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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

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...

querytracker.net

Query Michaela Whatnall at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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!

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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.

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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.

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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!

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

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

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Reposted by Mike (Michaela) Whatnall

Rebecca Mahoney @cafecliche.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

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.

An announcement for my new book OTHERLING, a workplace doppelgänger horror novel

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

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! 😊

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

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! 😊

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

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 😊

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

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 😊

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

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

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Mike (Michaela) Whatnall @mwhatnall.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

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...

manuscriptwishlist.com

Michaela Whatnall – The Official Manuscript Wish List Website

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Reposted by Mike (Michaela) Whatnall

Manuscript Wish List® @manuscriptwishlist.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Hello Writing Community! We are delighted to announce our First Official Bluesky *** #MSWL Day *** February 12, 2025. 🎉🎉🎉 Agents + editors can post what they ✨wish✨ they had in their inboxes; writers can find their next best fit for querying. Learn more here: manuscriptwishlist.com/the-next-off...

manuscriptwishlist.com

The Next Official #MSWL Day: February 12, 2025 – The Official Manuscript Wish List Website

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