Are literary agents and publishers prejudiced? In other words, are books sometimes rejected because of an authors’ gender, age, race, politics, religion, sexual orientation, relationship status, religious beliefs, etc.? Of course, but it’s not as often as you might think. There are other issues. This articles explains. And, if you like this article, you might also find this one helpful: Literary Agents Seeking Diversity.
Reasons for Rejection by Literary Agents – Prejudice?
Anyone with any sense will correctly assume that some literary agents and publishers are prejudiced: sexist, ageist, racist, etc. It’s a fact of life because literary agents and publishers are human. And, all human beings (including literary agents) sometimes form favorable or unfavorable opinions and feelings about things, and people, beforehand, without any knowledge, thought, or reason behind our opinions and feelings.
That’s the definition of prejudice.
The good news is that, most of the time, literary agents and publishers don’t reject books based on prejudice. However, there are three other reasons for rejection you need to know about. These three things have nothing to do with prejudice or writing quality per se. Although it might seem like it at first. And, if you understand these three things, you can increase your chances of becoming a more successful author.
Lack of Commercial Appeal or Relatability
One reason for rejection by literary agents and publishers is a lack of commercial appeal or relatability. Simply put, some authors work hard to write in a broad, inclusive way. They’re very conscious of their prospective readers, and they labor to make their writing understandable and of interest to as many people as possible. The opposite of that approach is “preaching to the choir”. That’s what authors do when they include content or write in a style that will only (or primarily) appeal to members of the minority or subculture represented in their work. In political terms, you might think of this as “only appealing to one’s base”, or, giving little thought or consideration to those who don’t already understand or appreciate your views or position.
I’m not saying that one approach is better than the other, inclusive or narrow, they’re just different. My job, as I see it, is to simply help you be clear about the difference between the two approaches, as it relates to you and your work. That way you can: write more consciously, reach the audience you want to reach, and achieve the goals you set for yourself. Many authors are completely, or somewhat, blind to the above. That’s why, as an author coach, I’m often able to help writers see where they are, currently, on their “subculture spectrum” and make adjustments based on their vision and mission. No matter who you are, what you’re writing about, or what your agenda is… conscious writing is more likely to be successful.
For example…
If you’re a male or female author and you want the opposite gender to read your book, is it written in a way that will attract both sexes? And, are you keenly aware of those things in your book that will elicit a negative reaction from the opposite sex? Here’s another example. If you’re a faith-based person, do you want your book to appeal primarily to the mainstream, or people who already share your beliefs; and, is your book written to achieve that effect? Similarly, if your writing is multicultural, do you want your book to be of interest to people who don’t share that ethnicity; and, have you written your book in a way that it will have that appeal?
Making a book more inclusive and commercial is about dividing your attention. You need to focus on the unique details and perspective of the subculture your book represents–those that make it interesting and different–but you also need to focus on the universal themes that build bridges between you and your readers. For example, a story about racial tension caused by a black student attending a mostly white school could be interesting and insightful to people of any ethnicity. But, not if it’s “too black” or “too white”. An inclusive writer would view the details regarding black and white subculture in a book like that as secondary. The main focus would be the clash of two different cultures, period. That’s the universal part of the story than anyone can relate to.
Lack of Curiosity or Interest
Another reason books are rejected is a lack of curiosity or interest regarding the content or style. In other words, a literary agent or publisher might reject a novel about dogs because she simply isn’t passionate about dogs. It doesn’t mean she dislikes dogs or is prejudiced. She just doesn’t care about dogs. Total lack of interest or curiosity. Maybe she’s a cat person. Or, maybe she’s not interested in animals of any kind. Again, that’s not prejudice, it’s personal preference. Everyone’s entitled to decide what they like or want to read about. You probably don’t want people telling you what YOU should read, watch on TV, or eat for dinner. Agents are no different. By the way, the only thing you can do to help overcome this obstacle is make your pitch materials as interesting as possible. That’s what I try to do as an author coach. I want to help author writing a novel about dogs make it sound so interesting and relatable that even cat-lovers want to read it. That should be your goal as well. Not just when you’re pitching your book, but also when you’re writing your book.
Experience
The third reason for rejection by literary agents and publishers, that has nothing to do with prejudice, or writing quality, is experience. In other words, let’s say you’ve written a novel that features talking dogs as the main characters. But an agent reading your query tried to pitch a book with talking dogs five years ago and failed. Common sense ought to tell you he might be wary of taking on something “similar”. That’s just the way it goes sometimes. This type of bias can also work in your favor. An agent might look favorably on a talking dog book if he had success nine lives ago selling a talking cat book.
