The Benefits of Publishing Older
By Milo Todd | January 30, 2025 |
As the years go by, the average age of debut authors seems to get younger and younger. There’s plenty of reasons why this is great: the YA genre embracing authors who are the ages of their characters, the removal of societal assumptions that younger people can’t contribute to art in a meaningful way, the increase in opportunities for younger writers to access helpful resources, etc.
Conversation about this reality would stop there if two things didn’t start to emerge from this trend: 1) the publishing industry skewing notably toward younger writers to the point of sometimes completely shutting out older writers (meaning older than—gasp—30, 35 tops) for consideration for agent representation, publication, awards, or reviews, and 2) the assumption that the younger a writer publishes, the more “naturally gifted” of a writer they must be, and therefore a better writer than those who debut older.
I’ve taught plenty of creative writing courses, and nearly all my older students have expressed an identical concern: That because they’re older, they’ll be largely ignored by the industry both pre- and post-offer. Worries about age have even hit some of my younger students. On their end, they’ve been fed the assumption that since younger equals better, they must land a book deal right out of the gate. If they don’t, they’re failures, will soon be “too old” to publish in a way deemed meaningful, and they should just give up if their path to publication isn’t a breeze from beginning to end.
That’s just not how any of this works. As someone who’s publishing his debut, The Lilac People, at an apparently older age—To paraphrase a petulant Frasier Crane: I’m not yet “of a certain age,” I’m smack dab in the middle of “not a kid anymore.”—and spent over a decade collecting rejections from various projects, I want to set the record straight about the benefits of publishing older.
First, the concept that a younger writer equals a more talented one is largely bunk. Younger writers are often no more or less talented than older writers and vice versa. Personal connections and access to resources go a long way—longer than anything else a person can do to get published, if we’re being honest—but there’s an additional problem: younger writers are easier for the industry to take advantage of. There’s a whole content mill section of the industry. And when a writer is (understandably) a young, shaky-legged foal, it can be easier to manipulate them into less pay, subpar editorial assistance, and minimal industry guidance. This makes for not only a book that’s being treated less than it deserves, but also for an unnecessarily harder debut experience for the writer.
And if that given writer has a meltdown, buckles under the pressure, or otherwise doesn’t get decent sales out of a book the publisher never bothered to bring to the greatness it could’ve been, you can just toss them aside. There are countless other young writers—now even younger than that writer, given the slow path to publication—who are eager for the chance to be the next potential “it” kid. Who would say no to a shiny book contract, especially at a starry-eyed age? I certainly wouldn’t have.
Which leads me to my next point. Despite the increase in opportunities and attention available to young writers these days, I admit I’m so glad I’m not a kid in this era. Talk about anxiety. With technology where it is now, it must feel like you’re being watched, documented, and scrutinized by the world with every move you make, and you’re simultaneously expected to feed the beast by turning yourself into a viral hashtag as early as possible. And that’s just for growing up as a kid in general. If you also want to be an artist? Things must feel even more overwhelming, as if you’re toast if you don’t have four million followers by the age of 14.
Generally speaking, it appears that older writers may have a less traumatic time with their debuts than their younger counterparts. This is all anecdotal and broad strokes, but it’s a pattern me and fellow writers of various ages have noticed. Debuts are highly stressful no matter your age, but older folks tend to have less mental health situations related to their publication path such as heavily depressive episodes, anxiety attacks, and obsessions about debut performance reflecting one’s own self-worth.
Of course, mileage can vary widely, depending on the nature of a person’s experiences, current mental health and support structure, etc. But what I’m trying to say is the older a person gets, the less likely they give a damn about what other people think of them. (This is an awesome age to hit, trust me.) This can make it easier to wave off a bad review than if you’re unsure about your general worth, seek your validation from outside sources, and/or are still figuring out who you are. Or, at least, it’s less likely that a bad review will wreck you.
Lastly, you may find yourself with more resources for promoting your debut as an older writer than as a younger one. At least, this is the situation with me. Like plenty of people, I pursued publication at an early age, but it just kept not happening. I tried multiple novels, all which accumulated hundreds of rejections each at varying stages of their paths. Throughout those years, I continued to build a community of fellow writers who were eager to debut, all of us supporting each other however we could. But after over a decade of rejection on my end, nearly everyone else in my writer community not only had since debuted, but were moving onto second, third, and sometimes fourth books. I was embarrassed. I handled it as gracefully as I could and nobody ever made me feel bad about it, but I was embarrassed.
