Photo credit: Pexels -Vlada Karpovich
By Debbie Burke
A February 2023 article in The Guardian gives hope to us writers of a certain age. According to the story, “older, unpublished writers are now at a premium – with radical, edgy women aged into their 80s particularly sought-after.”
During the economic downturn that began in 2008, mergers and downsizing of publishing companies led to many older, experienced editors being culled to reduce costs. If they were replaced, new hires were younger people willing to work for less money.
Because of that, publishing tended toward a youth-oriented culture. Many agents and editors are Millennials (1981-1996). That led to significant ageism, with older writers being shoved aside unless they were already big-money successes.
I know of one seasoned author who reported a rejection where the agent said, “Your turn is past.”
Wow.
At a conference several years ago, I pitched a twentyish agent with a book in my Tawny Lindholm Thriller series that stars characters in their 50s. In conversation, there was a passing mention of AARP. She authoritatively informed me, “You can’t join AARP at fifty.”
Oh really? That’s news to all the people who receive solicitations to join around their 50th birthday.
Her incorrect statement was one reason I decided to end the quest for traditional publication and self-publish instead. I didn’t need to fight another uphill battle in the face of arrogant ignorance.
But recently “old” has become cool.
A prime reading demographic are Boomers (born between 1946-1964). They are retiring at increasing rates, have discretionary income to buy books, and time to read them. And they are interested in substantive topics of health, family, giving to others, and quality of life, rather than the celebrity scandal du jour.
Lisa Highton, an associate agent at Jenny Brown Associates, says: “The vast majority of books are bought by women aged 45 and above. They’re a hugely important demographic and increasingly, want to see themselves represented in books.” She adds, there is “value [in] their collected, distilled wisdom, their lifetime of reading and radicalism that is not possible for younger writers.”
According to Cherry Potts, Arachne Press, there is a “very willing readership” for the work of older women “including that most elusive of reader: the white middle-aged man”.
Leading the trend are a number of recent bestsellers by older women like the debut novel by Bonnie Garmus, Lessons in Chemistry and The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller. The latter book features characters in their 50s and addresses the long-taboo subject of senior sexuality.
An 81-year-old friend, Marie F. Martin, just completed her seventh novel, a mystery set in 1952 on a Montana farm. She didn’t start writing until she was 70 and has learned, refined, and honed her craft to a high gloss. The latest is her best book yet.
Marie caught the self-publishing trend early on and did well with six books. For her seventh, she decided to query agents and publishers. Again, she’s on the leading edge of a trend. I hope she’s accepted and achieves success—she’s earned it. But, if not, she won’t be disappointed. She’ll self-publish again. Marie’s equanimity carries her over the rollercoaster of despair and elation that goes with a writing career.
In my last post, “Editor/Janitor”, I mentioned retired newspaperman George Ostrom.
Since then, I saw George and his wife having dinner at the senior community where they live. He’s now almost 95 and in declining health. During his long newspaper career, he had a reputation for calling out BS, sometimes to the angry dismay of prominent citizens.
That evening, I went over to their table, introduced myself, and kiddingly asked him, “Are you the Editor/Janitor of the Kalispell Weekly News?”
An awkward hesitation followed.
Uh-oh. By trying to be funny, had I inadvertently embarrassed him?
“Why?” he finally asked. “Do you wanna hit me?”
To my great relief, his humorous spirit remains intact.
Like wine, writers improve with age. Unlike athletes, writers don’t peak in their 20s and 30s then go downhill.
The longer writers live, the more problems we’ve had to solve, the more fascinating and frustrating people we’ve known, the more experiences we’ve enjoyed or suffered. That huge reservoir adds richness, texture, and depth to the stories we create.
Insight and wisdom are hard-earned. By sharing those gifts with readers in books, articles, and blog posts, writers can shine a light on truths that lead to realization, understanding, and empathy for the human condition. Those truths endure through time.
Take heart, senior writers. Contrary to the rejection cited above, our turn is not past.
~~~
TKZers: Have you experienced ageism when submitting to editors and agents?
Who’s your favorite senior writer?
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The lead characters in the Tawny Lindholm Thriller series are still kicking ass in their 50s. Please check out the new release Deep Fake Double Down, on sale now at Amazon and other major booksellers.
I published my first novel in 2015 when I was 66; it had taken me fifteen years to write.
When I saw that these publishers are looking for ‘women in their 80s who are UNpublished’, it just seemed like something to entertain the latest temporary fad – realistically, the older we get, the less likely it is to start writing – or to continue writing if you haven’t managed to ‘get’ published.
So a few books will be published without too much of an expectation of a career developing for these writers, and the publishers will be able to claim another ‘diversity’ checked off the list.