Meow…
My Prejudice and Bias
I don’t care if you’re male or female, where you’re from, how old you are, what political party you belong to, what your relationship status is–or anything else. Well, that’s not completely true. I care. I’m just not going to use it against you, judge you, or try to put you in a box. And, it goes both ways. In other words, don’t ask me about my personal background and beliefs. All you need to know is that there’s nothing about my background or beliefs that will get in the way of me helping you reach your goals as an author–unless you’re writing books promoting prejudice.
I’ve helped authors of all ages (from 15 to 97) and many ethnicities (from all around the world): Black, White, Native American, Indian, Muslim, etc. Check out my recently updated success stories here and you’ll see a rainbow of young and old writers represented: Mark Malatesta Reviews. And please don’t be like the knucklehead who once asked me why there isn’t more diversity there. It’s simple. Minorities are, well, minorities. So, you’re going to see more “vanilla” testimonials on my website than all the other flavors.
That doesn’t mean I don’t like variety…
What You Should and Shouldn’t Say When You Pitch Literary Agents and Publishers… to Prevent Prejudice
Don’t talk about your gender, age, race, politics, religion, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, etc. when pitching literary agents or publishers–unless it’s relevant to the project you’re pitching. And, in case you’re wondering, it’s sometimes smart to hide one or more of those things to prevent prejudice. I sometimes advise my coaching clients to mask their age, gender, ethnicity, location, etc. when I’m concerned those things might be used against them. It’s situational though, so don’t ask me what you should do in the comments section below or on the FAQ / Ask a Question part of one of my main website. If you want to talk with me about that, click here, instead, to Schedule an Introductory Coaching Call.
Find Literary Agents Who Aren’t Prejudiced
If you haven’t already done so, use my Directory of Literary Agents™ (no charge) to find literary agents interested in your type of book. You’ll find agents interested in all types of books (fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books), including Black Literary Agents, and other agents interested in multicultural and ethnic books. The Directory of Literary Agents™ has been called the most comprehensive and up-to-date list of literary agents available, in print or online. It contains detailed biographies, profiles, and contact information for all literary agents in the United States. When you enter the Directory of Literary Agents™, you’ll also get free, instant access to our article and audio library with additional information to help you get a literary agent, publisher, and book deal.
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MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
The prejudice is not the question;It is the inability of the majority to relate to the social and cultural precepts and premises in books by minorities.if one cannot understand our history, our labels,acceptance of our stories dies at the gatekeepers door.
Hi Cynthia… I know you know this… but you won’t change the majority… so… the best you can do… is try to be one of those rare authors who finds a way to build a bridge… that makes it easier for the majority to explore new worlds. New things come out every year that do this… and it will never stop. Neither will prejudice. But we can only do what we can do.
Fight the fight,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I found this helpful. The fist prejudice was totally me. I do need to write in a more inclusive way, and I assume my reader has prior knowledge, and that may not be the case. It’s hard to be impartial about your writing, it’s your child, hahaha but I will work on number one.
Thank you Helen, you just made my evening… and just do your best… I know you already know this… but you’re never going to please everyone… no matter how hard you try. I’m reminded of that every time I post a new blog post. 😉
Here’s to love, inclusivity, and ignoring snarkiness!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
once I got past the involuntary reader personal info harvesting script, this is a good article.
I know that after a couple of bad starts, when prospective agents ‘assumed’ a bias on my part by reading only parts of blogs and ignoring the counter discussion the next paragraph, I don’t do controversial.
I try to stick to usable, and/or light touches. The heavy stuff is in the novels, buried in the Spinoza quotes… ;}
don’t ever forget.
Melville’s publisher rejected his book, requesting that it be rewritten about something other than ‘fishing,’ and ‘could it be about something other than a whale?” The suggested replacement was buxom women.
Hi Terry, glad you liked the article and I enjoyed the Melville story…
Have a good night,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark, I am a self published author who’s publisher believes my book would make a great movie, they even put a script together for me with a company called five minute management. However, now they want me to pay them $2500 to pitch my script in L.A! What???? I do not understand, they had told me that after I had paid for the five minute management project, my book would be pitched, now I am asked to pay more? I feel like a putz! My book has been receiving five star ratings, what should I do?
Don’t pay them.
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Elisa,
Doesn’t sound good…
Read this article if you haven’t already: https://literary-agents.com/best-publishing-companies/. It might help. Maybe not the exact answer you were looking for, but hopefully something better. And, although it’s about publishers, the logic still holds true.
Then, If you think I can be helpful, there are three different ways you can get support…
First, if you haven’t already done so, click here to access all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): https://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
Second, look at the 50 most commonly questions that authors ask me (with my answers) on my FAQ page here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/.
And, third, you can post your question(s) for me on that same webpage (just make sure you look at all the Frequently Asked Questions first to make sure I haven’t already answered your question in the FAQ).
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Do you charge the same for novels and picture books?
Hi Dan, assuming you’re talking about my introductory coaching call? If so… yes… because… although the word count is less… I’ve never had trouble filling the hour… there are so many things that you can talk about that might make a difference.
