On a similar line, since we don't know her real name then it could just very well be there's some other bias against her name besides the gender issue.
It's not unheard of for names that are associated with a specific ethnicity having an effect. I have a name that's almost impossible to pronounce for English speakers, and I've always noted the difference between when I use my real name or when I use the anglicized version.
Potential clients are going to go with the option that's easier, and yes that might even include things such as: the name that's easier to pronounce, the gender the client can identify with the easiest or the name that clicks subconsciously with them.
These aren't just interesting bits, they're part of the image we portray. Actors have known this for quite some time and it's common to pick stage names.
From what I got from the pseudonym's blog is that 'he' is a Canadian, and suggested French Canadian. If this is true for the real author then there's all the reason in the world for not hiring her.
I want English copy, I don't want it from someone I believe to be French whether my assumption is correct or not. I'm going to hire John Smith over Jean Lefevre at the drop of a hat, however Anglicize Jean Lefevre and you have the employable writers name of John Smith.
I have a very English surname, which has never given me a problem when applying for a writing gig.
As I said, contracting someone to write English copy, I would instinctively and likely purposely hire someone with an English sounding name based on name alone. A French name won't get you hired for writing in English, it might however get you hired to write in French even if your native tongue is English.
It seems the reverse experiment might work as well, for a well known writer to post with an unappealing (and perhaps even female) name and compare the revenue per post on each one. That does not seem overly difficult though the writer might by leaving money "on the table".
It's not unheard of for names that are associated with a specific ethnicity having an effect. I have a name that's almost impossible to pronounce for English speakers, and I've always noted the difference between when I use my real name or when I use the anglicized version.
Potential clients are going to go with the option that's easier, and yes that might even include things such as: the name that's easier to pronounce, the gender the client can identify with the easiest or the name that clicks subconsciously with them.
These aren't just interesting bits, they're part of the image we portray. Actors have known this for quite some time and it's common to pick stage names.