Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026There is likely a bit you could trim! This is when I suggest looking for filler words! 110 1
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV I don’t think you need to talk about both sides. But unfortunately, I do think it’s still hard to be critical of Israel. Just heard a panel where a bookstore was heavily harassed for platforming muslim voices. Just being aware zionists are very vocal, loud and often angry is important. 1130 13
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV A lot of folks are looking for horror, mystery, thrillers. I’m still gravitating toward really strong contemporary stories. I also think survival stories are minimal and could do really well. For fantasy really unique magic systems. 1170 17
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV Not impossible but I do think the market is still skewing YA to older audiences more than younger. 090 9
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV I think for a lot of folks it would be unless the sample pages were incredible. There are editors in sci-fi fantasy that don’t look at manuscripts over 120,000 words now. 160 6
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV Contract word counts are much shorter this year. I always like yo say 85k is a great place to be. 280 8
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV Themes and diction tend to be big factors. If you’re thinking your story if made into a movie would be rated R then it’s probably for the adult market. 151 5
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV IMO 45-58k might be a good place to start! 190 9
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV Absolutely! I have several clients that aren’t based in the US! 090 9
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV You can see the query record on QueryManager. Sometimes I check but I usually only do so after I’m interested in learning more to see if someone else at my agency has the manuscript. 060 6
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV I always recommend focusing on the character arc in your pitch and query, covering your character’s turning points that take them from who they were at the beginning to who they’ve become by the end. 0153 15
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV I usually recommend at the end of Chapter 3 or sooner for the adult space. Even sooner for KidLit. But these do vary! The biggest thing is to ground the reader first in a typical life or day of your character before their life changes. 0121 12
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026I actually love when authors write diversely! It helps to also diversify your income stream as an author. So if you’re looking to write full-time one day this is a great way to get there. 072 7
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026I think that early reader programs like the I Can Read! series are still doing well and are there and have diverse creatives. I would love to see more focused on diverse authors and illustrators for sure. A lot of these are IPs though so created in-house because of the selling points. 110 1
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV As long as you mention it in you query and that agent doesn’t mention they’re not open to seeing the same story again. I would just be sure to mention it in your query! 050 5
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026#AskDV Great question! I always recommend only having one to three scenes per chapter. If you are changing settings more times that’s a sign to cut or merge. And of course every scene should contribute to the story arc. If not enough is happening/your character hasn’t changed you can likely remove. 0123 12
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Great question!! It’s hard to predict but I do think folks are still eager for my thrillers and mystery projects across age groups! 020 2
Reposted by Sandra ProudmanChildren's Bookshelf @pwkidsbookshelf.bsky.social · 04/08/2026New deals announced for @annamwrites.bsky.social @sandraproudman.bsky.social @tehlormejia.bsky.social + more buff.ly/TzKGC1Qpublishersweekly.com 032 3
Reposted by Sandra Proudman#DVpit - Diverse Voices Pitch @dvpit.bsky.social · 17/08/2026Join us for #AskDV on SEPT 24, 2026 @ 1-2PM ET on Bluesky for a Q&A before #DVpit with agents @jimmccarthydgb.bsky.social @laurenabramo.bsky.social @stutitelidevara.bsky.social @rebeccaw04.bsky.social @sandraproudman.bsky.social For rules: dvpit.carrd.co/#askdv 03425 34
Reposted by Sandra ProudmanSusan Metallo @metallowrites.bsky.social · 18/03/2026Cover Reveal time!! So excited to share this YA historical romance with the world. :) 251 5
Reposted by Sandra Proudman#DVpit - Diverse Voices Pitch @dvpit.bsky.social · 13/07/2026#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 236136253 253
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 03/04/2026The 3rd Annual KidLit4Ceasefire fundraiser ends in less than an hour! Still lots of amazing items without bids: www.32auctions.com/KidLit4Cease...32auctions.comThird Annual #KidLit4Ceasefire FundraiserSilent auction 'Third Annual #KidLit4Ceasefire Fundraiser' hosted online at 32auctions. 022 2
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 08/12/2025Beyond honored that Salvación was included in Kirkus’s Best Teen & YA Fantasy and Science Fiction of 2025 list among so many other greats 🥰 Kirkus has supported Salvación so much this past year and I am forever grateful. 2121 12
