I’ve written about the marketing of literature by women before, but thought I’d show you this blog post by Diane Shipley at the Guardian (courtesy of Jezebel).Shipley notes how women author’s book covers are getting the “chick lit” treatment, whether or not the book fits the genre.
And I suppose that men authors will soon be getting blue covers, with the sturdy Courier font.
yep. everything is gendered I'm afraid. we don't see much of blatant discrimination any more.. so we think.. but there are so many subtle or not so subtle types of gendered system all around us.. understanding it and intervening it (by that I mean make a statement or refuse to accept the gendered nature!) will be the only answer to reduce this..
ReplyDeleteThat's bad news for anyone who wants my hard-earned dollars. If I see a cover that looks like chick lit, I don't even pick it up. Maybe I've been missing some gems this way.
ReplyDeleteI'd noticed that trend myself, and felt alarmed and dismayed. I'd like to think that Shipley's article might turn the tides, but tides turn soooo slooooowly in publishing ...
ReplyDeleteKelly,
ReplyDeleteI avoid chick-lit covers too; I find them insulting . . .
sal,
As this is a newish marketing strategy, I fear we're in it for awhile.
It's too bad, this "gendering."
ReplyDeleteSlightly off-topic, Mr.OM and I were in the market the other day, and saw Pocky that was labeled for men. Sheesh.
This is so true.
ReplyDeleteI was upset by the covers of the new Nancy Mitford reprints - her novels had been out of print forever. It will alienate many readers who may adore her but will be repelled by the ridiculous covers, so chick lit-ish. I would have been.