But I kept at it, as I always encourage my students to do, and the moment finally came when I received an offer of acquisition. I felt lucky and grateful, but it wasn’t until the post-offer phase truly began that I realized just how lucky I was. That writing community I built over those 10+ years? They’re showing up for me with incredible force. They’re excited to use their influence and offer their knowledge to help boost me up. I maintain that word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tool for a book, and I’m receiving it beyond anything I could’ve imagined.
The Lilac People doesn’t debut until April 29th, but I’m already so grateful for the ways my publisher, loved ones, and writing community have shown up for this novel. This was worth the wait.
If you’re a younger writer, that’s excellent. Truly. Just make sure to take care of yourself, both health-wise and with navigating the industry. Read up on craft, marketing, and publicity. Put together a good process for dealing with stress. Build a community of writers at the same stage as you and grow together. Basically, take your time and immerse yourself in this process. There’s no need to rush.
If you’re someone who’s struggling to publish, keep going. It’s a cliché piece of advice, but it’s true. I never would’ve believed this as a younger writer, and frustration at the industry is valid at any age or stage, but there’s just as much value to debuting when you’re older. When it comes to publishing younger, I can safely say now that I’m so happy I didn’t.
We all have as much value now as we did then, and as much then as we do now. And as long as you keep writing and keep trying your best, that will always be true.
What age were you when you started writing?
If applicable, how old were you when you first published?
Regardless of your age, in what ways do you feel you’ve changed as a writer and/or a person since you first began writing?
What are your experiences with publishing—or trying to get published—and what ways, if any, do you believe your age influenced those experiences?
Milo Todd is co-EIC at Foglifter Journal, runs The Queer Writer newsletter, and teaches creative writing and transgender history. He’s received awards, accolades, and fellowships from such places as Lambda Literary, Tin House, Pitch Wars, GrubStreet, Monson Arts, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. His debut, THE LILAC PEOPLE, publishes through Counterpoint on 4/29/25.
I can identify with this. Thank you for posting. Last year, at age 65, I published the first book in a series that’s all written, so I may publish the second book before I turn 66 in May. At my age, and after a decade of illness where I virtually disappeared, self-publishing was the best route. I’ve been through many stages in my life, some traumatic, one life threatening. All of that impressed upon me the value of time. I don’t have great expectations for my books, but I can say that I went through hell, came out the other side, and accomplished the goal that life kept derailing when I was younger.
Congratulations on all your accomplishments, Christina! I appreciate you sharing your experiences, and I’m thinking good thoughts for your work.
Lovely post, Milo. Wishing you much success with your debut novel. I published my debut novel in 2014. I was 71. I had some interest from a prominent NY agent for it, but after sitting on it for close to a year, she passed. I decided then I couldn’t afford to keep waiting to find a good match, so I decided to self-publish. Since then, I’ve published four more, even got a lovely Publishers Weekly review for my last one. And I have a sixth book coming out on March 15. This one non-fiction and more fiction in the works. As long as you have the will and that creative spark, it’s never too late.
Congratulations, Diana! That’s such a wonderful story. I’m so glad to hear about your success and determination.
Hi Milo,
Congratulations on your novel! I love that title. I look forward to reading it.
I appreciate your post today. It’s something I’ve been wondering about, as I’ve read opinions from agents and editors lately, in hushed tones, admitting the age of the writer, especially females, is an unspoken factor when it comes to the buy in from sales and marketing team. Everyone wants a fresh face.
Like most women over 40, I’m use to ageism and I don’t let it stop me from doing what I want. But one agent recently did research figuring non-celebrity fiction author age of top 5 publishers debuts in the last few years and it was astonishing. I think it was only one over 50? (Crawdads Sing author) I’m sorry I don’t have the post so I am probably omitting some factors. (Jane Friedman reposted it, I think on her Substack.)
Anyway, it reframed for me the question of what to do with my latest manuscript. I went straight to self publishing in the past. I want to try trad this time, I know I will give it a try, but I have to wonder if that’s like trying to become a ballerina or a rockstar at my age.
