Literary Agents of Change has launched the Equity Directory, a pioneering online resource dedicated to featuring literary agents who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour). This free-to-access directory is set to be a dynamic tool, maintained by a devoted team of volunteers from the organisation, aiming for continuous expansion in the forthcoming years.
Bridging the gap: introducing the Equity Directory
Originating from the American Association of Literary Agents‘ (AALA) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Literary Agents of Change aims to dismantle the systemic barriers that historically marginalised groups face, particularly in the literary agency profession. With a sharp focus on addressing overlapping oppressions related to race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, class, and ability, the nonprofit has been proactive in creating pathways for underrepresented communities through its Fellowship and Mentorship Programs. These initiatives are said to be designed to not only recruit but also retain and elevate the presence of underrepresented agents in the industry.
Expanding representation
AALA, renowned as the leading body for professional literary agents across the United States, backs this endeavour. The Equity Directory emerged as a strategic response to the discontinued Literary Agents of Color database, aiming to bridge the gap and create a robust network among BIPOC agents, writers, and industry peers.
Read: Diversity in publishing: moving past a tick box exercise
“It’s a chance for us to devote financial resources to creating and maintaining an intentional space for community.”
Katie Kotchman, Literary Agents of Change
Katie Kotchman, the president of Literary Agents of Change and a distinguished literary agent, expressed her enthusiasm about the new directory. “This effort felt like a natural next step in our work to actively support diversity within the publishing industry,” Kotchman remarked. She highlighted the organisation’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community and their readiness to invest in a space that celebrates and nurtures BIPOC talent within the literary landscape.
The Equity Directory hopes to become a vibrant community hub that strengthens the ties between BIPOC agents and the wider publishing ecosystem, ensuring their voices are heard, respected, and celebrated.