Breaking Barriers: Battling Literary Gatekeepers

The literary world can be a mysterious and frustrating place for aspiring writers, with many so called ‘gatekeepers’ standing between us and success. These gatekeepers are the individuals or organizations who control access to publishing opportunities, literary prizes, and other forms of recognition.

In the publishing industry, the most prominent gatekeepers are literary agents and editors. Literary agents act as the first line of defense for publishers, reading through hundreds of manuscript submissions to find the ones with potential. They are often seen as the gatekeepers to traditional publishing, as many publishing houses will only consider submissions from agents. Editors, on the other hand, are responsible for selecting which manuscripts will be published and working with the author to refine and improve the work.

While agents and editors are essential to the publishing process, their role as gatekeepers has been criticised for perpetuating a narrow definition of what constitutes good writing. In some cases, gatekeepers may prioritise works that conform to established literary trends or that fit within specific marketing categories. This can lead to a lack of diversity in publishing, as marginalized perspectives may be overlooked. It doesn’t help that many agents and editors tend to be from the same demographic (lots of blonde women called Felicity in my experience!) and always seem to be seeking the exact same things. Some agents state what they are looking for in the form of their MSWL (Manuscript Wish List) but these are subject to the same set of narrow current trends and buzzwords (a buzz phrase I have noticed recently is ‘morally grey characters’).

However, the rise of self-publishing and digital publishing has challenged the traditional gatekeeping model. Authors can now bypass the traditional publishing process and put their work directly in front of readers. This has opened up new opportunities for authors who may have been rejected by traditional gatekeepers.

Literary prizes are another area where gatekeepers are prominent. Winning a major literary prize can be a game-changer for an author, bringing their work to a wider audience and potentially opening up new opportunities. However, the process of selecting prize winners can be opaque, with judges often drawn from the same small pool of literary insiders. This can lead to accusations of favouritism or a lack of variety in the selection process.

There are also gatekeepers within the literary community itself, such as literary critics and influential reviewers. A glowing review from a respected critic can make a huge difference in an author's career, while negative reviews can be devastating. The power of these gatekeepers has been magnified by the rise of social media, where reviews and opinions can quickly go viral and influence public perception.

So, what does all this mean for aspiring writers? While gatekeepers may seem like insurmountable barriers, there are ways to increase your chances of success. Building a strong network within the literary community can help you connect with agents, editors, and other gatekeepers who may be interested in your work. Self-publishing can also be a viable option for authors who have been rejected by traditional gatekeepers. Finally, focusing on developing your craft and creating original, compelling work is ultimately the best way to break through the gatekeeping barrier and make your mark in the literary world, keep chipping away, and ‘Felicity’ might finally take notice!