Somehow it felt unsatisfactory (though of course I’m delighted for those who achieve that goal).
And another impossible standard: “Look: she got published at 85; you could do that, too.” And the publishers get flooded with manuscripts, of which they can pick a few of the best – leaving most of the usual submitters without the Palm D’Or – again.
I did it myself (after no success submitting what I thought would develop into a nice little mystery series many years ago), and that has been exquisitely satisfying.
I’ve also figured out how to attract the ‘older men’ demographic – my best reviews, for mainstream literary fiction, are from men who often state they don’t usually read this kind of book.
I’m slow due to the complications of chronic illness of 33 years’ standing, not age (well, not ALL age). And I urge anyone who wants to write to give traditional publishing a whirl (if they have the patience for the process), but then not to depend on a system which rejects the vast majority (well over 95%) of what is submitted to it, and use all that life experience to publish themselves, which is 100% doable.
Don’t be a curiosity – get that book finished and publish it, and then go on to learn the REALLY hard part: finding your readers. And, of course, write the next.
A single ‘published’ book is for dilettantes and people hooked by vanity publishers (please avoid them). And might still be satisfying – for some.
[But if a publisher is still looking for a nice mystery series which received many ‘send us your next book’ rejections, that one’s still around, and planned out to several more novels.]
Alicia, you make an excellent point about this “trend” being a novelty and curiosity that likely won’t last. In our long careers we’ve watched many trends come and go (remember vampires, zombies, chicklit?).
How long will it last? Who knows? We can only hope that it catches on with readers who will want more.
Your great strength is endurance in the face of adversity.
Well, I call it being pig-headed, but we’ll go with your version.
This post was encouraging. I traditionally published my first book at 59 and at 67 I haven’t looked back. Every year gives me more life experience to draw from.
” Every year gives me more life experience to draw from.”
Yes! That’s our secret weapon.
Couldn’t agree more, Jane!
“Your turn is past.” Ouch. I never cease to be amazed at how callous humans can be.
This is an odd subject for me both as reader and writer. Even when younger, I leaned toward older characters/situations–and time periods. Sure, in school I was forced to read what they considered trendy for a school-aged child, but when I had a choice I went for stuff that was more interesting–which meant older times, older people. And I typically prefer a male protag.
The only pause I have is the mention that “radical, edgy women” are sought after. This too, has been a frustration as a reader. Finding fiction content that appeals. Writings by older women? Great. But I’ll take a pass on the “radical-edgy”. It doesn’t have to feature radical/edgy characters to be great fiction.
From the standpoint of writer, I know I’ll produce more content the older I get–when I finally start getting some time to do so. This doesn’t just affect writers. If you take a look around my art league–you will see that the majority of the membership is made up of older adults, mainly women. Why? Because they have the time to do fine art.
In any case, there’s no replacing the experience that comes with the aging process, and how it shines light on topics you write about.
Brenda, as a young reader, I always preferred older characters, too. Much more interesting to read about substantive issues than fashion, hair, and makeup tips that were considered “age-appropriate.”
At 85 my mom was doing her best writing. We thought she’d be with us another 7-10 years. Some back pain led to a CT scan. When I told her the diagnosis and that she had “6 months”, she cried for about a minute and turned back to her work. She finished the most critical draft of her most critical project 4 days before she went into hospice, 10 days before she died. Pancreatic cancer took her down in 34 days, not 6 months. This woman who’d been afraid of her own shadow her whole life soldiered through, writing until she couldn’t hold her head up from the pain and meds. In the hospital she turned to me and said, “Lausanne, I love you.” Then, to the ceiling she said, “But, Jesus, I love you more. And I think I’m comin’!”
We’d long ago agreed that I would publish her work. Now for me to gain the skills sufficient for final edits of hers and crafting of my own. And I am just ticking past 60.
Lausanne, what a touching story about your mom. She did the work she loved until the very end. She’ll live on when you publish her stories.
“she cried for about a minute and turned back to her work.”
Lausanne, Your mother is a woman to be admired and emulated. Best wishes in publishing her works.
I’ve been fortunate that most people don’t guess my age, except on FB, where it’s front and center on your birthday. The other day I went Live on TikTok with three author pals, and one of them made the comment, “I’m older than dirt.” Which struck me as odd. Later, when I looked her up on FB, I discovered we’re the same age! *facepalm*
To answer your question, Debbie, I agree writers improve with age. We have more life experience and view the world in a more profound way. We also have an endless well of emotions to tap into.
Hahaha, Sue! About 10 years ago, I remember going out to dinner with friends. I was the youngest in the group. The server asked the others if they qualified for the senior discount. She didn’t ask me! I gave her a tip anyway.
