Michaela Whatnall

Submission Guidelines for Michaela Whatnall

Submitting Your Work to Michaela Whatnall

Before querying Michaela Whatnall

The Market List recommends you verify this agent is still active and open to submissions before sending a query. Check the agency website, recent deal announcements, and any posted guidelines.

To be sure your project is a fit, we recommend you familiarize yourself with Michaela Whatnall's list by reviewing recently represented titles and the agency's current submission guidelines before querying.

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From the Michaela Whatnall Submission Guidelines:

Queries are accepted only through the agency’s online form. Do not email queries.

• Include a query letter and the first 20 pages of the manuscript, or a full nonfiction proposal
• Fiction should be complete and polished before querying
• Wishlist notes are a starting point; strong fits are welcome even if not a perfect match to listed seeks

Dystel, Goderich & Bourret Submission Guidelines

• Query only one DG&B agent at a time; after a pass, you may query another agent at the agency
• Follow each agent’s designated method; Michaela accepts submissions only via the agency’s online form
• If no reply in 8 weeks, resend noting the prior send date
• Do not query unfinished novels; do not pitch or follow up by phone or social media outside planned pitch events
• Do not attach files to a blank or incomplete query; do not use shared-file download links

Michaela Whatnall's Current Wishlist:

Adult upmarket fiction with a propulsive plot and pervasive themes (soft spot for speculative, contemporary, and historical). Contemporary middle grade that is layered and heartfelt and centers backgrounds less often seen on the page. Young adult with a strong concept—especially hooky fantasy with a grounded setting, big magic, high stakes, and strong character dynamics. Grounded adult fantasy set in our world or close to it—character-first, not epic or high fantasy. Romantasy featuring queer, BIPOC, or otherwise underrepresented protagonists. Adult dystopian and romance-forward dystopian. High-concept adult romance that twists familiar tropes; high-concept new adult with a big hook. Selectively: MG and YA graphic novel proposals with text and art; picture books that explore an unexplored topic or offer a fresh take; narrative nonfiction in pop culture and cultural criticism, plus sports books centering women or queer athletes.