfiction and graphic novels. www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/mi...