The people in the middle clearly filter what is presented for sale on the shelves - i.e. publishers and bookstore owners - and probably many others in the publishing, distribution and retail trade too, for all I know.
This no doubt illustrates an economic reality, but the truth is I will read any well written SF, regardless of the author's gender. I suspect that I am not alone either and I encourage you to keep on writing and exploring new ways to get your stories read.
Now that I know you are around, I for one will go out and give your work a try Linda. The deciding factor in the end for me? Is it any good? Cheers all.
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