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Jewish writers shut out by publishers are writing their own comeback
Some Jewish writers and publishing figures say they have faced professional exclusion since 7 October, including lost representation, review bombing and pressure to remove Jewish or Israeli references from their work. In response, new publishing ventures are seeking to give these writers a route to readers and challenge what they see as ideological conformity in the industry.
Neil Blair, J.K. Rowling’s longtime agent, founded High Line Publishing Studio in October, with Odessa Editions for Jewish and Israeli voices and Antidote Books for nonfiction. Editor Jacky Klein says Odessa has received hundreds of submissions, including from established authors who lost agents. Other initiatives include Canary Publishing, Wicked Son and Meg Keene Books; Keene cites an 82 per cent decline in Jewish fiction publication since 7 October, based on an index of reported book deals.
In short
- New publishers are creating routes to market for Jewish writers.
- High Line says it has received hundreds of submissions.
- One imprint cites an 82 per cent fall in Jewish fiction publication.