You don’t have to show your age on FB unless you want to, Sue. There’s a box you can check that says to only show the day and month. 🙂 BTW, when I tried to change my dob to 1900, it wouldn’t let me. lol
If things are changing, that’s good. I recall when I was at my first writers conference, a speaker told the tale of 2 debut authors, with “equivalent” books as far as quality went. One was in her 20s, the other in her 40s. Guess which one they published and promoted?
40s was too old?
I didn’t even start writing until I was in my 50s.
Terry, you’re another great example. Is that 20-something author still around and producing?
Don’t know … names were not given.
I love this post. I just turned 44 and, in many ways, am just starting out as a writer. I remember being a precocious 12-year-old who read on a college level and knew grammar and spelling like second nature. But my stories were terrible because I had absolute zero life experience or maturity. This is an extreme way to make the point that I may not be a rocket scientist, but my wisdom is ten-fold compared to those early days of youth—I can’t imagine where it will be at 54 or 64 or 74.
America has a real problem: we waste the talent of our senior citizens. That wasn’t always the case and it’s sad.
“America has a real problem: we waste the talent of our senior citizens.”
Philip, sad but true. One sign of maturity is the honesty to admit you don’t know everything but are willing and eager to learn.
“Have you experienced ageism when submitting to editors and agents?”
I was braced for it when I started submitting fiction about 10 years ago, but I haven’t experienced it. In fact, I do see comments from editors in their blogs complaining about an increasing number of writers who don’t — or can’t — check and fix their grammar. Worse, I see more editors seething at writers who argue with rejections, to the point of personal attacks. So yes, I think there’s growing appreciation for older writers.
MC, I’m a judge in our writing group’s annual student contest. Sadly, the quality of submissions has been steadily going down for the last decade. One year, we didn’t award a first prize b/c none of the stories was worthy.
Editors are seeing the consequences in submissions.
Now that’s sad.
Fantastic post, Debbie! I love that phrase “arrogant ignorance.”
I saw ageism in the medical profession while I was practicing, and it still continues. There’s a reason why we call working in the medical field “practicing” medicine. When I looked for physicians to help with diagnosis and treatment of relatives, I always chose the older, more experienced physicians. Practice does improve knowledge and wisdom. And the same applies to writers.
My favorite senior writer/series is Lawrence Block, and his Bernie Rhodenbarr series, for the humor and the running commentary on life.
Thanks for the update and the good news that “what is old is new again.” I was beginning to think that those of us who are “mature” should join the trans community – not trans gender, but trans age. We could “re-imagined” ourselves as very wise and experienced thirty-year-olds.
Have a great week!
Lawrence Block is a favorite of mine as well!
Steve, the best doctors I’ve known are seasoned. The down side is they retire! Sigh. How about inventing wisdom infusions for younger docs?
“I didn’t need to fight another uphill battle in the face of arrogant ignorance.”
Bravo!
Thanks, Harvey!
If you don’t start in high school (at the latest), the general consensus is that it’s too late for you.
I’m only 28, so I haven’t experienced agism. But I’ve experienced a whole lot of other isms. In a way, the only book I queried did experience agism but in the opposite. I queried a book about a disabled kid when disabled kid books were the thing. Agents told me my six-year-old character was too young and no one would read her. Their solution: just age her a few years. Cute, except I can’t just pluck first grade experiences and plop them into third grade.
I’m also not fully convinced yet that the publishing industry is diverse. My last WIP I knew was completely unsellable because it features a whole cast of Muslims. Maybe that will change in fifty years.
Azali, I fear isms of one sort or another will always be around. Just keep writing good stories and don’t give up.
Thoughtful post, Debbie. Encouraging one, too. I’m 66 and feel I’m only getting started. The last ten years were part of the apprenticeship program. And, no I’ve never experienced being rejected by age. I just got rejected because my stuff wasn’t good enough. Forward!
“rejected because my stuff wasn’t good enough.”
Garry, being honest about one’s own shortcomings is the first step to real improvement. We’re all apprentices in life.
“Your turn is past.” Hmmm. She should have said, “Your turn is past due.” And then offered a contract.
I’ve had people ask me if I regret starting to write after I retired. I tell them I was too busy living before then. Now I have the material I can write about. (And it’s a great balance — as I slow down in my running, I speed up in my writing.)
Kay, you didn’t waste time–you used it to gather material. No wonder clocks play a key role in your books.
As Philip noted above, until writers have a few years under their belts, there isn’t much to write about.
Thank you for a very encouraging post, Debbie. It’s inspiring to see writers flourish in their older years. I’m at the younger end of senior right now at 62, but if I’m fortunate, I’ll be one of those writing in their 80s. That’s my goal.
I started out an ambitious but largely clueless in the ways of the world 20-something aspiring writer. I wandered in the wilderness for many years before finally attending a writer’s conference at 47 and then the first of several private classes and many workshops. I didn’t publish my first book until I was almost 56.
