Is Attractiveness an Edge in Publishing?

We often think about singers and actors being measured by beauty but not authors. Ours is not an art where we MUST be incredibly visible or, it didn't used to be. But that has changed the past decade or two and, with it, our thoughts on author beauty.

Attractive authors get more media attention. They are often asked to do more interviews, more discussions, etc. They will sometimes even be booked over a more “noted” author because of sex appeal. Media outlets often love a pretty face.

Even readers fall prey to this biased thinking. It is hard not to if you’re surrounded by manufactured perceptions of beauty at all angles. I have yet, however, to see an author blame low book sales on being homely. And I don’t believe I have seen a book put back based on an author photograph.

A person who is pretty without substance is unlikely to find widespread success in the world of writing, though I wouldn’t doubt it could happen. But, at the end of the day, real writing rises to the top regardless of if they’re a ten or two.
At least, I believe in strong writing over any other factor.

What do you guys think? Is your sex appeal going to open a window? Should it?