Intriguing article that I think hammers the point of a recent post on the Historical Novel Society’s website about cover art for historical fiction. See post from May 2nd. This takes the argument one step further and addresses general fiction as well.

I wonder if industry sexism is the reason why so many women, and men, too, use initials for pen names? I know J.K. Rowling went that route when trying to get Harry Potter published for fear it wouldn’t be taken seriously if it was obvious a woman wrote it. A pity the work can’t speak for itself even though it’s the story that matters most!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/may/09/coverflip-maureen-johnson-gender-book