As a big shot literary agent, I review scads of book pitches every week, for both fiction and nonfiction projects. And frequently included in the mix is a pitch or two for a piece of “literary fiction.”
What’s that, you say? I’m glad you asked, and I wish I knew.
It’s not that I’m not smart. I can be, especially if the subject is 1970s rock. It’s just that, well, it’s not much of a thing on the submission end of the writing-for-publication process.
I mean, sure, if you possess an MFA in Creative Writing from OxYaleVard, maybe literary fiction is your genre. Then again, maybe not. Generally speaking (which often means, “I have no proof”), literary fiction is a kind of writing that pursues character depth, thematic complexity (e.g., symbolism and stuff), and elevated craft over entertainment value, plot, and genre conventions. You know, like The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner or The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald—stuff that gets taught in school (and doesn’t use words like stuff and phrases like you know). And yes, I know there are college courses on “Harry Potter and the Age of Illusion” and even “Harry Potter Studies” at various institutions of higher learning, but just go with me here.
Popular fiction, by contrast, is intended to entertain and appeal to a broad audience, not only people who smoke pipes and use such words as “indubitably.” It focuses on plot-driven stories and accessible language, often adhering to genre conventions—such as mystery, romance, or fantasy. The goal is primarily not to impress and spark deep thought but rather engagement and enjoyment, often with more relatable characters and page-turning techniques.
All of which, more or less, is beside the point. Because when it comes to pitching a Christian book today, it’s never in your interest (in my humble but 100% accurate opinion) to present it as “literary fiction.” For the record, of the many (dozens? scores? smores?) proposals I’ve received for “literary fiction,” none deserved the designation, in my estimation.
Even more to the point, in Christian publishing, at least, there is no “literary fiction” genre. The best of the best Christian novels (most of them by my clients, if you must know) do reflect qualities that might earn such a label … but the label is best supplied by publishers, critics, and readers, not by the authors. As one literary classic says, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3 NIV).
So, long story short, it’s not a science … and it’s a moving target (mixed metaphors notwithstanding). Genre fiction sometimes earns such acclaim that it comes to be regarded as “literary fiction,” while much “literary” stuff is virtually unreadable, self-important drivel. It is best, as Jesus said, sort of, to take the lowest position and let your readers move you up to a seat of honor.
There’s Litterary Fiction,
and the problem with it’s that
it feels like a depiction
of training a male cat
who thinks our house, his territory
needs to be marked for certain,
and he thus has the temerity
to claim stake claim to each curtain,
eschewing his own litter box
with a didainful sniff,
but the haughty walk he walks
will come to nothing if
we can Tom to our vet deliver
without our blood flowing like a river.
What a good metaphor! Cats are such snobs!
“Accessible language,” yes, please! Half of all American adults read below the high school level and don’t use words like “indubitably.” If the book requires a thesaurus, they’re not buying.
I enjoyed your post, Bob. What are your thoughts on calling a story upmarket fiction? Is this just new way of saying literary?
Meh, “upmarket fiction” is just an attempt to split the difference between literary and popular. I think everything I said in my post applies also to “upmarket fiction.”
My dad owns a small business, so one year for Christmas, we got him a sign that says, “Mr Big Shot Fancy-Pants.” I’ll have to remember to borrow that from his desk when I write my next piece of literary fiction; it might help me get in the zone.
The real miracle of Acts 2 is that they heard in their own language. We have that privilege every day when we write for readers. If they find something interesting, true, or worth keeping, maybe they’ll recommend our book.
My post was tongue- in- cheek. I agree with you. This post is a good reminder to focus on serving our audience.
Thank you, Bob. Such a well-written description/interpretation of a puffed up phrase: literary fiction.
So, you’re a 70s rock expert? Cool. Such memories you brought to mind! Once I told my son I used to sing the Carpenter’s “Close to you” when rocking him as an infant. (…on the day that you were born, the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true…) I’m not sure if any of you have sons? Well, typical reaction: “so that’s what’s wrong with me. Now it makes sense.” Pulleeease!
Oh, Cynthia doesn’t know everything, ya know. (Don’t tell her I said that)
I meant for that to be a reply to Janet’s post. Sigh.
Just popping in to say this English teacher would never have assigned The Sound and the Fury, but I did make my juniors read The Great Gatsby. Perhaps two distinctions of literary fiction are that it helps you understand a historical generation more clearly and makes you think about human nature as a whole. Throw in some great metaphorical language . . . and there you go. But maybe I’m wrong bc I’m only a Berzerkley grad.
May I add that when. I’m writing and think the gray space needs elevating, I say to myself, “What would Cynthia Ruchti say?”
Oh, Cynthia doesn’t know everything, ya know. (Don’t tell her I said that)
Bob, I smiled the instant you described yourself as a “big shot literary agent” . . . and you kept me smiling all the way through the post. Great job!
Thank you!!! I’ve been Google-diving murky waters for a clear definition of “literary” and “upmarket” for years, and yours is the BEST answer I’ve come across. (Or should I say FOREMOST? PREEMINENT? PREMIERE? SUPERLATIVE? UNRIVALED? SUPREME?)
I especially love the reference to Romans 12:3. That sealed the deal for me.
I love how you slice through all the pretense, Bob! This post made me think of William Faulkner and shudder.
Bob, great blog! Since you represent, as you said, the BEST Christian novels, what do you think are the very best (best fiction, as in most compelling story/plot, most engaging characters) on the market? Thanks! Cheri Fuller
I’ll pass on the drivel and not take any self-importance. Thanks, Bob! Excellent comments.
This was an eye-opening line for me: “…in Christian publishing, at least, there is no ‘literary fiction’ genre.” I understand the cartoon-figure of literary fiction that we all poke fun at, we’ve all read the depressing stuff, but I hesitate to throw out the baby with the bath water. In moving away from intellectual works, or cutting-edge word art, we are losing a tool that can speak to thoughtful leaders and the educated circles of our generation. The Holy Spirit inspires us to speak to all peoples in their own language; it appears to me that Christian publishing is neglecting one of its more crucial tongues.