In 2022, Publisher’s Marketplace announced its decision to retire the term “Women’s Fiction” as a genre because they “aim not to presume or define a book’s audience, or categorize books, by gender.” In this episode, we’ll take a look at the effects of their decision, its implications and the status of “Women’s Fiction” as a genre today.

SHOW NOTES:

Women’s Fiction Writers Association definition of Women’s Fiction: “layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey.”

How we define Women’s Fiction as writers

Criticism of “Women’s Fiction”:

“Arbitrary” “Sexist” “Limited” “Perpetuates stereotypes” “Too Broad”

Gender stereotyping

Marginalizing women

The problem with retiring “Women’s Fiction”

Genre Characteristics:

Audience

Issues

Authors

Exceptions:

Men writing women’s fiction

Women writing women’s fiction with male protagonists

Genre Label Confusion/Misconceptions:

Writing Style: Commercial, upmarket, literary

Commercial: plot-driven, fast paced, trope-based

Literary: slowed-pace, character-driven, elevated prose, depth of characterization, layered themes and motifs

Upmarket: contains elements of both

Timeframe: Historical, Contemporary, or a blend

Target Audience: children, YA, adult..

Type: paranormal, dystopian, western, romance…

Where does Women’s Fiction fit?

SOURCES & LINKS:

Women’s Fiction Writers Association

Publishers Marketplace

“Embracing the Women’s Fiction Genre Label” By Orly Konig, the founding president of WFWA

“Genre and Gender: Grappling With the Awkward Question of ‘Women’s’ Fiction,” Writer Unboxed, by Barbara Linn Probst

“What Do We Really Mean By ‘Women’s Fiction’?” Lit Hub, by Rachel Howard

“Genre Guide: Women’s Fiction, Upmarket, Romance, Literary…?” by Lidija Hilje

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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One year ago, Hope and Donna sought to embark on a journey to bring a writing, publishing, and marketing podcast to writers. The goal was to address the many learning opportunities brought about through their journeys as debut authors. This mission was to teach aspiring writers about everything they learned the hard way to clear a path for success for other writers. Join Hope and Donna as they look back at their first year of podcasting.

SHOWNOTES:

How the seed of starting a podcast sprouted and what needed to be done for it to fully blossom.

First Year Stats

What have we learned?

How do we come up with ideas?

What is our process?

What was your favorite episode?

A Look Ahead?

Feedback??

In this episode, we explore the essentials of building a successful author website, covering key elements like design and content, as well as practical tools and tips to enhance your online presence. Tune in to learn how to establish your credibility, connect with readers, and effectively market your books through a professional and engaging website.

SHOWNOTES:

Importance of an Author Website

Domain Name

Design your own website or hire someone?

Author Website

Key Elements of a Successful Author Website

Remember:

Use High-resolution photos

Choose a color scheme and font that you can carry throughout all of your marketing materials–stay on-brand.

Keep it consistent

LINKS & SOURCES:

Hope’s Website: https://www.authorhopegibbs.com

Donna’s Website: https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

Go Daddy

Wordpress

Wix

Best Web Hosting of 2024: Forbes Advisor

Hague Consulting

“Unpublished Writers Websites,” Jane Friedman

“Step-by-step Guide to Build an Author Website” Writer’s Digest

DO NOW:

Google some of your favorite author websites for inspiration.

Think of design ideas that work with your author brand.

Create a domain name.

Weigh the pros and cons of designing a website yourself or should you hire a web designer.