This is super interesting. Thank you. I’m glad you hope feminist novels aren’t “dipping slightly”. Me too! I recently finished writing one that is a fresh take on the topic and, importantly, speaks to the current zeitgeist of popular feminism and the misogynistic backlash.
I'd like to think they won't be. I think the market is a reflection of where we are and your story's theme sounds like it accurately encapsulates this cultural moment. Your comment made me curious to see what the publication trends show for feminist titles, and I found this data in Edelweiss (the database that booksellers use to order books) for titles that have been categorized as feminist fiction by the publisher: 2025 1st half: 17 books; 2024: 25 books; 2023: 34 books; 2022: 41 books. This data doesn’t give the full picture, though, because the Feminist BISAC code isn't used nearly as frequently as the Women's Fiction code, and other codes might be used as well, so one would really need to analyze all the content to get an accurate assessment. (The Change by Kirsten Miller, for example, which I’d argue is a leading example of recent feminist fiction is categorized only as magical realism.) I do suspect the uptick of feminist titles that we saw last year correlates in some way with the gaining visibility of women in midlife and the boom in openly discussing menopause across media, and that's not fading (thankfully!) so I think/hope feminist-themed novels will keep pace. Weird Girl Fiction often intersects with feminist themes as well and that's exploding.
Hi Heather, yes, it is hard to get a full picture. I can imagine the feminist code is not used nearly as much as the traditional codes.
Similarly, when I searched for agents using the term feminist, not a lot came up. It seems that many haven't thought to specify this as a label for types of books they seek, even if they enjoy this theme.
I'd love to see an increase in agents adding "feminist" to their wishlist like agent CeCe Lyra does. Her line: "To offend misogynists is both my mission and pleasure" on her wishlist is the best line I've ever read by an agent about what she's seeking! https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/cecilia-cece-lyra/
Agree that she's fantastic! I've seen that on her wishlist too and love her podcast. And, although they don't all call it out in this manner, the majority of literary agents are women (and a great many of them are women in midlife or later) so I suspect titles with feminist themes will resonate with a lot of them anyway. 🤞
Every time I hear that WWII novels are dead, I gulp, since my Manhattan Project (Jewish protag) novel is coming out in January. Lucky I gave up on Big 5 publishing and worked with a hybrid press. However, I remind myself that what editors buy does not always predict what sells--and anyway, I have modest expectations for Fission, after authoring four nonfiction books that were positively regarded and long lasting, but not bestsellers!
I really appreciate your encouragement! You were not the only publishing maven to comment on fewer WWII novels in the pipeline. I have a detailed publicity and marketing plan after taking an excellent course with @LaineyCameron, so giving Fission my best shot!
Oh, I do want to say it wasn't my intention to suggest that WWII novels are dead and definitely (hopefully) not for good—just to report on the current data, but I do think we might be going through a cycle with fewer debut acquisitions right now simply because we had so many WWII novels in previous years. However I also struggle to believe reader interest in this era simply dissipated when there was so much interest for so long. And yes, absolutely...no one can predict what sells. I believe a solid story with compelling storytelling can always find an audience especially if the author is out there connecting with their audience. And a hybrid press can be a really fantastic path to publishing!
Thanks for sharing! This was very insightful.
Thank you! Glad you find it helpful.
This is super interesting. Thank you. I’m glad you hope feminist novels aren’t “dipping slightly”. Me too! I recently finished writing one that is a fresh take on the topic and, importantly, speaks to the current zeitgeist of popular feminism and the misogynistic backlash.
I am wading into the query trenches! 🤞
I'd like to think they won't be. I think the market is a reflection of where we are and your story's theme sounds like it accurately encapsulates this cultural moment. Your comment made me curious to see what the publication trends show for feminist titles, and I found this data in Edelweiss (the database that booksellers use to order books) for titles that have been categorized as feminist fiction by the publisher: 2025 1st half: 17 books; 2024: 25 books; 2023: 34 books; 2022: 41 books. This data doesn’t give the full picture, though, because the Feminist BISAC code isn't used nearly as frequently as the Women's Fiction code, and other codes might be used as well, so one would really need to analyze all the content to get an accurate assessment. (The Change by Kirsten Miller, for example, which I’d argue is a leading example of recent feminist fiction is categorized only as magical realism.) I do suspect the uptick of feminist titles that we saw last year correlates in some way with the gaining visibility of women in midlife and the boom in openly discussing menopause across media, and that's not fading (thankfully!) so I think/hope feminist-themed novels will keep pace. Weird Girl Fiction often intersects with feminist themes as well and that's exploding.
Hi Heather, yes, it is hard to get a full picture. I can imagine the feminist code is not used nearly as much as the traditional codes.
Similarly, when I searched for agents using the term feminist, not a lot came up. It seems that many haven't thought to specify this as a label for types of books they seek, even if they enjoy this theme.
I'd love to see an increase in agents adding "feminist" to their wishlist like agent CeCe Lyra does. Her line: "To offend misogynists is both my mission and pleasure" on her wishlist is the best line I've ever read by an agent about what she's seeking! https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/cecilia-cece-lyra/
Agree that she's fantastic! I've seen that on her wishlist too and love her podcast. And, although they don't all call it out in this manner, the majority of literary agents are women (and a great many of them are women in midlife or later) so I suspect titles with feminist themes will resonate with a lot of them anyway. 🤞
Thanks for putting in this work!
Every time I hear that WWII novels are dead, I gulp, since my Manhattan Project (Jewish protag) novel is coming out in January. Lucky I gave up on Big 5 publishing and worked with a hybrid press. However, I remind myself that what editors buy does not always predict what sells--and anyway, I have modest expectations for Fission, after authoring four nonfiction books that were positively regarded and long lasting, but not bestsellers!
Ooh, and I just looked your novel up...it sounds intriguing and She Writes Press is a fantastic press! You're in very capable hands there!
I really appreciate your encouragement! You were not the only publishing maven to comment on fewer WWII novels in the pipeline. I have a detailed publicity and marketing plan after taking an excellent course with @LaineyCameron, so giving Fission my best shot!
Oh, I do want to say it wasn't my intention to suggest that WWII novels are dead and definitely (hopefully) not for good—just to report on the current data, but I do think we might be going through a cycle with fewer debut acquisitions right now simply because we had so many WWII novels in previous years. However I also struggle to believe reader interest in this era simply dissipated when there was so much interest for so long. And yes, absolutely...no one can predict what sells. I believe a solid story with compelling storytelling can always find an audience especially if the author is out there connecting with their audience. And a hybrid press can be a really fantastic path to publishing!
You obviously put in a lot of hard work on these posts. Thank you for the breakdown! Very informative!
I do hope this downward trend in World War 2 books is temporary. The Holocaust is not something we ever want to forget. Thanks for sharing, Heather.
Agreed. It feels like we especially need that reminder right now!
Yes. It seems like an odd time to see a lull. The parallels are pretty compelling.
Plus there will always be new generations that need to be exposed to the stories.