Joanna Fluke is a senior writer I admire greatly, who went from writing thrillers, YA horror and other when she was younger to creating the Hanna Swenson cozy mystery series and publishing the first of those when she was around 60. She is still going strong twenty years later. She’s also a model for me of someone came from more adrenaline fueled genres and embraced writing cozies with gusto and so much enjoyment.
Dale, I have no doubt you’ll still be writing into your 80s, 90s, or beyond.
Great observation about changing genres from adrenaline-fueled to cozy. That takes a major mind shift.
I’m 60 now as I write my sequel. My two main characters are in their late 50’s and still going strong.
Michelle, fifty is the new 30. The main characters in my series are in their 50s. But I have to confess, I’m slowing time down so they can continue to survive the physical trials I put them through.
Great inspiration here, Debbie!
I’m 69 and started writing in 2015 when I was 61. If I’d tried when I was younger, I shudder to think about the inane drivel I might’ve come up with. Back in my 20’s-40’s, my life was all about me until I discovered it wasn’t through some tough, soul-maiming circumstances.
One of my favorite author humans is Wanda Brunstetter, who writes Amish fiction. She also attends our tiny church, along with a good share of her family. I haven’t read any of her 40 or 50+ books. So, why is she one of my faves? Because she started writing in her 60s and now she’s in her 80s and still cranks out the stories. She reminds me that, like Lausanne’s mom above, I don’t have to quit until I can’t hold my pen anymore.
🙂
40-50 books in 20+ years? Wow, Deb, that’s a major accomplishment at any age.
Hang onto that pen–esp. if it’s one of Steve Hooley’s beautiful creations!
Yeah, I joined his rotation!
They’re gorgeous…
Your friend, Wanda is another reminder that there is hope for the rest of us!
Great post, lots to think about. Sets up a “Young and Hip” vs. “Age and Experience” approach for book development and marketing.
Ben, my mom was fond of saying, “age and treachery will win out over youth and skill.”
😜
Nope. Quick and nibble – the trick as you get older is to be resistant to those who try to use youth against you.
Ben, it’s a shame we have to think in terms of one demographic VS. another. There are plenty of good books written by all ages, genders, ethnicities, etc. But humans seem to need to put others in neat little boxes.
Don’t know how this figures in but I have noticed that the torch has been passed (for the most part) to a new generation in the Edgar awards. (I have chaired the banquet for last 12 years). Outside of Rhys Bowen last year, I don’t recall any “older” (or long-established “name”) writers among the nominees. (Exception this year: Max Allen Collins who was also named a Grand Master a couple years back and two older guys in the…wait for it….juvenile category!)
Thanks for adding that insight about the Edgars, Kris. Passing the torch is part of life. Glad Grand Masters and Lifetime Achievement awards are still given.
I wrote a traditional fantasy novella about a middle-aged sorceress who felt like she was no longer needed in her family then discovered otherwise during an adventure. The editor told me she wept because the story hit so close to home, and no one ever wrote of that age in fantasy.
That sounds like great fun!
Marilynn, sounds like a story I’d love, too, even though I don’t normally read fantasy.
I think our secret weapon is we can read, spell, and punctuate.
I’m hopeful that some day I can retire. I do write but the things I write are usually trilogies and there’s not a lot of time for that after the day job, particularly if I’m doing a show.
All I can do is what I can do. Hopefully I can do more of it.
Cynthia, you enjoy another creative outlet besides writing and others derive great pleasure from your theater work. That has to be rewarding.
Ageism is troublesome in the US. There are countries where age is celebrated. Age doesn’t limit creativity, imagination, or the ability to write.
I encountered it, especially in Los Angeles. Years ago, a producer told me I was too old (I was 43 at the time) to be hired to write for a TV show. It’s sad to see such ignorance in people.
Keep writing. Keep publishing. Keep going as long as you can hold a pen.
Olivia, LA worships youth. Too bad they miss out on a lot of great talent.
“Keep writing. Keep publishing. Keep going as long as you can hold a pen.” An excellent mantra.
Just what I needed as yet another birthday approaches next week. Thanks, Debbie.
You’re so welcome, Rose, and wishing you an early Happy Birthday!
I’ve written sixteen books and several novellas since my first book came out in 2014. And while I’m not 80, it’s on the horizon. I want to be like Herman Wouk (The Caine Mutiny and Winds of War) who was working on a book when he died at 103…
Your comment reminds me of a man I had great respect for–Robert M. Utley–who published numerous non-fiction works of history. He was still working on projects when he died at 92 last year.
Patricia, Herman Wouk is a giant. Talk about lifetime achievement awards–he’s the model for all of us.