Thank you, Ada! That’s so kind of you to say. And thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. Definitely go for trad publishing, if that’s something that resonates with you. People of any age can still be trad published, so go for it!
I’v e worked in the publishing industry for 48 years, 46 of them as agent. Here’s what I can tell you: of the hundreds (thousands?) of declines from editors that we’ve received over the years, never once has it been because the author is “too old”.
Not once. In fact, never once has an editor asked the age of an author. Never. Once. That fear is not coming from the industry. Sorry, it’s not. It is a human fear, yes, but a psychological one, not an objective one.
Thank you for your insight, Donald! That’s helpful to know. I often think about all those “35 Under 35” lists (or younger), but rarely do there seem to be lists that are over the age of 35. But that’s public/social/mass media perception, and you’re right that that’s different than insider industry decision processes. It’s a shame that because of this, the fear of age in publishing is, as you stated, a psychological one.
Hello Don. Although you have a very big dog in this fight, I believe what you say. But it seems a little beside the point. Aren’t there potential legal risks for asking about a writer’s age? Unless they write for children, older writers are probably writing for an older audience. 82% of agents these days are women, and mostly young. 67% of book editors also women. If you’re saying such factors have nothing to do with editorial perspective, I need more than that to be persuaded.
Barry, from authors to agents to editors to book consumers, it’s true that publishing features a concentration of women.
That said, do I notice a gender bias? “Gee, I was going to offer rep/offer pub/buy that book but then I noticed it was by a man so—nah.” No, I cannot say I see that, except to say that the romance category still does not feature male author names on its covers, go figure. (Although there are men writing romance even so, I was once one of them.)
As for legal risks, gender bias in employment hiring and housing might restrain people, but far as I know there is no law requiring gender- or age-neutral publishing. But again, is it a practical issue? Not that I can see, not a bit.
Working against any such bias is the risk of missing out on publishing a great piece of fiction, and one that might sell well. That can come from anyone of any gender, identity, ethnicity, race, nationality, faith or taste in socks. Or crankiness. Just saying’. Don’t know if I’ve convinced you, but I can tell you what I see and experience.
Don,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I was hoping you would. That’s great news.
That is so good to hear, Donald. As a 65-year-old restarting my writing journey and nearing the querying stage of my “debut” novel, Milo’s post took me a little by surprise. I tried to start a writing career back in the ’80s and ’90s, and was encouraged by others and thought my own writing was pretty good. Looking back, I’m glad my first novel never made it to publication. I’m a much better writer now, and more philosophical about my chances of traditional publication and whether or not it ever happens. *This* book is important to me far beyond whether I ever get it published, and it won’t break me if it never gets seen by more than a few eyes. Yet if it does happen and I go on to write more in this fantasy world I’ve been creating for 40 years, what a journey that will be!
I was a slush-pile reader in a literary agency for six years. Age was never asked about or considered in any way. It is simply one more self-inflicted torment :)
Thank you for your insight, Anmarie! I just mentioned this in my reply to Donald, but I often think about all those “35 Under 35” lists (or younger), but rarely do there seem to be lists that are over the age of 35. But that’s public/social/mass media perception, and you’re right that that’s different than insider industry decision processes. It’s a shame that because of public/mainstream perceptions on age, the fear of age in publishing is, as you and Donald have stated, a psychological/self-inflicted one.
Hello Anmarie. My understanding is that such an ask can get agents/editors in legal hot water. This might explain how something often factored into decision-making goes unmentioned outside closed doors.
The doors were rarely closed in our office. We discussed submissions since I was more of a literary reader, and we worked as a team.
Hello Milo, and thanks for your post. As a very much older writer, I have just one response to what you say. Other than sheer luck and/or influential contacts (which are also often a matter of luck), the only thing writers can do is to study marketing, and learn what works. IMO, that’s it, and that’s all. And of course learning how to game social media is a big part of marketing. Good luck with your work.
Absolutely, Barry, thank you for your thoughts! Educating oneself and studying marketing and publicity are so important in publishing one’s book, no matter their age.
