Writers: Watch Out for This Problematic Language When Considering Publishers

Phrases to look out for and what they really mean

Recently, a small, new publishing house appeared on Twitter.

It’s called Oh MG! Press, if you’re curious. I don’t want to link to them—I don’t want to send traffic their way.

I had no idea they existed until I saw someone post an announcement about their book coming out with them. Hmm, I thought. I haven’t heard of them before—let’s check it out.

But what I found wasn’t pretty.

At first glance, their website seems fine. They publish books for middle grade readers, ages 8–12. Great! That’s what I write.

But when you take an extra second to really peruse the website, there’s some language that sticks out instantly.

“a publisher with a mission to keep innocence in middle grade reading”

“We are not interested in: books that discuss gender or sex in any way”

“we keep the smut out so you never have to worry”

Now, you may be laughing about the third one (is there ever smut in middle grade novels???) But we’ll get back to that.

On the surface, these statements may not seem problematic at all. But if you take off the—extremely thin—veil, it’s plain to see the ugliness that’s underneath.

Let’s examine each statement.

Innocence in middle grade reading

There’s no way around it—this is very much a coded way of saying that they’re not interested in LGBTQIA+ stories in any way. Another way this is often phrased is something along the lines of “high moral standards,” or “stories about traditional morals.”

I’ve seen both of those phrases before, both from small publishers and agents who mostly tout Christian books.

Middle grade books are geared toward readers who are 8–12 years old. This is a time in many children’s lives where they’re just beginning to figure out who they are as people. And yes, this includes their gender identity and sexuality (especially at the older end of this age range).

Claiming to protect the “innocence” is a way of saying that kids who are experiencing any questions about this part of themselves are wrong or immoral in some way.

Trying to create a world where these children don’t exist on the pages of the books they’re consuming is a great way to make them feel shameful, unseen, and cause untold damage to their mental health.

Does that sound so innocent?

It goes deeper than books

According to The Trevor Project, 45% of LGBTQ youth have thought seriously about suicide in the past year.

14% of LGBTQ youth attempted suicide during that time.

According to the same survey, nearly 60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted help with mental health were not able to get it—many because they had a fear of discussing concerns with those around them.

It is for this reason, among many others, that books representing every child are so important. No, reading a book won’t take the place of mental health care, certainly not when a child needs professional help.

But seeing themselves in a book can be one way that a child can feel seen, feel safe, feel important and understood.

Books that discuss gender or sex

Gender. Gender? I’m pretty sure it’s 2024. This is another neon sign that says they’re not interested in any books that feature queer or gender non-conforming kids. This is the age where all kids need to see representation on the shelf, no matter which restroom they feel more comfortable in.

I’ll quickly mention that up until recently, this particular publisher also listed “hair stories” under things they aren’t interested in. If you think about the characters in most hair books, this clearly is racist language. Hard stop. Conveniently, after a few people called this out on Twitter/X, it seems to have quietly disappeared from their website.

I’ll let you take that for what you will, though. It’s not there now, but it was, and only disappeared after a public outcry.

Suspicious? I think so.

Smut? In middle grade?

And finally, we get to the kicker. In what world are there any middle grade books that include smut? When I first read this, I laughed out loud.

But almost immediately, it became crystal clear—and it wasn’t funny anymore. Based on previous statements, what is the one thing that a publisher might call smut? One that is trying to keep middle grade “innocent”?

It sure sounds like the same people who think drag queens reading to kids will make them gay.

This is homophobic language, and it’s clear that what they see as “smut” is simply young people figuring out their gender identities and sexuality.

Kids being human. Growing up. Learning who they are and who they love.

Why is this important to you as an author?

I bring this up not to slam one particular publisher, although it’s not a good look, that’s for sure.

But the bigger issue here is that this isn’t isolated. All over the publishing world, you can find small publishers and literary agents who have language like this on their websites and wishlists.

And as an author, it can be so exciting to receive an offer of publication or representation. You might want to jump at an offer and scream YES! before reading any fine print.

But this is one tiny example of why it’s so important to fully vet (as much as possible) a publisher (especially small, independent ones) and literary agents before you sign with them.

Make sure their values align with your own.

Make sure their list of books (and the books they very loudly don’t publish) aren’t causing harm to young people.

Even though an offer of a publishing deal can feel like all your dreams are coming true, it’s not alway the case. All publishers and publishing professionals are not created equally.

If you get an offer, especially from a smaller or lesser known press, take the time to do your due dilligence. A young person’s mental health, and even their life, could depend on it.

Thanks so much for reading! If you’re a creative writer, join my newsletter, The Relatable Writer for non-stuffy, non-preachy tidbits on the joys and challenges of writing and publishing.