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Diversity in Romance Novels: Race, Sexuality, Neurodivergence, Disability, and Fat Representation

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Publishing Research Quarterly Aims and scope

Abstract

Romance novels are a billion-dollar industry within book publishing, but do these stories have diverse representation that reflect reality? This paper examines the diversity of race, sexuality, neurodivergence, disability, and fat representation in traditionally published romance novels in the USA. Various authors and titles are discussed, including a comparison between traditional publishing and self-publishing. While there has been an improvement in diverse representation in adult romance novels, there is still a large gap in the titles publishing houses are acquiring.

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Notes

  1. Ref [23] Claire Ryan. “The Implosion of the RWA.” Claire Ryan Author (blog), January 12, 2020. https://claireryanauthor.com/blog/2019/12/27/the-implosion-of-the-rwa/.

  2. Ref [22] Alisha Rai, “The Billion-Dollar Romance Fiction Industry Has A Diversity Problem,” interview by Lulu Garcia-Navarro. NPR, April 8, 2018.

  3. Ref [23] Ryan. “The Implosion of the RWA.”

  4. Ref [6] Alison Flood. “This Article Is More than 1 Year Old Romance Writers of America Aims for Happy End to Racism Row with New Prize.” Guardian (Manchester), May 22, 2020. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/may/22/romance-writers-of-america-racism-row-new-prize-ritas-vivian.

  5. Ref [19] Emily McFarlan Miller. “After Award Win, Christian Romance Novel Draws Criticism for ‘Romanticized Genocide’ of Native Americans.” Religion News Service. August 2, 2021. https://religionnews.com/2021/08/02/christian-romance-novel-draws-criticism-for-romanticized-genocide-of-native-americans/.

  6. Ref [3] Jason Boog. “New Survey Finds Little Improvement in Diversity in Romance Publishing.” Publishers Weekly, March 10, 2020. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/82638-new-survey-finds-little-improvement-in-diversity-in-romance-publishing.html.

  7. Boog. “New Survey Finds Little Improvement in Diversity in Romance Publishing.”

  8. Ref [16] Bea Koch and Leah Koch. “Diversity in Romance Books Still Lags.” Publishers Weekly, March 2, 2021 https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/85707-diversity-in-romance-books-still-lags.html.

  9. Ref [16] Koch B. and Koch L. “Diversity in Romance Books Still Lags.”

  10. Ref [7] Margalit Fox. “Elsie B. Washington; Wrote First Black Romance Novel.” Boston.com. Boston Globe, May 20, 2009. http://archive.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2009/05/20/elsie_b_washington_wrote_first_black_romance_novel/.

  11. Ref [14] Brenda Jackson. “Meet Brenda Jackson: NY Times Bestselling Romance Novelist.” She Is Fierce! She Is Fierce HQ, May 18, 2018. https://sheisfiercehq.com/2016/05/brenda-jackson-speaker/.

  12. Ref [14] Jackson. “Meet Brenda Jackson: NY Times Bestselling Romance Novelist.”

  13. Ref [14] Jackson. “Meet Brenda Jackson.”

  14. Emily Jordan. “Uncommon Ground: Beverly Jenkins, Diverse Romance and American History the Way It Really Happened.” Salon, June 25, 2017. https://www.salon.com/2017/06/25/uncommon-ground-beverly-jenkins-diverse-romance-and-american-history-the-way-it-really-happened/.

  15. Jordan. “Uncommon Ground: Beverly Jenkins.”

  16. Jordan.

  17. Ref [1] Brit Bennett, Jasmine Guillory, Jacqueline Woodson, “‘We Know Our Stories Matter.’ Brit Bennett, Jasmine Guillory and Jacqueline Woodson Discuss the Importance of Fiction,” interview by Rebecca Carroll, TIME, February 4, 2021. https://time.com/5935434/brit-bennett-jasmine-guillory-jacqueline-woodson-interview/.

