Here’s a story that may or may not grind your gears: the owners of an Irish publishing house (Tramp Press) is refusing to publish any books submitted by sexists who start their query letters with ‘Dear Sirs’ or say they don’t read books by women, according to The Guardian newspaper.
First of all, I have no problem whatsoever with people getting consequences for their actions and Sarah Davis-Goff and Lisa Coen are taking a very reasonable stand against those Neanderthals who can’t look at their web site and see they are female – as if their names aren’t a big enough clue in themselves.
Second, and I know this is so misplaced and churlish but I can’t resist: is there no sense of irony detectable when an over-represented group wields its power? We have previously commented on research showing how white women are disproportionately in situ in publishing companies.
Thirdly, I know they have a point and I am entirely supportive of their position so don’t give me a hard time. Okay?!?