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New publisher exclusively for male authors launches in the UK

Conduit Books aims to revive interest in male novelists amid shifting literary trends.

July 20, 2025 at 05:00 AM

Is this the death of the male novelist? Not if these writers have something to say about it

A new publishing house exclusively for male authors reflects a changing literary scene.

The rise of female authors reshapes the literary landscape

Conduit Books, a new publishing house in the UK, has sparked controversy by committing to publish novels exclusively written by men. The founder, Jude Cook, argues this is a response to the underrepresentation of male authors following years of female-driven narratives dominating bestseller lists. Critics of Conduit suggest this initiative is unnecessary, as women have long endured a lack of representation. The emergence of this publishing house highlights ongoing tensions regarding gender and voice in literature as men's experiences are increasingly seen as less relevant.

Key Takeaways

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Conduit Books launches with the goal of boosting male authors.

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The initiative has led to public debates about gender in literature.

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Critics argue that the move is unnecessary given the historical dominance of male authors.

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Readers today often prefer narratives by female authors, reflecting changing demographics.

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Men read and write fiction less frequently, highlighting shifts in engagement.

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The literary landscape continues to evolve with diverse perspectives.

"It's lonely out there for male novelists today."

John Niven describes the isolation felt by male authors in the current literary scene.

"The publishing landscape has changed dramatically over the last 15 years."

Jude Cook emphasizes the shift in focus from male to female authors in literature.

"Self-censoring can make books boring."

David Szalay discusses the dangers of altering male characters to fit current expectations.

"If it had been written by a woman, it would have sold six, seven times."

John Niven illustrates the disparity in book sales based on the author's gender.

This move by Conduit Books exposes a significant shift in the publishing industry. While well-known male authors like Martin Amis and Ian McEwan once dominated, the success of women writers today suggests changing tastes among readers. Some believe that the male voice may no longer resonate as strongly with contemporary audiences, leading to a perception that male authors are being sidelined. This reflects broader cultural changes, raising questions about how diverse voices can coexist in literature without one overshadowing the other.