Initials

Initials are sometimes used to disguise the names of female authors, which, by neutralising their gender, can allow them to pass for male and obtain the attention awarded by male high-status, whether intentionally, incidentally (if they have a different reason for using initials), or at the demand of their publishers.

Authors who have used initials

• E.M. Broner
• C.J. Cherryh
• L. Timmel Duchamp
• M.J. Engh
• P.C. Hodgell
• J. Hunter Holly
• Ursula K. Le Guin, for "Nine Lives" ("U.K. Le Guin")
• C.L. Moore
• E. Nesbit
• J.K. Rowling
• M.K. Wren