Self-publishing is the Future of Literary Fiction

In which I concur with Hugh Howey.

Because the traditional publishing industry is now dominated by a handful of big houses characterized by an increasing homogeneity of literary sensibility that is less and less open to taking risks both literary and financial.

Because there is such a glut on the traditional literary fiction market that the odds of getting picked by a New York agent and publisher have become astronomically high.

Because the counter-argument, “Good writing will always find a publisher,” presupposes that we have a broadly shared cultural conception of what constitutes good writing–which very arguably we do not.

Because more and more writers are going to realize that these traditional gatekeepers are not necessary in order for them to get their work in front of an audience. Yes, these writers will feel the burden of having to build an editorial team that will challenge them in the name of excellence so that the ease of self-publishing does not allow them to become artistically complacent. They will feel the burden of having to publicize their work themselves. But they will also be energized by being able to pick themselves and by being able to offer their literary gifts directly to the world.

Because, as Howey argues, the self-publishing stigma is quickly becoming vieux jeu, so that more and more authors will begin to regard self-publishing as the purer medium of expression. “No tampering with style or voice.”

Because more and more writers are going to wake up to the fact that the boutique presses that publish a lot of literary fiction are not that different from a self-publisher with a well-organized and savvy team (editor, cover designer, etc.).

Because our reading culture is trending toward digital and smart writers will realize there’s no stopping the coming of the railroad.

Because in the short-term future more and more established and celebrated literary writers, like David Mamet, are going to self-publish at least some of their work and in so doing inspire less established authors to follow suit.

Because authors of literary fiction will begin to realize that it’s very plausible, if they are good and they can generate buzz, that they can make real money as self-publishers.