  18. Ref [1] Bennett et al. “‘We Know Our Stories Matter.’ Brit Bennett, Jasmine Guillory and Jacqueline Woodson Discuss the Importance of Fiction.”

  19. Ref [20] NPD Bookscan, NPD Group.

  20. Sara Desai, email message to author, November 12, 2021.

  21. Desai.

  22. Desai.

  23. Ref [22] Rai, “The Billion-Dollar Romance Fiction Industry Has A Diversity Problem.”

  24. Ref [22] Rai, “The Billion-Dollar Romance.”

  25. Ref [21] Alisha Rai, “Author Interview: Romance Writing and ‘Girl Gone Viral’ With Alisha Rai,” interview by Ali Marina, Brown Girl Magazine, June 10, 2020.

  26. Rai, “Author Interview: Romance Writing.”

  27. Ref [20] NPD Bookscan.

  28. Ref [2] Big Gay Fiction Podcast, “Casey McQuiston – BGFP Interview,” YouTube video, 36:46, May 19, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u936eF0gwE.

  29. Ref [4] Rachel Kramer Brussel. “A Wider Embrace: Romance Novels 2020.” Publishers Weekly, May 29, 2020. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/adult-announcements/article/83452-a-wider-embrace-romance-novels-2020.html.

  30. NPD Bookscan.

  31. Ref [4] Brussel. “A Wider Embrace: Romance Novels 2020.”

  32. Ref [4] Brussel. “A Wider Embrace: Romance Novels 2020.”

  33. Timothy Janovsky, Instagram DM to author, October 15, 2021.

  34. Janovsky.

  35. Ref [15] Jeffrey M. Jones. “LGBT Identification Rises to 5.6% in Latest U.S. Estimate.” Gallup, February 24, 2021. https://news.gallup.com/poll/329708/lgbt-identification-rises-latest-estimate.aspx.

  36. Ref [25] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disability Impacts All of Us. (Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020.).

  37. Ref [26] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder. (Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020.).

  38. Ref [12] Helen Hoang. “Writing a romance novel with an autistic heroine helped Helen Hoang understand herself,” interview by Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, June 5, 2018.

  39. Ref [12] Hoang. “Writing a romance novel with an autistic heroine.”

  40. Ref [20] NPD Bookscan.

  41. Ref [13] Hoang, Helen. “Writing The Heart Principle Helped Me Claw My Way Out of Depression.” Oprah Daily. Oprah Daily, August 31, 2021. https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/a37433195/helen-hoang-the-heart-principle-burnout-essay/.

  42. Ref [10] Talia Hibbert, “How Talia Hibbert's Own Experiences with Chronic Pain Inspired Her Latest Romance Heroine,” interview by Maureen Lee Lenker. Entertainment Weekly, March 20, 2019.

  43. Ref [10] Hibbert “How Talia Hibbert's Own Experiences with Chronic Pain Inspired Her Latest Romance Heroine.”

  44. Ref [10] Hibbert “How Talia Hibbert's Own Experiences.””

  45. Ref [5] Zoraida Córdova. “Talia Hibbert Keeps On Writing On.” Publishers Weekly, December 11, 2020. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/profiles/article/85109-talia-hibbert-keeps-on-writing-on.html.

  46. Ref [5] Córdova. “Talia Hibbert Keeps On Writing On.”

  47. Ref [11] Talia Hibbert, “Writing, Chronic Illness & Incidental Diversity with Talia Hibbert,” interview by Natasha Lipman, Natasha Lipman, June 7, 2021.

  48. Ref [5] Córdova. “Talia Hibbert Keeps On Writing On.”

  49. Ref [17] Roni Loren, “Romance author Roni Loren on the 'eye-catching' illustrated cover trend (plus her new cover!),” interview by Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, June 30, 2020.

  50. Ref [27] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. (Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020.).

