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Michaela Whatnall
Dystel Goderich & Bourret LLC
How often does this agent reply to queries?
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General
Michaela Whatnall
Dystel Goderich & Bourret LLC
Los Angeles, CA
- Website:
- www.dystel.com/
- Blog/Other:
- michaelawhatnall.com
- Twitter (X):
- @mwhatnall
- AALA Member:
- Yes (Visit Site)
Query Methods
Accepts queries via...
Genres
This agent is seeking the following genres:
Fiction
Action/Adventure
Commercial
Contemporary
Fantasy
• Fantasy, Magical Realism
Graphic Novel
Historical
Horror
LGBTQ+
Literary Fiction
Middle Grade
• Middle Grade, Contemporary
• Middle Grade, Fantasy
• Middle Grade, Historical
• Middle Grade, Literary
• Middle Grade, Mystery
• Middle Grade, Science Fiction
Multicultural
Mystery
New Adult
Picture Book
Romance
• Romance, Category
• Romance, Contemporary
• Romance, Fantasy
• Romance, Historical
• Romance, Paranormal
• Romance, Thriller/Suspense
Science Fiction
Thrillers/Suspense
Upmarket
Women's Fiction
Young Adult
• Young Adult, Contemporary
• Young Adult, Fantasy
• Young Adult, Historical
• Young Adult, Literary
• Young Adult, Mystery
• Young Adult, Paranormal
• Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
• Young Adult, Romance
• Young Adult, Science Fiction
Non-Fiction
Cultural/Social Issues
Decorating/Design
Food/Lifestyle
Health/Fitness
History
Humor/Gift Book
Juvenile/Graphic
LGBTQ+
Multicultural
Narrative
Pets
Pop Culture
Sports
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Known Clients (current & past)
Kika Hatzopoulou
Rebecca Mahoney
Anna Mercier
Jenna Miller
Ash Nouveau
Sophie Wan
Author Comments
Comments by authors about this agent.
EmilyH75
03/18/2026 07:00 PM
Query: 3/9/26
73,000 words; Paranormal Romance
R: 3/18/26
Form rejection:
Thank you very much for your query for ______, which I was grateful for the chance to review. Unfortunately, I don't feel that I'm the best fit for this project at this time. I wish you the very best of luck in finding the right home for this work and thank you, once again, for giving me the opportunity to consider it.
73,000 words; Paranormal Romance
R: 3/18/26
Form rejection:
Thank you very much for your query for ______, which I was grateful for the chance to review. Unfortunately, I don't feel that I'm the best fit for this project at this time. I wish you the very best of luck in finding the right home for this work and thank you, once again, for giving me the opportunity to consider it.
emvpin
03/18/2026 10:33 AM
Q 3/10 Fantasy romance 118k
3/18 FR
3/18 FR
kcalderan
03/17/2026 08:02 PM
Q: 3/17/26
Picture Book 283w
Picture Book 283w
jcgraham
03/17/2026 07:48 PM
3/12/26 - Q adult horror
3/17/26 - Form rejection
3/17/26 - Form rejection
Agent Interviews
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Success Story Interviews
Read interviews with authors who have signed with this agent.
Profile History
- Last Update:
- 06/27/2025 - Genres updated.
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Originally queried another agent at this agency who referred me to Michaela, who asked for a full!
Q: 11/22
Referral: 12/2
Full Request: 12/2
Rejected: 3/19/26 (looks like a form rejection for full requests with some generic compliments that weren’t specific to my book)
"Thank you so much for your patience as I reviewed your manuscript for [x], which I was very grateful for the chance to read. From your pitch, I was pulled in by [x], and while reading I particularly enjoyed [x] and [x], which really stands out.
Unfortunately, after careful consideration, I’ve decided I’m not the best agent to represent this book. As I’m sure you know, fiction is so subjective, I’m afraid I don’t feel I have the vision I’d need to take this project on in a competitive marketplace. I’m sorry not to have better news, but I’m thankful for the opportunity to have read and considered your work.
I’m wishing you the best of luck finding the right home for this project!"
120k historical fantasy