#DVpit
#DVpit
pitch event for creators from marginalized communities.
Now hosted on Bluesky!
About
#DVpit (Diverse Voices Pitch) is a Bluesky event for marginalized voices that have been historically underrepresented in publishing to pitch their work to agents and editors.This may include (but is not limited to): Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC); people living and/or born/raised in marginalized, underrepresented cultures and countries; disabled persons (includes neurodivergence and mental illness); people on marginalized ends of the cultural and/or religious spectrum; people identifying within LGBTQIA+; and more.* Participating marginalized creators can post about their finished projects on the day of DVpit in the hopes of finding an agent or editor for their work.The first #DVpit took place on April 19, 2016 and was a national trending hashtag. Since then, there have been hundreds of creators signed by agents and countless book deals contracted as a direct result of this event, with editors from small to mid-size to Big Five publishers requesting to receive the manuscripts at submission stage.To participate, pitches must be within the 300-character limit and include the #DVPit hashtag. Agents and editors will like or repost pitches they're interested in during the one-day event.DVpit is returning October 8, 2025!MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!Follow us on bluesky for more up-to-date announcements
*Any decisions regarding eligibility are yours to make. Creators are not obligated to disclose anything they do not feel comfortable with and are not required to pitch only work that reflects their own identity, though that is certainly welcome!
Preparation
First, you need a Bluesky account in order to participate. Visit bsky.app to create an account. Be sure to create a unique username; if you use the suggested username, people might think you are a bot! Your username is called a “handle” and will begin with an @ symbol.Your display name should be your name or your pen name; whichever you would use to send query letters, so that any requesting agents or editors will be able to cross-check your email with the bluesky account you are using.Once you have your account, please upload a photo—doesn’t have to be your real face if you don’t want, but something so you seem like a real person. For the same reason, you should fill out the bio section. Something simple like “YA writer” for example would be great!
Pitching Basics
You submit your pitch by posting it on bluesky on the day of #DVpit.
(check out our About Page for more details on date and time)
To post, you must log in to your account on bsky.app. You click on the "new post" button on the side menu (on desktop) or the blue button on the bottom (on mobile). Once you've typed out your pitch, click “post”.Your post should be a pitch for your book, and must include the #DVpit hashtag. Depending on what you are pitching, you should also include hashtags that categorize your book. Some examples of categories are: #PB = picture book, #CB = chapter book, #MG = middle grade, #YA = young adult, #GN = graphic novel, #A = Adult. You can also include hashtags to indicate the genre. Examples are: #CR = contemporary romance, #HF = historical fiction, #LF = literary fiction, #MEM = memoir, #F = fantasy, #SF = science fiction.See our suggested hashtag listYou can put these hashtags before or after your pitch line, but it must be within the same post as your pitch. Do not “thread” your posts. (A thread is when you reply to your own post, thereby creating a chain of connected posts. Each post-pitch should stand alone.)We are working on the honor system here. We will trust that you are an eligible creator per the description on the About page. If the work you are pitching also reflects a marginalized identity/background, and you want a quick way to make that more apparent in your short pitch (and you can fit a few more characters), we also encourage you to include a hashtag abbreviation to get that information across. Examples: #OWN (to suggest #ownvoices), #POC, #LGBT, #DIS (disability), #IMM (immigration), #TV (trans voice), #NV (Native voice), #JV (Jewish voice), #LV (Latine voice) etc. Please make the hashtag abbreviation as clear and straightforward as possible for our agents/editors. For suggestions see our hashtag list.These codes are up to you—we are in no place to judge or police how, or even if, you label your identity or your book. Please remember they are optional. You will not be at a disadvantage if you don’t include them and you are not in any way obligated to disclose any information you do not feel comfortable sharing.Additionally, please refrain from policing the identities of other participants.You are not required to register for this event as Bluesky is an open forum and DVpit cannot moderate or regulate the content others choose to post. But with that in mind, please, be wary of any solicitations from third party websites.MORE GUIDELINES COMING SOON!
