Something that& #39;s been on my mind recently after reading two 2020 debut #shortstory collections by desi writers. Both of equal caliber and writing about similar themes. One got a big publisher deal, lots of advance attention, and a terrific book tour with celebrated authors. 1/n

The other . . . didn& #39;t. One has a renowned MFA and a big literary award. The other . . . doesn& #39;t. One is able to, it appears, invest more time in writing (vs a full-time day job.) The other . . . can& #39;t. One got big-name venues for interviews+reviews. The other . . . didn& #39;t. 2/n

Publishing is NOT a level playing field. If you think bestsellers happen on merit alone, you don& #39;t understand how literary pedigree and publicity work. You don& #39;t understand how, despite having published *good* work for years and years, one& #39;s work can remain obscure. 3/n

And, if you chase big literary names without making the effort to search out and elevate the lesser-known ones who are just as good, if not better, then you& #39;re complicit in this uneven, hierarchical, capitalist publishing ecosystem. Don& #39;t like that? Here& #39;s what you can do. 4/n

Build horizontally. Don& #39;t just follow/like/RT the big names. Commit to seeing, supporting, learning from, and celebrating the talents of the writers around you. Create a ladder and pull up those after you. Why? Because that& #39;s how we grow and preserve our literary traditions. 5/n