by Samreen Sheikh
Women dominate the publishing industry in both writing and reading. Recent studies show that women read more novels than men, and there are more female authors than ever before. While society still has a long way to go regarding women’s rights and equality, the dominance of women in libraries is a great start.
The presence of female authors and readers is significant for inspiring future generations, educating the world on women’s experiences, and breaking barriers regarding equality and women’s societal roles. Despite the large number of female authors in print, society still needs more for several crucial reasons.
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LEAVE A LEGACY
No one lives forever, but art lives on in our stead. Writing is one of the most essential methods of preserving culture and history. Future generations of women can learn from female ancestors and their experiences through written art. Whether you write a personal autobiographical memoir, a historical nonfiction book, or a rich fantasy novel, you teach future generations about your skills, life, and imagination. No story is like another; the more books and authors out there, the more the future can learn from us. Women need every opportunity to learn about their past and define their future. For women looking to start their writing journey, using free book writing software can be a helpful first step.
CONNECT WITH OTHER WOMEN
It can be challenging for women to find their voice in male-dominated spaces. While women’s rights are better than ever, there is still a long way to go, and not all locations or cultures are on equal footing. A book serves as a universal language where women can understand and find inspiration from each other. When women connect with one another, they are more powerful than ever in their personal lives and careers.
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BREAK BARRIERS
Some may believe that, due to their dominance, women in the publishing industry have no more barriers to break. While women have founded and run two of the most prominent nonprofit publishing companies, male influences still lead many publishing companies. There are also still many book genres and records for women to reach. You may think your novel will not inspire anyone, but all stories are inspiring to someone.
PROJECT YOUR VOICE & INSPIRE OTHERS
Sometimes, it’s challenging to be heard as a woman in society. A book is a bold, dominant voice that is difficult to ignore. Not only does being published help establish you as a credible, authoritative figure, but a book can last far longer than its author, speaking for you in your absence. A book is a great way to project your voice regarding your experiences, opinions, discoveries, and creativity. You will project longer and farther as an author.
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Getting your foot in the door when writing or publishing your work can be difficult. Women who have broken publishing barriers and become esteemed authors can inspire other little girls to step up and find their writing voice. Female authors can help little girls learn how to self-publish a book, find a publisher, create a unique fictional world, and broadcast their voices and experiences to the masses.
When women write relatable and robust female characters, little girls can resonate with them and find solace in positive representation in a male-dominated fictional world, particularly in science fiction and fantasy. This positive representation in literature can make women feel validated and acknowledged. Female characters in Star Trek and Star Wars helped inspire many women to pursue space exploration and related science and engineering fields. Representation matters!
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CHANGE HISTORY
You may not think your fictional novel will change anything significant in history. However, sometimes historical change starts with a small step, such as writing a seemingly irrelevant novel. Books can inspire others to write and grow. Books can change our way of thinking and expand our worldview. Books can educate and inform.
As a female author, you can connect with other women and project female experiences and creativity across cultures and barriers. Perhaps a famous astronaut started her self-discovery by reading a simple library book. All it takes is one quote or spark of an idea to change someone’s life. You have no idea how many lives you’ve impacted already; a book can reach farther than you can. Female-penned books can show girls and women of all ages that they’re capable of anything they set their minds to, and there’s no limit to inspiration.