I wouldn’t put in title unless it strengthens your pitch, somehow. And mentioning if it’s a series - it feels like there are better areas to focus your word count in a pitch like story and character. Those are things you can put in the query. #askDVpit

i like a good, compelling title, so if it's a strength, include it! and no you can save that for the query #askdvpit

The key to "what makes a book YA" is voice. Does the narrative mood of your book inhabit the immediacy and spirit of BEING a teen, or is it more mature or even nostalgic? If you don't feel ready to make this call, you might want to do more reading in recent YA fiction. #askDVpit

yeah this and also consider bandwidth. i have authors that write in several categories and others that are staying put, at least for now. you want to be able to build somewhat consistently but depends on which categories and series and other unique factors #askdvpit

2. I think it’s vital for writers to have ideas for multiple projects with the confidence they can work on and complete them. Because you want to have another book to be completed if first one doesn’t work. #askDVpit

if it's own voices then it's own voices and i think that's fine to include but it's definitely up to you how much you feel comfortable disclosing. #askDVpit

I don’t think there’s a certain number of books an author should write before seeking an agent. It’s smarter and easier for authors to resolve in writing in one/similar genres when starting out to build a brand, as well. #askDVpit

Chronic illnesses are absolutely a valid experience. While you should never feel pressured to disclose this, please know that your experience is always valid #askDVpit

i know this is a common concern and it's totally a personal choice #askDVpit

check out the about page description here dvpit.com/about

and the FAQ here
twitter.com/DVpit_/status/…

Invisible illnesses are valid and so are stories about them. I would say you shouldn’t feel pressured to self-ID, but don’t self-reject your story out the gate. #askDVpit

This can wait, IMO. Long-term career goals are something you should discuss w/ your eventual agent, but many factors influence this; if you do well in one genre starting out, you might want to build that audience; in other situations you might want to gear shift, etc. #askDVpit

we rec 3 weeks bc the of-the-moment excitement but we hope that agents/editors will still be interested even if it doesn't come in immediately. that said, if it makes more sense to just wait for the next dvpit then that might be the better option, depending #askDVpit

It’s best to respond to requests within 2 months. It’s never too late, IMO, but after a certain point you forget the excitement you had when requesting. #askDVpit

You do want to be close, but it's never going to be perfect--your book is your own after all! Try to think of books that match the tone and themes of your project. You do want to pick a book with good numbers to comp to, but don't limit yourself to the latest bestseller #askDVpit

listen to @KatCho! #askdvpit

youtube.com/watch?v=Km6A_J…

Start with something broad like genre (what's a recent bestseller in your area?) or tone (funny/angsty/cozy/tense?), and see what jumps out to you. It can help to clarify WHAT you are comping, too--"the ensemble cast of X" or "the breakneck pacing of Y" #askDVpit

It absolutely does. There are always exceptions to rules but being 30K and over general estimates is a red flag. That said, I still look at sample pages. #askDVpit

You want your comps to be both relevant and recent. If you can’t find any, you either need to keep looking or think about why that might be. #askDVpit

paranormal romance is its own subgenre so i think you can just say that! #askDVpit

I would still say it's paranormal romance or romantic suspense...it's not necessarily cross-genre, more sub-genre. Hope that helps! #askDVpit