Literary Agent
Britt Writerly @BrittWriterly
Are agents hesitant to pick up multiple main characters stories? I saw some good advice about a pitch not being too dense. Is it better to only mention one main character even if there is a group and none are more prominent?#askDVpit
I like to know what the whole book is about! Tell me everything! #askdvpit I also just sold a YA fantasy w like 6 POVs & some editors were like "oh no not for me" & some loved so everybody's miles vary. I LOVE multiple mains & multiple POVs personally.
Editor
Deeba Zargarpur @deebazargarpur
though i'm an editor, i def see R&Rs as a positive! if i request an R&R, it means i'm really invested in the potential of the project, it just needs a little bit more work before i'm ready to take it on. there's lots of reasons that go into it, but one reason for me is #askDVpit twitter.com/trangwrites/stβ¦i want to make sure the author and i are on the same page editorially. our visions have to align for me to be the best champion of your work and an R&R for me is one of the best ways to figure that out. #askDVpit
Editor
Trang Tran @trangwrites
#askDVpit what often gets writers in your revise and resubmit pile rather than an offer?though i'm an editor, i def see R&Rs as a positive! if i request an R&R, it means i'm really invested in the potential of the project, it just needs a little bit more work before i'm ready to take it on. there's lots of reasons that go into it, but one reason for me is #askDVpit
Literary Agent
Trang Tran @trangwrites
#askDVpit what often gets writers in your revise and resubmit pile rather than an offer?The level of editing required. Am I going to have to do more than 2 passes with this before we can submit? Am I suggesting changes that the writer may be unwilling or unable to complete? R&R #askDVpit
Literary Agent
S.I. Ryder @SIRyder2
#askDVpit if your word count is too long for a MG fantasy book, would that lead to instant rejection? What is a good word count for MG high fantasy?I think it depends on the agent for this one. Personally, I am really looking for MG with lower word counts right now, so I would probably pass. But that is just a me thing! I know a lot of people are looking for upper MG! #askDVpit
Literary Agent
Harshini Vankineni @HarshiVankineni
How far could you go on about sensitive topics like murder and rape in a YA novelβ¦ especially if itβs base off a real incident? Are books dealing with these issues frowned upon? #askDVpitYA novels do explore these topics, and it's all in how it's handled. personally i wouldn't want anything re-traumatizing so i'd be careful about how graphic things are. and please include trigger warnings. #askDVpit
Literary Agent
GP Bell @GP_Bell
Is it acceptable for a #PB to have a fixed meter but no exact rhyme or has near rhymes? #askDVpitAnything is acceptable in a picture book as long as it works! #askdvpit
Literary Agent
Susan, A Cabbage Man Graham @Grahamophones
you don't have to do this! It is likely that a publisher will help you find an illustrator & a designer will want to find a vibe in house, OR your agent might be able to pair you with an illustrator or help you find a partner to pitch with. #dvpit If it's spot illustrations- twitter.com/AllisonCwritesβ¦I did this incorrectly! #askdvpit (sorry)
Literary Agent
Britt Writerly @BrittWriterly
I've heard ppl say covid is affecting how many queries agents are signing. Do you think that will impact DVpit this cycle?#askDVpit
oh i hadn't heard that?? i am definitely looking to sign and from what i can tell so are others. people are definitely stretched thin, tho, so any kind of commitment (like showing up for dvpit) is exhausting. but i know a lot of agents and editors WILL show! #askDVpit
Editor
Kim Vazquez @KimVwriter
This might be a silly ? BUT do authors sign contracts with their agents as well as with their publishers? #askDVpitnot a silly question! yes and yes! :) #askDVpit
Editor
Sana β¨ @sanalikesbooks
Any advice on how to capture a quieter book in a tweet? Ex. a story with speculative elements rather than a full fantasy #askDVpitcomps can be really helpful here to aid in pitching a novel with more speculative elements. regardless of genre, it's important to know the hook--what makes your book stand out? what will resonate the most with readers? if you can pull at my heartstrings, even better! #askDVpit
Literary Agent
Abhi Para @abhi_para
@beth_phelan @_ReganHumphrey Hi Beth. Just continuing from Regan's question, could you specify just a few things in a recent query letter that interested you? For instance, a personal relationship at stake, a particular trait in the protagonist, worldbuilding elements etc? #askDVpitoof this is so hard lol because i'm attracted to all sorts of things. i think for me i just love conflict--so whatever makes the conflict clear and exciting will grab me. #askdvpit
Literary Agent
Grace Ellis Barber wrote a book @ β€οΈ π¦ πΈ @novelorbust
#askDVpit Straight up - Do you consider it a negative when a #DVpit author's story doesn't feature a marginalized main character?- signed, "I accidentally wrote about a straight white guy"
No? If it sounds good, it sounds good. When you talk to your prospective agent, they may ask why you did or how it happened lol, but they'll also ask about other projects in your back pocket bc they'll know you have other stories in you :) #askdvpit
Literary Agent
Harshini Vankineni @HarshiVankineni
When two or more industry professionals offer different opinions on the same MS, I am not sure which to follow and if I have to revise. What would you suggest? #askDVpitI would suggest you go with what feels right to you. It's your story and it should still fit your vision! #askDVpit
Literary Agent
Sana β¨ @sanalikesbooks
Any advice on how to capture a quieter book in a tweet? Ex. a story with speculative elements rather than a full fantasy #askDVpityou can pitch from all sorts of angles, depending on the strengths of your novel. if it's not a plot-driven book or have a lot of worldbuilding, just focus on the character! #askDVpit
Editor
C. L. Doupagneπ (they/them) @DoupagneC
Is 200 - 250k an acceptable wordcount for an debut author, if it's adult fantasy and fits the story?β¨#askDVpit
definitely too long, even in adult! would highly recommend re-evaluating the pacing and trimming to 120k MAX. #askDVpit
Literary Agent
Deeba Zargarpur @deebazargarpur
@romancebookbing i'd keep them concise & clear, but i think variety in your pitches will be super important as well. it's good to have 3/4 different tweets that showcase different aspects to the story. #askDVpitThis is fantastic advice! Different aspects will excited different people. And I always go to the writer's page and look at all the pitches they have when I'm decided to like or not. #askDVpit
Literary Agent
Sana β¨ @sanalikesbooks
Any advice on how to capture a quieter book in a tweet? Ex. a story with speculative elements rather than a full fantasy #askDVpitdepends! But you might focus on vibe or character as opposed to world building - what most gets to the heart or crux of the narrative? #askdvpit
Literary Agent
Kim Vazquez @KimVwriter
This might be a silly ? BUT do authors sign contracts with their agents as well as with their publishers? #askDVpitGREAT question! Yes there are contracts/agreements between clients and their agent that lay out the terms of your business relationship and what happens if that relationship ends. Super important. #askDVpit
Editor
Adrianna - am querying πͺππ·πΈπ¦π»π @romancebookbing
Is there a preferred format for tweets? I've seen a few suggested templates floating around, but I'm curious as to what might better catch the eye?#askDVpit
i'd keep them concise & clear, but i think variety in your pitches will be super important as well. it's good to have 3/4 different tweets that showcase different aspects to the story. #askDVpit