The difference between feminist literary texts and extra-literary sources explained very simply is that a feminist literary text is unique to the writer itself. It is distinct as being the original text from which a reader may come to their own interpretation of its story, or theme.

The feminist literary text will contain an idea, premise or autobiographical account etc., that indicates that the writer is recognising that there is an unequal gender balance within society. The text can be termed as feminist because the writer will endeavour to impart her own recognition of gender inequality - whether it is through her own theory (using her own literary sources) or simply through the use of a pseudonym, popular fiction, or through the use of poetry or hidden meaning.

Extra literacy sources indicate that the original text has been critically examined. For example, if you are reading the original feminist text, you may use this as your main text for analysis. You may then wish to choose an additional topic, for example, one that has been highlighted within the main text such as an indication of discrimination against women artists in the 17th century. You would then search for extra literary sources using other writers that discuss this issue. In this way, you will be able to use elements from other critical theory to illustrate your own critical argument.

Feminist literary texts can also be perceived as being such even if the original author did not write the work as being consciously feminist. An example of this being the writer J. K. Rowling who has made numerous assertions that she did not consciously promote the idea of the equality of women in her Harry Potter novels, yet her novels have been the subject of many critiques of which some have covered feminist issues.

Some writers may decide to use strong and independent female characters in a reversal of roles, for example, by using female characters in adventurous plots usually reserved for men.

Writers who lived over 100 years ago may have found it difficult to have their work accepted by the publishers of their time. Many women writers opted to write their novels under a male pseudonym, so that their work would not be undermined by prejudice.

Some writers may have written in a manner that questioned the conventions of their time or used their characters to undermine sexist or gendered assumptions. In all cases, these types of literature will have their own critical audience who will use extra literacy sources to examine the text in an attempt to ascertain the true meaning of the work.

Extra literary sources may come from a number of locations such as contemporary media, magazines, academic papers, literature and other critical texts and historical evidence that can be used as a reliable reference.