90% is Not Enough! Why We Need More Women Authors
Prioritizing diversity sometimes means making everything look the same
Get ready to have your mind blown, bookworms! We’re about to dive into the most pressing issue of our time: the shocking lack of diversity in the literary world. Yes, you heard that right – even though we’ve made some progress towards gender parity (yay, team!), it’s time to call out the real issue here: there are still too many white men writing books! Gasp!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But wait, Markus, isn’t 90% of the books written by women a HUGE improvement?” And while I appreciate your enthusiasm, let me be clear – no, it’s not enough. Why? Because diversity isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about creating a truly inclusive and equitable space where everyone can see themselves represented in literature.
And let me tell you, the current landscape is downright depressing. If we’re being real, white men still dominate the publishing industry, and that needs to change. But wait – what about all those amazing women authors out there? Aren’t they doing their part to diversify the literary world?
Here’s the thing: it’s not just about having more women authors (though, let’s be real, reaching 100% would be a start). It’s about dismantling the systemic barriers that keep marginalized voices from being heard. And, let me tell you – white men are the biggest barrier of all. All 10% of them left.
So, how do we fix this? Easy: we need to prioritize diversity in every aspect of the publishing industry. That means more diverse authors, editors, agents, and publishers. It means creating spaces where marginalized voices can thrive without being tokenized or silenced. And, of course, it means holding the industry accountable with cancellation and jail when they fall short (looking at you, Big Five publishers!).
But wait – what about me? As a white man in the publishing industry, am I not allowed to write books anymore? Absolutely not! In fact, I’m here to tell you that I’m doing my part to diversify the literary landscape. How? By writing this article, of course! And, let’s be real – who else would have the courage to tackle such a sensitive topic with such wit and charm?
So, there you have it: 90% is not enough. We need to do better, and we need to start now. Let’s create a literary world where everyone has a seat at the table – and where white men (like me) can still shine, but in a way that’s respectful and inclusive of all voices. Now, let’s get to work, people! The future of literature depends on it.