During the event
A like from an agent = a query request
please see each agent's individual submission guidelines before queryingA repost from an editor = interest in submission once you've signed with an agent
these editors do NOT take unagented submissionsA like from an editor = editor who takes unagented submissions
please see each editor's individual submission guidelines before submittingHow to see your pitchYour post will appear on your profile page and in the #DVpit feed. Use the search bar to find the feed by searching “#DVpit”. You can also find the feed by clicking the hashtag (which should appear like a hyperlink) in your own post. The #DVpit feed is what agents and editors will look through to read everyone’s amazing pitches! Feel free to comment on others’ pitches to encourage them and make friends.How to boost other author's pitchesYou can boost other authors by replying or quote reposting. Please do NOT like or repost, as those actions are reserved for agents and editors and we do not want to confuse participating authors.How to tell who liked or reposted your pitchOn the web browser, if you expand your post, you will see a bar at the bottom showing bold numbers with likes, reposts, and comments. By clicking on the bold number next to reposts or likes, you will see which accounts have liked and reposted your pitch.Note: Not everyone knows the rules, and sometimes you’ll get false alarms. If you get a like or a repost from someone whose Bluesky bio doesn’t indicate they work in publishing, you can ignore their “request” since they did so mistakenly.Receiving a “like” from an editorThere are editors who are able to receive and consider material directly from book creators, without an agent! If you get a like from an editor who is able to consider your material, check out their Bluesky feed, where they should have posted their submission instructions.If you receive a like from an editor at a publisher who did NOT provide submission instructions, they may have also made a mistake, and had meant to repost to simply express their interest. Feel free to email DM DVpit to clarify, or simply @ the person to ask for clarification.Please Note: We are unable to vet all agents, editors, and publishers who participate in this public event. As such, please do your research before submitting to anyone you are not already familiar with. You are not obligated to submit your work to any party who requests it should you not feel comfortable doing so.
Do's & Don't's
to make the most of the event
DO be prepared for the event! Write your pitches ahead of time and we suggest making them all different.DON’T @/tag agents or editors to call attention to your post.DO comment and reply to others’ pitches! This is a great opportunity to network with your fellow participants.DON’T spam the feed! This means: following the rules of participation by posting only the allotted number of times, and don’t use the hashtag unless it’s for a pitch. Now is not the time to advertise your editorial services or etsy store!DO keep close track of your likes.DON’T lose hope if you don’t get as many likes/reposts as you wanted. 300-character-sized pitches are hard, and some books don’t work well with them. You can always cold-query!DO take advantage of all the resources we provide. Check out the dvpit discord and our FAQsDON’T tag the @DVpit account--use the hashtag to pitch or else the agents/editors will not see it in the feed!DO read our entire day-of guide before participating.DON'T use gen-AI for any aspect of this event.A statement about the use of AI
The DVPit committee would like to make our stance clear that we do not support or endorse any manuscripts written by generative AI or any art created with the use of AI.
FAQ's
Q: I don’t know if I’m marginalized enough. Should I pitch?
A: 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.Q: I am marginalized but my characters are not / don’t share the same marginalization. Can I still participate in #DVpit?
A: Yes! Eligibility is based on the writer/illustrator regardless of the characters.Q: Can I write to you about my specific marginalizations and ask for permission to participate?
A: 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.Q: If my protagonist does not share my marginalized identity, can I still pitch it?
A: 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.Q: What if I am queer but not out? What if I have an invisible disability (including neurodivergence or mental illness)?
A: 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).Q: Where do I post my pitch?
A: For #DVpit 2025, we are hosting it on Bluesky. Please remember to use #DVPit in your pitch so agents and editors can find it in the feed.Q: How long can my pitch be?
A: All pitches for #DVpit must be one post long on bluesky (e.g. no threads). Which limits all pitches to bluesky’s 300 character limit. This includes all characters–spaces and letters, the required hashtag of #DVPit and any additional hashtags such as #YA #F #LGBT. Please view this list of hashtagsQ: I am not available on the day of the event. Can I pitch my manuscript some other day?
A: Unfortunately, no. The day and hours for pitches is set to allow our agents and editors to target that time range in their searches for projects. Anything outside the window might be missed, so please check for the date and time of the next DVPit HERE. And follow our guidelines and instructions HEREQ: Can I add images to my pitch if I am not an illustrator?
A: If you are an author who worked with an illustrator pitching a project where illustrations are part of the project, then yes. (Think illustrated books like picture books, graphic novels, etc.). Other images (including moodboards) 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.Q: In my pitch, can I include images/art that are not mine?
