Female writers say they are typecast in publishing world

The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair highlights the issues faced by female authors whilst publishing their novelsThe 45th Sharjah International Book Fair highlights the issues faced by female authors whilst publishing their novels

The concept of ‘Women’s Fiction’ as a genre often categorises literary works by women into a reductive box, according to Filipina author Claire Betita de Guzman, Lebanese author and researcher Iman Humaydan, American journalist and author Hafsa Lodi, and Iraqi author Azher Jirjis, who addressed the issues of misrepresentation in the publishing sphere at the 45th International Book Fair (SIBF 2026).

Moderated by author and producer Daniela Tully, the session titled ‘Does It Matter Who Wrote It?’ brought together these four literary figures to analyse the methods undertaken when publishing novels written by different authors across diverse circumstances.

Literary works of female authors have often been categorised under the identity of ‘chick-lit’ or ‘women’s fiction’. The panellists observed that book covers of female-authored books are designed to fit a classification, whereas works by male authors have been granted the liberty to be represented in whichever category or genre that is appropriate.

According to Guzman, who is known for works such as No Boyfriend Since Birth (2003), Sudden Superstar (2023), and more, her first book received a significant amount of praise from Filipina readers, whilst at the same time her novel was not considered ‘serious’ or ‘high-brow’ enough to be considered a successful novel.

“I would hear that my debut novel is ‘light reading’, or that it’s ‘just for girls’, whilst I had several readers write to me saying that they were inspired by my book,” she said.

​Humaydan, who is known for novels such as B as in Beirut, Wild Mulberries, and more, talked about being boxed in female-dedicated categories, and about not being represented accurately with works that are translated. She highlighted that when books reach international spaces, there is the risk of them losing their original meaning.

“The greatest translation is when text imposes its original essence,” she said.

The Lebanese author additionally stated that historical fiction by female authors often gets sidelined into the category of ‘women’s fiction’, in turn negating the nuance meant to be attached to the novel.

Lodi, who is known for works such as Modesty: A Fashion Paradox (2020) and Turbulence (2026), said that she is disgruntled with questions probing female authors about the similarities between the protagonist and the author.

​“When such questions are asked, it feels more like a dig into the lives of the author than an interest in the narrative,” she said.

Iraqi author Jirjis emphasised the importance of judging a book by its quality, and not the external characteristics attached to it.

The discussion concluded by underscoring that literary works should be evaluated on their artistic merit, themes and ideas, rather than being confined to categories determined by the writer’s gender.

BUILD YOUR OWN HEALTH WATCH: Children turned junior engineers as they learnt to make a smart stepwatch that can track movements in real time at the “Build your own health watch” workshop during the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair.

Trainers briefed the participants about the activity and provided them with microbit power shield module, acrylic case layer, mini screwdriver and a red-and-black striped nylon watch strap. “Our project today is to make a step counter and for this we will assemble a robot watch with a microbit. The microbit is the brain of the smartwatch and it can be threaded through the strap once it is ready and coded. Once the code is written into it, the step number will go up,” the trainer explained.

The children set about making the watch as instructed, with a little guidance from the trainers especially in coding the watch using a computer.

Salma, one of the trainers, stated that the activity is meant to teach children about robotics as well as fitness. “The watch will keep track of your steps and keep you healthy.”

Siblings Ayan and Aairah, aged 7 and 10 respectively who were enthusiastic participants in the workshop, said: “We would like to use a watch like this while playing or when we go to the park.”

Catching them young is a worthy motto for SIBF as it promotes not only reading but sustainable activities for children.