Literary agent at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. Lover of tea and irrepressible book enthusiast. (they/them, sal: Mx.) Most active on insta! @michaelawhatnall michaelawhatnall.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqmllmty22yThanks for having me, #AskDV! And thank you to everyone for your excellent questions! 😊 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 21:40 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqmllmty22yhttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqm4kyvrk24Both 😅 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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 21:32 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqm4kyvrk24https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqlvzyhis24I 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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 21:28 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqlvzyhis24https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqlugcetk24I 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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 21:27 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqlugcetk24https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqlng4q7224Only 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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 21:23 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqlng4q7224https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqlihxhb224Comps 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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 21:21 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqlihxhb224https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqle24j6224It 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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 21:18 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqle24j6224https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvql47nug224I 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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 21:14 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvql47nug224https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqkmtyvdk24I'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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 21:05 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqkmtyvdk24https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqkfdlwjs24I 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 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 21:01 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqkfdlwjs24https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqk75fx6c24I'd say so, yes! [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 20:58 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqk75fx6c24https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqk5nzmpk24Something 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! [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 20:57 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqk5nzmpk24https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqk3sjcac24I 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. [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 20:56 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqk3sjcac24https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqjyiuycs24An 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. [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 20:54 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqjyiuycs24https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mvqjs3sbi224I 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! [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Sep 2026 20:50 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mvqjs3sbi224https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mtc6tfhlbc2vVery excited to be participating in this Q&A event! Get your questions ready! [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Aug 2026 17:06 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtc6tfhlbc2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mqkkd23t222lBoosting this giveaway! I donated a query critique 😊 Check it out! [contains quote post or other embedded content]13 Jul 2026 20:38 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqkkd23t222lhttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3mlbipoxb422xSO thrilled to be working with @jasonlangford.bsky.social!!! [contains quote post or other embedded content]07 May 2026 15:09 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlbipoxb422xhttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3m3ajjcgz2c2cIt's happening!!! ⚔️🐴✨ [contains quote post or other embedded content]15 Oct 2025 15:08 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3m3ajjcgz2c2chttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3m2pis6pous2kI 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! 😊08 Oct 2025 20:40 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3m2pis6pous2khttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3lt5gtssbnc25I'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! 😊 [contains quote post or other embedded content]04 Jul 2025 14:20 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3lt5gtssbnc25https://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3lmzlj25plk2sSo 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 😊 [contains quote post or other embedded content]17 Apr 2025 17:02 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3lmzlj25plk2shttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3lhzaymrqck2eI'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. #MSWL12 Feb 2025 22:48 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhzaymrqck2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3lhywzwbmq22lI 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! #MSWL12 Feb 2025 19:50 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhywzwbmq22lhttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3lhyqmu47ls2gThanks 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 😊 [contains quote post or other embedded content]12 Feb 2025 17:55 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhyqmu47ls2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3lhymjgne3k2dMore and more, I'd love to find projects you could describe as a "romp" 😄 Bring on the adventurous plots and the fun! #MSWL12 Feb 2025 16:41 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhymjgne3k2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3lhymg2zmuk2dThis 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! #MSWL12 Feb 2025 16:40 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhymg2zmuk2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/mwhatnall.bsky.social/post/3lhym2bnhek2zI 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. https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/michaela-whatnall/12 Feb 2025 16:33 +0000at://did:plc:dwtpiizk7z4osk37fch3b2dy/app.bsky.feed.post/3lhym2bnhek2z