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Something that'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't. One has a renowned MFA and a big literary award. The other . . . doesn't. One is able to, it appears, invest more time in writing (vs a full-time day job.) The other . . . can't. One got big-name venues for interviews+reviews. The other . . . didn't. 2/n
Publishing is NOT a level playing field. If you think bestsellers happen on merit alone, you don't understand how literary pedigree and publicity work. You don't understand how, despite having published *good* work for years and years, one'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're complicit in this uneven, hierarchical, capitalist publishing ecosystem. Don't like that? Here's what you can do. 4/n
Build horizontally. Don'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's how we grow and preserve our literary traditions. 5/n
