Dude Lit explores how male authors have come to dominate the Mexican literary and intellectual scene, examining the cultural dynamics and networks that help shape perceptions of literary authority. Through an analysis of key figures like Juan Rulfo, José Emilio Pacheco, and Guillermo Fadanelli, the book reveals how certain aesthetic choices, professional trajectories, and social connections contribute to the construction of the “great writer.” Drawing on interviews, archives, and literary analysis, Dude Lit investigates how elements such as gendered writing styles, insider networks, and public personas influence critical success. It argues that what is often considered originality or rebellion in men’s writing is frequently supported by established privileges and social conventions. By reassessing the intersections of literature, reputation, and gender, this study offers a new perspective on how cultural authority is performed and recognized in Mexican literary culture.