I totally agree with you, Milo. I’m 71 and have worked on my debut YA historical novel for 18 years. I received rejections from publishers and agents but found a home with a small independent press in NC where I live. And for all those years I’ve been “collecting” friends and supporters who can’t wait to read my book. I’ve had my share of anxiety about the debut–but there’s a part of me that’s with you on, “I wrote it, you can like it or not.” Thanks for posting this.
That’s so great to hear, Carol, congratulations!
Wishing you the best with your novel, Milo. The cover is beautiful. And maybe some day….because I know I
will never stop writing, will never give up the desire to be published. Writing is life.
Good for you, Elizabeth! I’m glad to hear you’re continuing to write.
I’m old enough to have started writing and being published long before the internet. I was 49 when I found an agent and 50 when my first book was released. Perhaps one of the benefits was they didn’t know my age at the time. Nor did they care. When I was 60 I went back to school and earned an MLIS. At 62 I found a wonderful job as an archivist in a university. Lucky? Probably. Things have changed so much in the publishing world since then and with self publishing a lot of dross is getting out there. I’m still writing and getting published but with small publishers. I rarely try the big houses. At my age I don’t feel I have the time to wait.
Congratulations on your successes, Cary!
Thanks for this post and good luck with your debut! Your post speaks directly to me. I write Fantasy Romance, a decidedly “young” authors genre. I didn’t even think about my age of 72 when I began to write the first book in my series. My dream was to be traditionally published, whether NY or small press. I wanted, needed, that validation due to severe Imposter Syndrome. A small e-publisher The Wild Rose Press offered me a contract and I was thrilled. They wanted book two, which will be released this spring, and I’m well into writing book three at age 76. I’ve written off and on most of my life, but perhaps the accumulated wisdom and ticking clock lit a fire under me. Wasn’t my writing “good enough” by now?
As to the publisher not asking your age, they need only look at your social media to figure that out. Darn it.
Congratulations, Barb, that’s wonderful!
Milo congratulations on your debut. And the years you put into mentoring others will all return to you many times over. It is what I’ve discovered. I started writing at a later stage in life after already having a career as a research scientist so age hasn’t mattered to me. It’s been great.
I’m so glad to hear you’ve been having such good experiences, Vijaya!
The biggest problem with being older is that you’re also more likely to have other significant problems – such as disability or chronic illness.
I was already in that category when the kids got old enough so I had a bit of time to myself (50s) and started trying to find a publisher for my first detective series. Never sold.
Then the idea for the novel trilogy I’m writing was vouchsafed to me in one piece, and I switched to mainstream literature, and took 15 years to learn my craft and get the first volume published – when I was 65. The second volume followed 7 years later (somewhat less learning of mechanics and craft was necessary), when I was 72.
I’m hoping to get volume 3 out in 4-5 more years – but life, age, and health status make it a challenge. After that, the audiobook ‘as narrated by the author’ (if I can), or some other novels.
Several things may happen as you write when older:
1. You know what you want and like – and figure out how to write it – which pokes big holes in Impostor Syndrome (dumped that years ago – it takes a lot of energy and produces nothing)
2. Your ability to understand marketing increases, but makes you realize you’ll never have the volume of output many younger authors manage – and you’d better make each novel as good as you can because you can’t afford to disappoint your readers
3. Your readers may be getting older, too, and may find themselves wishing for quality over quantity – and, when they review, you get their many years of competence
4. You need to think very carefully about FINISHING things, just in case, and instructing your heirs on how you want your legacy handled (assuming you were aiming at legacy as a goal)
5. People promise to read and review – and often don’t.
I wouldn’t change much of the writing journey – that’s the best part – but I do fear not being around long enough to make the impact I want to make.
These are such great points, Alicia, thank you!
What a compelling cover! I’m 80, about to publish my fifth book. I did freelance writing before coming down with fibromyalgia when I was 56 and couldn’t write for several years. The brain fog lifted so that my first book was published when I was 75, self-published. So were the next three and this one, which is having its cover designed by Nelly Marariu of PixbeeDesigns. She’s done all four handsome covers! I also hire Legacy Press to shepherd the manuscripts to publication. Narrative nonfiction. Five brothers served in WWII. Only two came home. They were my mother’s younger brothers. I had to make sure their family story was remembered.
Congratulations on your wins and perseverance, Joy! That’s awesome.