SFSite (the 'home page for science fiction and fantasy literature') and Locus Magazine (the website for the 'leading news and review magazine for science fiction and fantasy') have posted lists of sci-fi and fantasy literature they decided were the 'best' of 2009. Not surprisingly, SFSite mostly chose titles written by men. Locus did a little better.
SFSite had only one novel, "Boneshaker" by Cherie Priest, on their top ten list. There were 21 Honorable Mentions, three of which were by women, including Catherynne M. Valente's "Palimpset", "Year of the Flood" by Margaret Atwood and "The Red Tree" by Caitlin R. Kiernan. You can see them all here...
Locus' longer list of top sci-fi novels of 2009 (16 titles) featured only three by women: "Steal Across the Sky" by Nancy Kress, "The Empress of Mars" by Kage Baker, and Cherie Priest’s
"Boneshaker."
Locus lists 22 'top' fantasy novels, and only six are by women. Cat Valente’s "Palimpset" is included again.
However, the Locus lists for novellas, novelettes, YA, and short stories is very long, and includes many women, including Nancy Kress, Suzy McKee Charnas, Mary Rosenbaum, Rachel Swirsky, and Cat Rambo. Check out Locus' lists here.
Broad Universe is an international organization with the primary goal of promoting science fiction, fantasy, and horror written by women. Pretty/Scary is a member.
