F.A.Q.
These are our most frequently asked questions. It has been updated to address our move from Twitter to Discord (but is not complete). The Q&As are grouped below in eligibility, rules, aftermath, and other.
Related To Eligibility…
I do not identify with any marginalization but I am a (white, not queer, abled) woman or above a certain age. Do I meet the eligibility criteria?
No. #DVpit is specifically for writers/illustrators who have been historically, chronically marginalized/underrepresented in publishing. While white allocishet abled women and older people certainly experience discrimination, there is not a sustained history of marginalization and barriers for those demographics when it comes to book publishing. Hardship does not equal marginalization.
I don’t know if I’m marginalized enough. Should I pitch?
We leave this ENTIRELY up to you. We encourage you to reflect on the current conversation in publishing with regard to inclusion and diversity, and understanding the point of #DVpit (to highlight work from creators who have been historically marginalized in book publishing due to their identity and/or condition/situation). We can’t assess your identity for you or tell you how you feel about it. If you meet the criteria, we welcome you to participate.
I know I am not marginalized but my character / family member / student / subject / central plot conflict is. Can I pitch?
No. Eligibility for #DVpit is based solely on the self-identity of the creator.
My experience has not been widely represented in books, e.g. an obscure sport, small town, veganism, single-parent household—can I pitch it even if I do not personally identify with a historically marginalized group?
No. When we say underrepresented, marginalized experiences, we are referring to the lived experience tied in with marginalized identity. By itself, featuring an activity or experience that is unique and/or disadvantaged but not historically widely oppressed would not qualify.
I co-wrote my book with someone. Can we both pitch it?
Sure, but we ask that you still abide by the pitching rules as if you were one person and only use one account.
I am marginalized, but I co-wrote my book with someone who is not. Can I still pitch?
Yes!
I am marginalized but my characters are not / don’t share the same marginalization. Can I still participate in #DVpit?
Yes! Eligibility is based on the writer/illustrator regardless of the characters.
Can I write you about my specific marginalizations and ask for permission to participate?
Please don’t. Your marginalizations are yours, and identity is a tricky thing. Outside of bulldozing in knowing you are not eligible per the #DVpit description, it’s up to you.
If my protagonist does not share my marginalized identity, can I still pitch it?
Absolutely! Because #DVpit is based on the way the creator identifies, it doesn’t matter what the book is about or how your protagonist identifies.
What if I am queer but not out? What if I have an invisible disability (including neurodivergence or mental illness)?
It’s up to you. You are eligible. It’s your decision if you want to do #DVpit. We don’t ask you to submit proof (and no one should).
I’m not located in the US. Can I still participate?
Yes, of course, but please note that #DVpit mostly caters to the English language market. (Not to say your project wouldn’t sell internationally, just that generally the agents/editors sell first into the US/Canada/UK.)
Can I pitch a screenplay?
#DVpit is for book publishing, so it’s not likely (but not impossible!) that there will be agents/editors on the feed who will be accepting screenplays. Even still, it’s not the right platform for screenplays.
Can I pitch a poetry collection?
If you have a complete poetry manuscript, please feel free.
Can I pitch a novella or short story?
Yes, those are acceptable, though you should make it clear in the pitch since most participating agents/editors will assume full-length.
I have an agent but am not published and/or I’m looking for work-for-hire. Can I pitch myself?
No; #DVpit and #DVart are platforms that highlight un-agented book creators.
My book was previously published / self-published. Can I pitch it?
No. If it’s already been on sale, that means it’s been published. Pitch something new! If you have been published in the past, you can still pitch as long as you are now un-agented and what you are pitching has never been published (including self-published).
Related To Pitching Rules…
How do I pitch?
#DVpit was originally hosted on Twitter, but we are now using Discord. You will need a Discord account (free to create) and will need to learn some basics of how the platform works before you participate. Start out with our beginner’s guide (forthcoming) and then review our specific rules. Essentially, you need to sign on, and on the day of the event, post your pitch(es) in the appropriate channel that reflects your writing category. An invite-link will be required to gain access to the server. Links are sent out through our newsletter.
Due to the volume of messages we receive leading up to and on the day of the event, we are unable to answer basic questions regarding the mechanics of Discord.
What happens if my pitch exceeds the 280 character limit?
We understand that distilling a whole project into a short pitch is really difficult, but we must enforce the limit for ease of browsing and efficacy. Our moderators will be on the lookout for any pitches that exceed the limit, and will delete errant pitches and extend a notice to the author to let them know why their pitch was deleted. You will have the opportunity to revise and repost your pitch within the limit.
I’m confused about how many times I can pitch. Can you explain?
You can pitch up to 3 times per project. This means you can pitch unlimited projects, and for each project, you have up to 3 chances to pitch. We encourage you to try out different formats and angles for pitches. It would also be a good idea to spread them out through the day.