  51. Ref [11] Hibbert. “Writing, Chronic Illness & Incidental Diversity with Talia Hibbert.”

  52. Ref [10] Hibbert. “How Talia Hibbert's Own Experiences.”

  53. Ref [11] Hibbert. “Writing, Chronic Illness & Incidental Diversity with Talia Hibbert.”

  54. Ref [20] NPD Bookscan.

  55. Ref [18] Olivia Dade, “Big Love: Fat Representation in Romance,” YouTube video, 42:57, March 6, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9m5dwD_oKE.

  56. Ref [18] Olivia Dade, “Big Love: Fat Representation in Romance.”

  57. Ref [18] Olivia Dade, “Big Love: Fat Representation in Romance.”

  58. Ref [18] Olivia Dade, “Big Love: Fat Representation in Romance.”

  59. Ref [18] Olivia Dade, “Big Love: Fat Representation in Romance.”

  60. Jodie Slaughter, email message to author, October 28, 2021.

  61. Slaughter.

  62. Ref [24] Kennedy Ryan, “Indie Spotlight: Interview with Romance Author Kennedy Ryan,” interview by Caitlin Augusta. AudioFile Magazine, June 22, 2021.

  63. Ref [24] Ryan. “Indie Spotlight: Interview with Romance Author Kennedy Ryan.”

  64. Ref [24] Ryan. “Indie Spotlight: Interview with Romance Author Kennedy Ryan.”

  65. Ref [8] Jaime Green. “The Latest Romance Novels: Firefighters, Buff Male Nannies, Astronauts and More.” New York Times, (2018). https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/30/books/review/sophie-jordan-beautiful-sinner.html.

  66. Thompson. “Why Are Romance Novels So White?”

  67. Ref [9] Helensbookshelf, TikTok video, 1:27, September 23, 2021, https://www.tiktok.com/@helensbookshelf/video/7011302529799621890?is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6910775856882271749

References

  1. Bennett B, Jasmine G, Jacqueline W. ‘We Know Our Stories Matter.’ Brit Bennett, Jasmine Guillory and Jacqueline Woodson Discuss the Importance of Fiction. By Rebecca Carroll, TIME, February 4, 2021. https://time.com/5935434/brit-bennett-jasmine-guillory-jacqueline-woodson-interview/.

  2. Big Gay Fiction Podcast, “Casey McQuiston – BGFP Interview,” YouTube video, 36:46, May 19, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u936eF0gwE

  3. Boog, J. New Survey Finds Little Improvement in Diversity in Romance Publishing. Publishers Weekly, March 10, 2020. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/82638-new-survey-finds-little-improvement-in-diversity-in-romance-publishing.html.

  4. Brussel RK. A Wider Embrace: Romance Novels 2020. Publishers Weekly, May 29, 2020. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/adult-announcements/article/83452-a-wider-embrace-romance-novels-2020.html.

  5. Córdova Z. Talia Hibbert Keeps On Writing On. Publishers Weekly, December 11, 2020. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/profiles/article/85109-talia-hibbert-keeps-on-writing-on.html.

  6. Flood, A. This Article Is More than 1 Year Old Romance Writers of America Aims for Happy End to Racism Row with New Prize. Guardian (Manchester), May 22, 2020. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/may/22/romance-writers-of-america-racism-row-new-prize-ritas-vivian.

  7. Fox M, Elsie B. Washington; Wrote First Black Romance Novel. Boston.com. Boston Globe, May 20, 2009. http://archive.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2009/05/20/elsie_b_washington_wrote_first_black_romance_novel/.

  8. Green, J. The Latest Romance Novels: Firefighters, Buff Male Nannies, Astronauts and More. New York Times, (2018). https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/30/books/review/sophie-jordan-beautiful-sinner.html.

  9. Helensbookshelf, TikTok video, 1:27, September 23, 2021, https://www.tiktok.com/@helensbookshelf/video/7011302529799621890?is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6910775856882271749

  10. Hibbert T. “How Talia Hibbert's Own Experiences with Chronic Pain Inspired Her Latest Romance Heroine.” By Maureen Lee Lenker. Entertainment Weekly, March 20, 2019. https://ew.com/books/2019/03/20/talia-hibbert-chronic-pain-romance-heroine/.

