Pitch Tactic: Bookseller: Pride Edition Comment Piece

Saved from Pitch.

Pitch Type: Feature Pitch

Pitch Status: Success

Subject Line: Queer books need more than one month

Reply Notes: I love this, thanks, and can’t see it ageing before June! I’ll line up for the 1st.

Notes:

Hi Molly

I hope you’re well

I want to pitch a comment piece for your June Pride coverage this year. I’ve previously written two comment articles for The Bookseller, one of which somehow made your 2025 top ten, and I thought there might be room for a follow-up that speaks to where the conversation feels to be now.

The piece would argue that while Pride promotions and themed tables still matter, LGBTQ+ fiction is increasingly at risk of being treated as seasonal rather than integral. These books can receive strong visibility for a month, then slip back into general fiction until the next cycle comes round. I’d look at the ‘pull’ between showing support and managing space, but also at why, in a climate that feels both cautious and reactive, books that spotlight queer lives need year-round confidence from the trade.

I have a new novel, Lisa Doyle Is Absolutely Fine, publishing in June, so there is a timely hook, but the piece itself would be trade-facing and much broader than a single title.

If useful, I’d be very happy to send over a fuller outline or a draft.

Best wishes,
Mo Fanning