A: 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. This includes moodboards. We do not condone the use of AI-generated images. We also encourage you to include alt-text.Q: My pitch includes illustrations and I want to use Alt Text to make sure all users can enjoy them. Does this count in my character limit?
A: No, it doesn’t. Alt text is encouraged for any images in order to create the most inclusive event possible. They will not count against your character limit. If you are unfamiliar with alt-text, please see this article "Write helpful Alt Text to describe images"Q: How many images can I post if I’m an illustrator and I’m pitching artwork or a graphic novel?
A: You are allowed to post four (4) images if you’re pitching artwork or a graphic novel.Q: I’m an author/illustrator, can I pitch a Graphic Novel proposal?
A: Yes, you may. We suggest you use the hashtage #GNQ: Can I pitch a poetry collection?
A: If you have a complete poetry manuscript, please feel free.Q: Can I pitch a novella or short story?
A: Yes, those are acceptable, though you should make it clear in the pitch since most participating agents/editors will assume full-length.Q: Can I pitch an anthology?
A: Yes, you may.Q: What if I have a pitch I know a particular Agent and/or Editor will love? Is it okay to tag them?
A: Sorry, it is not. Please do not tag the agents and/or editors to call attention to your pitch. Allow them to seek out your pitch on their own, as this is what the #DVpit event is about.Q: How will I know who liked my pitch?
A: On the web browser, if you expand your post, you will see a bar at the bottom showing bold numbers with likes, reposts, and comments:By clicking on the bold number next to reposts or likes, you will see which accounts have liked and reposted your pitch.Q: Can I support other pitches?
A: You are welcome to comment or quote repost other pitches but you cannot like or repost any pitches. Please leave that to requesting agents and editors!Q: An agent liked my pitch but rejected a previous query. Can I still send them my new query package?
A: If you have revised since they rejected a previous query, most agencies are happy to take a look. Please check their guidelines and then make a decision. If you are doubtful, you can ask the requesting agent by following the instructions below.Q: What do I do if more than one agent from the same agency requests my work?
A: This is specific to each agency. Please follow each agency’s submission instructions in case of a request.Q: 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?
A: 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.Q: Is there an age limit to participate in #DVpit?
A: There is no age limit to participate in #DVpit.Q: How do I view past pitches?
A: Since this is our first year on Bluesky, the only way to see past pitches is by looking up #DVpit on Twitter/X or the #DVPit Discord Archives.Q: I have a great idea for a way to make #DVpit better! Where can I share it?
A: We really appreciate your enthusiasm and commitment to the event! While we welcome feedback, for now we’re busy trying to get this year’s event going. Keep your idea handy (and write it down so you don’t forget), and if it isn’t addressed in the coming months, we look forward to hearing it when we ask for feedback on #DVpit 2025. Also, please make sure that you fully read our DVPit User Guide, as many suggestions are already addressed there!
For Agents & Editors
Q: How do I sign up to participate?
No sign up required! Literary agents and editors are welcome to express their interest in participating in DVpit via their own bluesky or social media accounts.
If you'd like to reach out to DVpit for more information, please feel free to do so on blueskyQ: How do I find pitches?
On the day of the event (date & time can be found here) log onto bluesky and search the hashtag #DVpit.
If you'd like to narrow down your search based on category or genre, include the hashtag for that as well (see our list of suggested hashtags). Please don't forget to always include #DVpit in every search to make sure you're on the correct feed.
(e.g. So if you'd like to see YA science-fiction and fantasy pitches, you would type into the search bar: #DVPit #YA #SFF)Q: How do I indicate that I’m interested in being sent a project?
For Agents and Editors who accept unagented submissions: Please like any pitch you’d like to see in your inbox!For Editors who accept only agented submissions: Please repost any pitch you’d like to receive once an author is agented!Q: Where do I post my submission guidelines?
We encourage any participating agents or editors to post their submission guidelines on bluesky so it’s easier for participants to find with any specific instructions for submitting a DVPit project (e.g. telling participants to include #DVPit in the subject line of their submission)
We also encourage participating agents and editors to pin the post to the top of their feed on the day of the event and for at least a few days after the event ends.