  11. Hibbert T. “Writing, Chronic Illness & Incidental Diversity with Talia Hibbert.” By Natasha Lipman, Natasha Lipman, June 7, 2021. http://natashalipman.com/talia-hibbert-chronic-illness-author-diversity/.

  12. Hoang, Helen. “Writing a romance novel with an autistic heroine helped Helen Hoang understand herself.” By Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, June 5, 2018. https://ew.com/books/2018/06/05/helen-hoang-kiss-quotient-interview/.

  13. Hoang H. “Writing The Heart Principle Helped Me Claw My Way Out of Depression.” Oprah Daily. Oprah Daily, August 31, 2021. https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/a37433195/helen-hoang-the-heart-principle-burnout-essay/.

  14. Jackson B. “Meet Brenda Jackson: NY Times Bestselling Romance Novelist.” She Is Fierce! She Is Fierce HQ, May 18, 2018. https://sheisfiercehq.com/2016/05/brenda-jackson-speaker/.

  15. Jones JM. “LGBT Identification Rises to 5.6% in Latest U.S. Estimate.” Gallup, February 24, 2021. https://news.gallup.com/poll/329708/lgbt-identification-rises-latest-estimate.aspx.

  16. Koch B, Leah K. “Diversity in Romance Books Still Lags.” Publishers Weekly, March 2, 2021. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/85707-diversity-in-romance-books-still-lags.html.

  17. Loren, R. “Romance author Roni Loren on the 'eye-catching' illustrated cover trend (plus her new cover!).” By Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, June 30, 2020. https://ew.com/books/romance-author-roni-loren-eye-catching-illustrated-cover-trend-plus-new-cover/.

  18. Olivia Dade, “Big Love: Fat Representation in Romance,” YouTube video, 42:57, March 6, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9m5dwD_oKE

  19. McFarlan Miller, E. After Award Win, Christian Romance Novel Draws Criticism for ‘Romanticized Genocide’ of Native Americans. Religion News Service. August 2, 2021. https://religionnews.com/2021/08/02/christian-romance-novel-draws-criticism-for-romanticized-genocide-of-native-americans/.

  20. NPD Bookscan, NPD Group, October 13, 2021. https://www.bookscan.npd.com/.

  21. Rai, Alisha. “Author Interview: Romance Writing and ‘Girl Gone Viral’ With Alisha Rai.” By Ali Marina. Brown Girl Magazine, June 10, 2020. https://browngirlmagazine.com/2020/06/author-interview-romance-writing-and-girl-gone-viral-with-alisha-rai/.

  22. Rai, A. “The Billion-Dollar Romance Fiction Industry Has A Diversity Problem.” By Lulu Garcia-Navarro. NPR, April 8, 2018. https://www.npr.org/transcripts/600549049

  23. Ryan, C. “The Implosion of the RWA.” Claire Ryan Author (blog), January 12, 2020. https://claireryanauthor.com/blog/2019/12/27/the-implosion-of-the-rwa/.

  24. Ryan, K. “Indie Spotlight: Interview with Romance Author Kennedy Ryan.” By Caitlin Augusta. AudioFile Magazine, June 22, 2021. https://audiofilemagazine.com/articles/indie-spotlight-interview-with-romance-author-kennedy-ryan/.

  25. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disability Impacts All of Us. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html#:~:text=26%20percent%20(one%20in%204,have%20some%20type%20of%20disability.

  26. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

  27. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-stat-report.html#:~:text=34.2%20million%20Americans%E2%80%94just%20over,1%20in%203%E2%80%94have%20prediabetes

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  1. Pace University, New York City, NY, USA

    Madison Nankervis

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Nankervis, M. Diversity in Romance Novels: Race, Sexuality, Neurodivergence, Disability, and Fat Representation. Pub Res Q 38, 349–363 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12109-022-09881-6

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