Discover The Real Reason Literary Agents Pass On #OwnVoices Novels
(And The Secret To Getting Signed)
PRIVATE PODCAST
Real Representation
A free private podcast for OwnVoices querying fiction authors who are done being the best writer in the room and still going home without an offer.
HELLO, MY CHRONICALLY UNDERVALUED FRIEND
Ever had any of these thoughts?
If you're an editorial agent, why are you rejecting me over a handful of small edits? Couldn't we just work on the novel together?
The same 5 agents request my full every time I query, only to pass in the end. If you've liked every book I've ever written, shouldn't that be enough to earn an offer of representation?
Why does it seem like the agents who have "I'm especially looking for marginalized voices" on their MSWL literally never even request my full?
Is it just me, or would I have been published by now if my characters were white/heterosexual/cis/able-bodied?
What do you mean, you don't think there's a market for it???
At what point do I stop trying to break into an industry that doesn't value people like me, and just self-publish?
Why is this so much harder for people like me?
Gee, I wonder why...
73.7%
Of literary agents are white.
95%
Of traditionally published novels are written by white authors.
62.4%
Of agents identify as heterosexual
Sources: The Lee & Low Diversity Baseline Survey 3.0;
Reading Between the Lines
Race, Equity, and Book Publishing, Pen America
This is why if you want an offer, you have to stop playing the "be twice as good" game.
Work on your craft, They say.
Be twice as well-written, twice as hook-y, twice as polished.
There's one problem with that:
The bar that gets a non-OwnVoices author signed — solid craft, a compelling concept, polished prose — is the bare minimum just to be considered if you're writing OwnVoices fiction.
It will get fast full requests, and agents passing your manuscript to colleagues, rejections saying your prose is impeccable.
But it won't get you signed.
Not when you're asking for entrance into an industry that doesn't look anything like you.
And no, it's not an honor just to be nominated.
Here's what those agents will never tell you: the more you polish, the more you perfect, the more you follow every craft rule to the letter — the further you get from the thing that actually moves the needle.
There is a specific, learnable skill that determines whether an agent disappears into your story or hits you with the "I just didn't get that have to have feeling."
It has nothing to do with your prose. Nothing to do with your structure. Nothing to do with how many times you've revised your opening chapter.
And it's the only thing standing in the way of you and an offer of representation.
2 R&Rs to 2 offers of representation in 15 days
- Shan M.
Book Club Fiction
3 fulls from dream agents in 48 hours
- Katy S.
Queer YA Historical Fantasy
16 fulls and counting
- Melina F.
Adult Romance
In the Private Podcast, You'll Learn
01
America is a political dumpster fire. Now what?
The publishing industry is more biased, more risk-averse, and more hostile to OwnVoices authors than it's ever been. Here's why that's actually the best news you've heard all year — and the one move that changes everything.
02
The Invisible Full Request Killer: Why Working On Your Craft Is Repelling Your Dream Agents
You've been told your whole querying life that the answer is better craft. What nobody told you is that the very thing you've been doing to fix your manuscript has been quietly making it worse. We're naming the culprit — and it's not what you think.
03
The “I Didn’t Connect” Conspiracy:
The Real Reason Agents Pass On OwnVoices Novels
"I didn't connect" is not feedback. It's a confession. In this episode, we decode exactly what agents are actually telling you when they say this — and expose the subconscious subtext running underneath every single rejection you've ever received as an OwnVoices author.
04
How To Hijack Agents Brains So Your Novel Is The Only Thing They Can Think About
There is a moment that happens when an agent reads the right manuscript. She stops being an agent entirely. She forgets about her inbox, her list, whether she can sell your book. She just — disappears. This episode shows you how to engineer that moment. Intentionally, strategically and starting from page one.
Trusted By:
Formerly employed at Sterling Lord Literistic
Meet The Podcaster
You're here because you want an offer of representation.
I'm here because I worked behind the scenes at some of the very agencies you queried.
I'm Destiny Salter, a publishing insider turned book coach, and the creator of OPUS.
For years, I saw the bias and damaging beliefs that ran rampant through the industry about OwnVoices novels. Then I faced the same discrimination when querying myself.
So I made it my mission to distill writing books that sell down to a science, and to find a way to engineer that "gotta have it" response from agents and acquisitions editors on demand.
Since then, I've helped authors secure offers of representation from top agencies like Fuse Literary and Marisa Corvisiero Literary and debut book deals from Big 5 publishers like Penguin-Random House and Simon & Schuster.
In four short episodes, you'll walk away knowing exactly why agents are really passing on your novel, and the psychological loophole that makes the very agents who rejected you, clamor to represent you.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Suzy O.
There were so many great tips and strategies. Destiny delivered more than I expected, especially for a free podcast. I will definitely consider the paid package because I like her style and she certainly understands the business of writing and publishing,.
Rachel R.
This course has been super eye-opening as to the reasons why I am getting full manuscript requests that end in rejection. I have a much clearer picture now of how to make my manuscript more emotionally resonant to hook agents. Highly recommend!
Melina F.
Destiny, Ms. Salter, I WISH I would have found you earlier! As someone who has dubbed herself as the Queen of too much information, I have read so many things, watched so many videos, gone to so many online summits when everything you taught is what I, and so many others NEED to know. Thank you! I have already begun implementing some of these things and I do plan on working with you in the future! I am so grateful that you care enough about other writers to rub some of your magic on us for free!
Aileen M.
Something else I really enjoyed from the mini course was that Destiny really made it feel like getting an agent in less than 6 months is totally possible. Literally, yesterday I thought it wasnt possible at all and here Ive been proven wrong. Me yesterday vs me today after doing the mini course are 2 different people. I am now hopeful for my future as an author and the career timeline! Thanks Destiny!
Andrea D.
I found this course in the middle of my querying journey. As someone who had received several full requests but no offer, I was really eager to revisit my query package and Destiny’s videos definitely spoke to me! Not only did she have some great advice that I’ll be implementing with my next batch of queries, but the course also lit a fight in me to keep fighting for my manuscript.
Charla A.
This course was exactly what I needed to revitalize my querying journey. I have been at it for nearly two months, and I have already received a few full requests, by writing it this way. I gained significantly more confidence and feel less desperate for results.
Katy S.
Here is my little review: as a querying author whose journey feels like endless quicksand pits and hamster wheels, this course was exactly what I needed right now. I appreciate all of Destiny's wisdom and experience, and all of the actionable steps I can take. So many moments in the videos I felt like she was speaking directly to my soul. The challenge to complete the assignments rapidly truly affirmed how much I want to do this--a very simple dream to pay book magic forward takes SO MUCH learning, and I'm grateful, Destiny Salter !!! I hope other querying authors find their way to you!
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