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 04/12/2025Thanks so much!! 🥰🥰🥰 With it came a shiny new cover design I can’t wait to share!! 010 1
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 18/11/2025Book News! LOVE IN THE OASIS, my dual-pov dystopian romance from Joy Revolution coming out next year is now: THE END OF US Same dystopian story More dystopian title ✌🏼 PS I have seen the cover mockup and it’s fabulous! 170 7
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 10/11/2025Tonight we fume. Tomorrow we fight. And fighting begins with a plan. EVERYONE needs to show up to vote every election. We can’t ever have another Republican dominated Congress. And we can’t ever elect more coward-ass Democrats. It will take time, but we WILL fix this. 091 9
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 10/11/2025Thanks so much can’t wait to share your character art! 🥰🥰💕💕 120 2
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 06/11/2025I'M WRITING MORE BOOKS! LOST AND DARLING THINGS is my next YA fantasy with @WednesdayBooks and is a retelling of Peter Pan following an immortal teen bruja! P.S. It's also already on Goodreads! bit.ly/GoodreadsLos... 2282 28
Reposted by Sandra ProudmanChildren's Bookshelf @pwkidsbookshelf.bsky.social · 06/11/2025New book deals announced for @as-king.bsky.social @studioespinosa.bsky.social @sandraproudman.bsky.social + morebuff.lyRights Report: Week of November 3, 2025New deals for Susan Dennard, Danielle Sullivan, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, and others. 1112 11
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 21/10/2025Excited to be launching a street team for my YA dual-POV dystopian romance coming out fall ‘26 🥰 No requirement except having a bookish account! bit.ly/LoveInTheOas... 150 5
Reposted by Sandra ProudmanLéa Charbonnier @cleadraw.bsky.social · 14/10/2025👋Hi #PortfolioDay, are you looking for an artist for your next project? I am your girl. Book cover, graphic novel, promotional artwork, you can email me or for publishing inquiries you can contact my agent @sandraproudman.bsky.social 💕 #coverreveal #bookcover #graphicnovel #Queerart #picturebooks 15024 50
Reposted by Sandra ProudmanWe Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 13/10/2025Celebrate Indigenous storytelling this #IndigenousPeoplesDay — and every day! — with these new and upcoming releases from Heartdrum! Here’s every Heartdrum title that’s been published in 2025 — as well as a look ahead at forthcoming 2026 Heartdrum titles that you can pre-order today! 16953 69
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 09/10/2025Finally getting the chance to jump into #DVpit! I'm not open to queries but will be looking through pitches throughout the rest of the week. If I ❤️ one of your pitches and you'd like to query me, you can with query + 3 chapters / dummy / proposal / portfolio: querytracker.net/query/3212/S...querytracker.netQuery Sandra Proudman at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency 51165 116
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 23/09/2025Go buy Tylenol today, for sure, but also more than anything else go buy or preorder a book written or illustrated by an autistic creative. 623349 233
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 21/09/2025I just saw American Dirt pictured on a Latinx Heritage Month display by an Indie Bookstore next to Mexican Gothic and I want to scream 🤬 Please support actual Mexican authors always but during this month especially ✌🏼 1180 18
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 12/09/2025When you’re on deadline and you take a five minute break to check out what’s happening on socials.media.tenor.coma cartoon dog is sitting in front of a fire with the words " everything is fine " below himALT: a cartoon dog is sitting in front of a fire with the words " everything is fine " below him 0723 72
Reposted by Sandra ProudmanLéa Charbonnier @cleadraw.bsky.social · 04/09/2025Hi 👋 #KidLitArtPostcard I am available for your next project! ✨Picture Book ✨Book Cover ✨Graphic Novel and more... Rep'd by @sandraproudman.bsky.social at @galltzacker.bsky.social ❤️ Leacharbonnier.art 19016 90
Reposted by Sandra ProudmanAmerican Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 03/09/2025NEWS: A House of Representatives Subcommittee just voted to continue library funding in next year's federal budget. This is thanks to YOUR hard work as library advocates. The fight to #FundLibraries isn't over yet. Stay tuned for more ways to take action for libraries. #ForOurLibraries 4893334 893
Reposted by Sandra ProudmanCheryl B. Klein @cherylklein.bsky.social · 27/08/2025Bluesky! I’m once again donating three separate hours of editorial time to the #Kidlit4Ceasefire campaign, for buyers to use as they choose. Bidding is currently in the $100-150 range for each hour & ends tonight at 9 PST! Link in the next post. 1135 13
Reposted by Sandra ProudmanSandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 27/08/2025*Please Repost and Share* IT'S THE LAST DAY TO BID IN THE WE THE PEOPLE SUMMER FUNDRAISER! Bidding will end at 6:15 PT / 9:15 ET today. www.32auctions.com/WeThePeopleSummerAuction XOXO Sandra 01221 21
Sandra Proudman @sandraproudman.bsky.social · 27/08/20253 hours left to bid!!!! Still have over 200 items with no bids! 32auctions.com/WeThePeopleSummerFundraiser 056 6