Do women have as fair a chance at being successful freelance writers as men have...?

Question

In my experience it seems men have the upper hand in this field.

Answer 1

No, all you need is talent and time. If you have those two at your disposal, you have the same shot as anyone else.

Answer 2

I've experienced the opposite! Men and women tend to progress their writing careers in different ways, with men staying in a professional environment and aspiring towards holding high status positions, and women becoming self-employed. There's still the assumption that women are better with words and communication, and literature is one of the only areas where women have made an equal impact to men. I think the main things you need are enthusiasm and a lot of time to spend finding work opportunities as well as writing. :)

Answer 3

If you're really concerned about it, try a gender-neutral pseudonym like the Brontës did :o)

Answer 4

Why on earth shouldn't they?  There have always been succesful women writers throughout history, why should it be any different today?

Answer 5

I don't think there a difference,if there''man or woman'',if there a good writer,then they have just as much chance as the other...

Answer 6

Women always blame men for their own incompetency. I would NEVER read a book that was writen by a hypocrite feminist.

Answer 7

Should be a level playing field.

Answer 8

And what, exactly, is your experience in this area?

And what do you define as 'fair'?

EDIT:  Sorry, I meant what experiences have you had that point to men being unfairly favoured in this field....

My intitial reaction is that publications seek good literature.  Lack of success may have more to do with talent than gender...

Answer 9

Depends on the field.  How many male romance novelists do you see out there?  :)

Yes, there is sexism in all careers, but if you're good, and you know the right people, you'll make it.

Answer 10

By "fair" chance do you mean a good chance? From what I hear writers in general have it pretty hard...

Answer 11

No, because women are less willing to take on the risks that are the product of having an unreliable income.