In 1960, men wrote 82% of published books, but today, the majority of books are authored by women. And what’s better than one woman? Two! At Master Wings Publishing, we’ve found that co-authored books often provide a rich blend of perspective, context, and narrative interest. Here are some great reads written by female co-authors across five genres to shine a light on female authorship.
Biography: Listen, World!: How the Intrepid Elsie Robinson Became America’s Most-Read Woman by Julia Scheeres and Allison Gilbert
Elsie Robinson is known as “the most influential columnist you’ve never heard of.” Authors Julia Scheeres and Allison Gilbert set out to rectify that with a biography on the fascinating life of a glass-ceiling-breaking writer. After a scandalous divorce in 1917 that left her nearly destitute, Elsie used moxie and resourcefulness to land a job as a writer at the Oakland Tribune. She became a nationally syndicated columnist who garnered twenty million readers, breaking gender barriers for decades.
Nonfiction: The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Authors Katty Kay and Claire Shipman are successful journalists with storied careers. In their work, they noticed cultural patterns of disparity between men’s successes and women’s and identified confidence as the missing link. They joined forces to create an informative and practical guide based on research in genetics, gender, human behavior, and cognition, as well as their personal experiences and those of other successful women.
Historical Fiction Based on A Real Person:My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
After the musical “Hamilton” raised the modern profile of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie collaborated to recreate Eliza’s story in book form. The novel covers the stories that establish her as a revolutionary figure and founding mother in her own right. The two authors researched thousands of letters and original sources to capture the biographic details of Eliza’s life.
Historical Fiction: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
As a bestselling book made into a Netflix show, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is an example of co-authored success. The story begins in post-World War II London, as residents emerge from war and look to the future. The book is written as a series of letters between a British author and a young man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey. Mary Ann Shaffer provided meticulous research for historical accuracy, and her niece Annie Barrows partnered to co-create the story’s plot and narrative.
Autobiography: Lita & Jean: Memoirs of Two Generations of Military Women by Lita Tomas and Jean Marie McNamara
Mother-daughter duo Lita and Jean co-wrote this tell-all story of their experiences as female soldiers. They chronicle military life across two generations with no holds barred, detailing the challenges, conditions, and obstacles they faced as women in the military. They also share touching details about romance, resilience, and the strength of family bonds. Their memoirs are an important addition to the annals of military history.
This selection represents just a glimpse of the many remarkable female co-authors making their mark. By showcasing these outstanding works across different genres, we not only honor the accomplishments of women writers but also deepen our appreciation for the diverse voices influencing contemporary literature. Consider making Lita & Jean: Memoirs of Two Generations of Military Women your next read, and explore more titles from Master Wings Publishing by visiting our online shop.
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