With or without me, I hope this is your year.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark, always dig your insight. Thanks and keep’em coming.
I had a recent 60 to zero moment. I received a call from an agent who had read a screenplay from my book “The Money Island”. She loved it and even was from the town I wrote. The next Monday, we spoke and I told her who in LA had the script. She told me “I want to take care of you”. Now, I’m former sports agent, no one has ever told ME that. I was excited.
Three months later, not one phone call, email or text. Now that’s a head scratcher.
Hi Troy, thank you… and that’s rough… sorry you had to go through that… tell yourself she’s going through some personal stuff that got in the way… might not at all be about you or your work.
Hopefully the next one sticks,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have a similar story, if you’re interested and haven’t already seen it: https://literary-agents.com/how-to-become-a-literary-agent/.
I feel your pain,
Mark
I guess it was the “I want to take care of you” part that hurt most. My previous career was to take care of others. I went to war for my clients.
Having said that, I think she read the book and in there I go into the dynamics of Dallas: politics, pretense and power. (It was essential for my characters.) I think her feelings got hurt.
I’m a “glass is half full” guy and yesterday my day started with positive correspondence from a A-list director’s rep. Enough so, that the sequel is almost done.
Hi Troy, glad to hear about your glass half full approach… makes the journey more bearable and enjoyable. 😉
Hang in there,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
As a creative director with extensive experience in DR, I want to congratulate you on your marketing materials. You’ve sold me. And when I’m further along in my book, I’ll request a call.
Thank you Ron… I hope you meant that… more than anything… I sold you on the fact that you should invest in yourself and your work… that you and your work are worth it… and… that you might actually be able to make it.
If I also helped you see that I might be the best person to help you, even better!
I’ll take it.
I work hard at that, too. 😉
Looking forward to connecting later when you’re ready.
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I think this is very sound advice. Given that any agent might have some kind of prejudice or bias, emphasizing an element that might cause an agent not to consider your book makes no sense.
Thank you James, and amen.
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark,
You make an interesting observation, but it belies the truth. Eighty-three percent of American agents and editors are white, middle class women; more than seventy percent of the readers of fiction are women.
That’s a steep hill to climb, especially if you’re an older, white, middle class male.
The publishing business is full of double-speak. Rejections are sometimes based on “voice’, doublespeak for gender or race. Such a book is a poor market risk for the seventy percent readership.
Maybe if you are an older, white, middle class author, you can consider including smart, strong, female characters in your book, as either protagonist or antagonist, or in a strong supporting role. Making your female a “dumb blonde” would likely not be a good move.
Hello, James,
My wife fell to the floor laughing. An avid (advanced, advanced)skier, two hip replacements sidelined her. An ocean sailor and fearless shipmate, she was the template for the character, Ginny, in my fiction (and NF).
She was also a photographer’s model and jazz vocalist during the 50’s,60’s & 70’s. A strong feminist, she sang before an audience exceeding 1,000, although most of her trio’s gigs were booked in the smaller, upscale clubs in San Diego and Seattle.
Supporting roll?
Love it, and glad you have a sense of humor Matts…
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I’ve had this conversation with more male authors than I can possibly remember… writing about women in the opening pages in a way that I tell them would make my wife roll her eyes or possibly slap them. 😉
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Matts… I’ve seen those numbers… and I love sharing them with authors… but… with a different purpose. I tell male authors… that… if most agents… editors… and readers… are women… it kind of makes sense… as a male author… to consider ways to make their work more female-friendly… IF… they want female readers… since that’s something an author has control over… and there are plenty of male authors who write only… or primarily… for a male audience… who are successful… so all you can do is your best. Or you can use a female name to pitch your work and see if you get a different response. 😉
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I published my Latino Christian fiction book, Vivir el Dream, independently. One reason was prejudice. When I tried to get it published traditionally, one editor told me to make the main character white so people could identify better with her. A contest judge critiquing stated that they could only relate to the one white character on the first page who didn’t want to give my MC a job due to her undocumented status. It has been a rough road, but I’m glad I indie pubbed because people like it!
Hi Allison, sorry to hear that but glad you’re having success. 😉
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I find agents only want books about Hispanics if they fit familiar stereotypes–addicts in the mean streets, abused women, and Cubans lamenting their lost mansions. What–no drugs? A intact family? The husband does not have 3 women at once? Too unrealistic. It is sad, and perpetuates the dearth of published novels by Latinos.
Hi Meg,
I’ve also seen agents reject manuscripts because they’re TOO stereotypical.
That subjective pendulum swings both ways…
Here’s to you finding your perfect match.
You only need one.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
This is very helpful.
My manuscript is a crime novel, from the point of view of a corporate, unemployed African American woman.