I am not available on the day of the event. Can I pitch my manuscript some other day?
Unfortunately, no. The channels for pitches will only be unlocked for the 24 hours of the day of the event. We hope that offering availability at all hours of the day will give every time zone and schedule a window of opportunity to pitch. Even so, if you are still unable to make an appearance on the server that day, we suggest asking a friend to post your pitch for you. You can make use of the Discord networking channels to help connect with your peers!
Can I add images to my pitch, if I am not an illustrator?
If you are pitching a project where illustrations are actually part of the project, then yes. (Think illustrated books like picture books, graphic novels, etc., or if you are pitching on #DVart). Other images should be used at your own discretion, with the caveat that it can look like spam and some agents/editors don’t like it. Please also note the following Q&A.
In my pitch, can I include images/art that are not mine?
We do not condone the use of images unless it’s public domain, you own or have received express permission from the copyright holder, or it falls directly under fair use guidelines. We do not condone the use of AI-generated images. We also encourage you to include alt-text.
Related To Aftermath…
How much time can I take between pitching / receiving requests and sending the material, so that I can research agents/editors before submitting or to give my manuscript a final polish?
Feel free to take a few weeks. Note that different agents will have different opinions on how long is “too long”, but what is most important is that you have enough time to research your requests and feel confident and comfortable with your submissions. Ideally, if someone was interested enough in your work to request it at the event, they will still be just as excited to read it when it hits their inbox later. That said, if your work is not complete (and we DO ask that you have a complete and ready-to-query work before pitching it), it’s best to wait until the next event. However, if you are just a quick polish away from being ready to submit, feel free to participate and finish up while you also research.
Do I have to submit to everyone who liked my pitch?
Nope! You are not obligated to send just because they requested. Do your research.
Have the participating agents/editors been vetted and approved?
No. We are not endorsing or vouching for any participating agents/editors/publishers. You should do your own research into anyone who requests your work and be vigilant on the server.
What do I do if more than one agent from the same agency requests my work?
This is specific to each agency. There is specific channel on the Discord server where agents/publishers can post their submission instructions in the case of a request. Check there, and if you don’t see it addressed by your requester(s), then you can reach out to them directly to ask, or to one of our volunteers to help find out.
Editors also ❤️ my pitch. What do I do?
A like (i.e. ❤️) is supposed to signal a request for material. Check the submissions channel to verify the guidelines of the person(s) who gave you a ❤️. If they are an editor at a big house that does not accept un-agented submissions, then they were probably confused about the rules and sent the ❤️ by mistake. Their engagement means that they would be interested to see your project when it’s on submission through an agent! Keep in mind that not all editors are restricted in this way; some can (and do) request work directly, so do make sure you double-check their guidelines.
How long is the Discord server open?
Each year, we will open the doors to the #DVpit Discord server some time in the month preceding the pitch event. You will be able to attend the #askDVpit Q&A event, as well as participate in the general channels (watercooler, comps, #PreDV). While the pitching channels will only be open for 24 hours the day of the pitch event, these general channels will remain open for one week.
Other…
I’m an agent/editor and want to participate. What do I do?
Familiarize yourself with the about page, rules/guidelines, and agents/editors page. You can also follow us at @DVpit_ for updates and news, and please subscribe to our newsletter, which is how we will distribute the invite link that will give you access to the server ahead of the event. Otherwise, just mark your calendar! It’s free to participate.
I am an agent/editor wanting to participate. Do I have to identify as marginalized?
No. Surveys and anecdotes show that publishing professionals largely come from more privileged backgrounds and are less likely to identify as being from marginalized communities or having “diverse” backgrounds. #DVpit was created as one way to begin to repair the disparities between industry professionals and authors, and that starts with agents and editors representing and publishing a more diverse roster of creators.
How do I report something?
You can report to Discord if it violates their terms and conditions or their community guidelines. If you are reporting something that goes against #DVpit’s specific rules, or bullying, harassment, etc, email us at [email protected] or reach out to one of the moderators.
When is the next #DVpit?
#DVpit is now an annual Fall event. Check the website, subscribe to our newsletter, and/or follow @DVpit_ to stay up to date on the schedules.
I want to support the participants. Why can’t we boost each other’s pitches?
We prefer to keep this pitch event a level playing field, regardless of popularity or number of followers! And anyway, you cannot “boost” on a Discord server the way you could on Twitter. However, we do think that camaraderie and encouragement is very important for our community, so we urge participants to make use of the watercooler channels to network and connect with one another. Please note that you will be unable to comment/reply to pitches in the pitching channels, as that ability is reserved to agents and editors only.
Do we need to register for this event?
You do not need to register, per se, but you will need a Discord account and you will need a link to gain access to the Discord server. You can get the link from this website or via the newsletter. The link will be available approximately a month preceding the pitch event.