Comment

Comment by Kirsten Rue on November 20, 2009 at 3:13pm

P.S. I realize that I confined my comments to the award for fiction - wasn't the young adult winner a female writer?

Comment by Kirsten Rue on November 20, 2009 at 3:11pm

I'm more disturbed by Publisher Weekly's lack of female representation than the National Book Award's this year, especially when I consider the list of runner-ups and the fact that two very deserving women are the on the list (one a relative unknown publishing at a small press), as well as a writer living and working in Pakistan. That seems decently diverse, and refreshingly free of the "usual suspects." However, I'd still love to see an American version of The Orange Prize or something similar. Women's fiction and nonfiction is too often disregarded by the establishment, especially female writers of color. So hear, hear for that sentiment!

Comment by Rachel Thompson on November 20, 2009 at 9:33am

As I wrote you that little chat yesterday, part of me felt a little torn; I don't want to take away from the great works written by these guys, as a I truly cheer for any writer that sees their book make the arduous journey from imagination to print. However, as a fiction writer thinking of giving it a go, given this current climate, this lack of recognition for female writers is certainly discouraging.

I do wonder if there's a way to find out actual $$ sold by male vs. female, as well as purchased by male vs. female; though I imagine that's dependent upon which particular market you are looking under (fiction, non-fiction, etc.). My husband JP still is asking me if it's possible to find out the history of past PW lists & what percentage were male and female, for trending purposes.

Regardless, the situation is pathetic and I applaud your idea of shewrites annual award. Action!

Comment by Paula Chase Hyman on November 19, 2009 at 6:53pm

I like the idea of an award or some sort of recognition vehicle. That's how The Brown Bookshelf came about - tired of the lack of diversity in featured books we started out own. Sometimes niche awards/recognition vehicles are the best way to spread the word.