I’ve often wondered if my query letters aren’t snaring attention, because obviously employed literary agents might be suffering ‘survival guilt.’ Perhaps they can’t see themselves slogging through 350 pages of maddening frustration, unhinged solutions simply because they’re working, for now.
Hi Jennifer, the good news is I’ll be able to tell you soon. 😉
Let’s make this your year,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
It might be relevant Mark, to mention your social media following, FB or other. Several publishers refused my agent’s pitch because of the quasi-absence of a tribe or some such.
Hi Christopher, great point… check out the following if you haven’t seen them already: https://literary-agents.com/author-platform/ and https://literary-agents.com/social-media-for-authors/. 🙂
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I’ve actually found the opposite to be true. The vast majority of agents I’ve researched are BEGGING for ethnically and religiously diverse authors. In other words, you get extra points if you’re black, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, LGBTQ, Muslim, etc. (especially if you’ve written from that perspective). If you grew up white and middle class, not so much. Google #ownvoices.
I’d LOVE a list of those agents you say are ‘begging’ for manuscripts from minorities! Just list four for me, and I’ll be grateful.
I sincerely wonder (highly doubt) real numbers bear out your ‘suspicion’ that America’s white writers are suffering from all the minorities getting published.
There are plenty to be found on the Manuscript Wish List website. Also check out the #PitMad hashtag on Twitter.
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
🙂
Anyone has a list of agents looking for works from minorities, share it with me and I’ll post it…
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Jennifer, just read ANY agent bio. I’d say 85% of them say something about wanting diverse authors. Also, check #ownvoices on twitter and there’s a giant thread of agents all talking about it.
True, that… diversity is trending… it’s good to be different.
At least for a little while, ride the wave,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Erin, now why didn’t I think to say that???
Wonderful point, thank you!!!
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
How one avoids mentioning gender, age, race, politics, religion, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, etc.when sending one’s bio? Thanks.
Perhaps in your bio focus on the things you have written, or have done that will give your writing credibility. I suspect many of the things you have done were not dependent on your race, religion, etc.
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Lazarus, it’s not always easy… or even necessary… all you can do is your best… and I don’t want you to think/feel you need to be (or pretend to be) something your not… just make who you are and what you do as inclusive as possible… if that’s important to you.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Great article. It helps put agent comments in perspective.
Thank you Pat!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
any advice about getting a screenplay agent?
Yes! I joke that Hollywood movies fall under the four “R’s”. Remakes, ripoffs, really bad sequels and nothing ‘riginal. Are there agents that look for that fresh idea or hidden gem?
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Ruth, I’m much more knowledgeable about the publishing industry… look on Google and you might find another “me” doing something similar for screenplay writers… then let me know if you find someone… I might share it with everyone. 🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I did experience prejudice from agents. I queried two different books. On had an historical Christian theme, a mystery, which was no more religious than ‘The Da Vinci Code.’ Many agents right up front said: “This is not for me!” and left it at that. One went so far as to say: “I’m not Christian. I don’t know why you’re querying me with this!” The book without the Christian theme never got any of these type of responses.
It definitely happens Claude… as you know… I’m often removing and softening language for people so their work isn’t prematurely dismissed.
Here’s to diversity and expanding horizons,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Mark
Great article. I often need to step back from taking rejection personally, recognizing the reasons they may have for doing so. I loved the “talking dog” example. Recently in the journey to publish short stories, I was asked to send an example of my VERY best work. Well, my personal favorite happens to be written in the perspective of a dog. I received the fastest rejection ever: We NEVER consider talking dog stories (no salutation). I’m wondering if she answered in the voice of a cat.
Hi Deb, I appreciate your honesty… although I don’t know many (any?) people who don’t struggle with rejection. 😉
Have a good night and thank you for posting.
Woof,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
My name pretty much reveals my gender. Ever heard of a male named “Joy?” Should I change my name to initials? or to a male name like the women writers 2 centuries ago?
I could always call myself “Chris”,or “Pat”, like that old SNL character!
I like your name – I think it has good energy!
🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
There are many famous female authors such as Nora Roberts, Toni Morrison (recently honored at an Authors Guild award dinner), ans others. I would not think you name would be a hindrance, unless you are writing about a Navy Seal operation or something else like that which most women would have no experience with. It would be a credibility/authenticity issue, not a gender issue.
Agreed… being a female author is more often a plus than a negative since most agents and editors are women.
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Joy, yes, that’s a bit of a giveaway… although I’m currently working with a man named Kim… so one should never assume. I can’t tell you what you should or shouldn’t do here… as I mentioned in the article… since things like that are situational… sometimes you should change something like that… sometimes you shouldn’t… and the only way I’d know for sure is to speak with you about it. That said, I’m happy to help with something else here if possible. You can post another question(s) for me here: https://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/.
All my best, and have a good night!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com