The End of Literature?

In his article, The End, Boris Kachka quotes the author Dale Peck who states, "The system works just fine for commercial fiction. But for literary fiction, I think we had a nice run of it in the commercial world,” stated author Dale Peck. The quote, which appeared in Boris Kachka's article The End, speaks to fears about the future of literature in the digital age. 


In the article, Kachka describes how publishers are increasingly focusing on blockbusters rather than works of literature simply because blockbusters sell better (think Twilight or 50 Shades of Grey). Publishers are increasingly turning toward works that can be made into movies and accommodate multiple sequels. 


But does this imply that books with literary merit will become extinct? I tend to be optimistic. Literature as we know it may be losing ground, but I feel that this simply means that authors will have to adapt. Books today can still have literary merit, even if they begin as trade fiction. It will be interesting to see what changes take place within the literary canon in the next hundred years. 

What next?

One month ago I said goodbye to the University of Michigan and began preparing myself for the real world. I admit that I was loath to leave school, but I am also extremely excited to move on and begin a career in publishing.

Though many people have warned that I am entering a "dying industry," I firmly believe that there is a bright future in the changes taking place. Thus, I have enrolled in New York University's Summer Publishing Institute.

I have created this blog in preparation to attend the program. I hope to begin building a digital resume for prospective employers as I expand my knowledge of the business of publishing--how the marketing of print is evolving, what makes print sell, how technology is causing print to evolve, etc.  

Enjoy and feel free to comment.