Kevin O. McLaughlin
Sage
If that were true, Jamber, it would not explain why so many woman-targeted romance and urban fantasy novels have a woman on the front cover. Generally in risqué clothing.
Thing is, publishers spend a good deal of money learning what covers work for different target groups. So if they are slapping sexy pictures of women on the covers of woman-targeted fantasy books, it's because those covers sell well to women.
Notice however: the woman targeted covers are sexy and strong, not some negligee-clad woman clinging to Conan's leg. Much like male targeted covers have some sort of wish fulfillment, so do these covers.
Thing is, publishers spend a good deal of money learning what covers work for different target groups. So if they are slapping sexy pictures of women on the covers of woman-targeted fantasy books, it's because those covers sell well to women.
Notice however: the woman targeted covers are sexy and strong, not some negligee-clad woman clinging to Conan's leg. Much like male targeted covers have some sort of wish fulfillment, so do these covers.