Literary Agents of Change is the 501(c)3 non-profit founded by the American Association of Literary Agents’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program. LAOC is committed to helping dismantle the barriers to entry into a career as a literary agent for members of historically underrepresented groups, with a goal of shifting the greater publishing landscape.

This industry is at a precipice, with doors being closed to marginalized authors due to nationwide book bans and harmful state policies, coupled with changes in bookstore purchasing which disproportionately impact marginalized authors at the beginnings of their careers. Representation among traditionally published books remains unsatisfactory. The Cooperative Children’s Book Center 2023 Diversity Statistics reflect that only 7% of the books received last year featured significant LGBTQ content; 7% featured significant disability content; and 4% featured significant content about minority (non-Christian) religions. While 49% of books received included significant BIPOC content, only 40% had at least one BIPOC creator, as opposed to the 70% of books by at least one white creator.

Compare this with diversity statistics among industry professionals; according to Lee & Low Books 2023 Diversity Baseline Survey, which charts the demographics of reviewer employees, university press employees, literary agents, and trade publishing employees, respondents were 72.5% white, 91.9% cisgender, 68.7% heterosexual, and 83.5% nondisabled. Lee & Low states in their report, “As gatekeepers, we decide what stories get published, which creators get the extra sales or marketing push, and which books get reviewed. Our industry greatly benefits from a diverse workforce to shape the voices and characters that will appeal to a wide audience.”

We at LAOC agree wholeheartedly. In order to support and nurture the careers of marginalized authors, we need professionals from marginalized communities at every level of publishing, including literary agents. By financing fellowship opportunities and mentorships for new and aspiring literary agents from marginalized communities, we are striving toward equity in an industry with many roadblocks still in place, as well as preparing agents for the great responsibility they hold in this business. This year we are striving to raise $25,000 through our second annual Literary Auction for Change to further our mission.

30- Min AMA Style Chat with Chelsea Hensley