Commercial vs Literary Fiction
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- What is commercial fiction? How it is different from literary fiction? How do they differ? I'm giving an overview of these two often compared, opposing types of books. But, as I cover in the video, there's a TON inbetween, and commercial vs. literary can be limiting.
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Thank you! The eyeshadow is Tati Beauty and the lipstick is the Gorgeous Jen shade from Charlotte Tilbury! Can you tell I shopped the Sephora sale? haha. And the dress is from Torrid :)
I think there's *a little bit* of bias here-which is fine; we all lean one way or another. I would just add that you left out a defining aspect of literary fiction: a focus on language, often experimentally or at least creatively. Most literary fiction writers are interested in using language like a malleable artistic medium rather than just conventional usage to clearly communicate plot. Not all, but a lot of literary fiction also uses unconventional forms-for example, breaking up time into non-chronological scenes to communicate a certain state of mind, for example, or to disorient the reader for the purposes of exploring psychology, time or another facet of being. Most commercial fiction not only uses streamlined, straightforward language with little embellishment, but it also propels its plots at a rapid clip with little interruption. Literary fiction often is more meditative, or it may demand a lot of attention to the powers of language itself, and so on. Literary fiction is a very broad umbrella that can include plot-driven stories, but which almost always has purposes beyond plot. Commercial fiction exists to tell entertaining stories and good commercial fiction can make a reader think, and literary fiction often requires thought simply to understand the story, and guiding readers to think in different ways often is more of the point than telling an entertaining story is. They're just different animals. Neither is better than the other, and if someone were trying to prove that literary fiction is superior, they'd have to contend with the enormous varieties of what is grouped together as literary fiction, because some is subjectively much better than some others. I think the bottom line, the reason there are more 'bragging rights' associated with reading (more than writing) literary fiction is that the act of reading it is mentally challenging, whereas most commercial fiction is superficial in the sense that there isn't a lot of subtext and straightforward in the sense that the plot advances like an arrow rather than like a heat-seeking missile that may weave and bob as it approaches its target.
What's so backward, though, is that at least in my experience, university creative writing programs focus almost exclusively on literary fiction. I would submit science fiction stories for workshop sometimes and get barely any useful feedback, while my more "literary" stories would get a lot. I never personally experienced any outright scorn for writing genre fiction, though I know of people who did, but the program I went through definitely was not designed for anything besides literary fiction.
Yeah it's a huge issue in academia, including MFA programs. That's where a lot of the snobbery comes from, IMO.
The funny thing is, on the flip side, when you try to be more exploratory and literary in poetry you get the same response if you try to write genre fiction in those same MFA programs. They really are crazy.
I agree with you about the snobbery. Its true that a lot of classics were originally commercial. I think there's room for creativity in commercial and genre fiction and that's often what makes a book memorable (Laini Taylor's use of language, George R R Martin's multiple plots, etc.)
I spend a lot of time wondering what commercial fiction novels will end up being held up there with the "great classics".
Lord of the Rings for sure
@@TomorrowWeLive LOTR is already a classic. I'm thinking more modern, last twenty years or so.
@@TheWordN3rd it's a classic of genre fiction, but it's definitely not a classic of literary fiction, which is what people mean when they talk about 'classics', books like Jane Eyre or Les Miserables or Ulysses. It's still a very long way from being considered a classic in that sense. When LotR was published contemporary critics derided it as juvenile trash, and even today most of the literary establishment would only grudgingly consider it on a par with literary fiction.
I commented this somewhere else, but "The Hunger Games", at least the first one. I can see it becoming this brilliant commentary on or obsession with media and glorifying violence and consumer privelage, etc. The POV and tense suddenly become this brilliant artistic device that "captures the soul" of the underprivelaged, etc.
I can't speak much about them as I haven't read them, but some of Leigh Bardugo's works seem like they'd be a candidate.
Harry Potter... Eventually
Great video, thank you. Both Literary and Commercial Fiction have value, and are difficult to write, in different ways. It's good to have an understanding of the various distinctions between the two. It's also good to read at least some of each. 😃👍💝
Literary Fiction: 1984
Commercial Fiction: Hunger Games
Literary fiction: Mrs Dalloway
Commercial fiction: Mrs Doubtfire
1984 was commercial when it came out
1984 is "genre fiction", literary fiction is the most boring crap ever existed.
''High concept, well-paced dystopian novel? Sounds like genre fiction. But everyone agrees it's good, so it must be literary.''
No.
THANK YOU!! I need more videos like this!! When searching through agents to figure out who to query, I keep seeing these terms and things like “high-concept” or “with a literary flair” and I’m just like...I have no idea what these mean. Just tell me what you want, dangit!!
My high concept video is coming up in a few weeks! And, yes, it's maddening! I might do a whole video defining magical realism--that one is thrown around a lot.
Alexa Donne I would really appreciate a video on magical realism!
Hi, Alexa! 😊 Been following you for months now and I enjoy your videos very much. They're very informative.
By the way, if you have the time, can you make a video about tips for international/foreign writers (who aren't living in the USA) in order to get published. 😊
I do think that the distinction is appropriate and appreciated. I personally am not at all interested in commercial fiction and am grateful for the emphasis on artistic and quality exploration yet the reality that there is quite a bit of overlap - I think that’s encouraging for any of us as writers regardless of our preferred approach!
Agreed! For every literary fiction writer out there who's a true literary snob, there are five who are terrified to admit they write literary fiction because they don't want to be seen as a snob and they probably appreciate your style of writing too but they just want to be surrounded by theme and metaphor and symbolism whenever they write!
...speaking for a friend of course
@@Exayevie others aren’t shamed for their preferences or ambitions/standards so why should we - let’s speak (and most importantly write) proudly for ourselves, “snobs” and all!
This is a great video for defining what both are in a quick and efficient way. Thank you, Alexa.
It would seem the distinction between literary and commercial is about post rationalization. There really is no difference. Both categories have the same or can have the same elements. Literary seems to be a cop-out as to why people don't buy it or "get it". Much like the art world. If the masses don't get it it's modern art. if everyone accepts it it's pop-art. Just write. let the critics and readers decide.
Great video, Alexa! I've been thinking a lot about literary/commercial fiction lately and I was never really sure how to define each, so I was glad to see this pop up. I was wondering if you would ever do a video on being a cross-genre author, whether you would advise it or advise against it, if it's possible to do in today's market and what the publishing specifics would need to be for a situation like that. That's something I'm really curious about
Alexa, no disrespect - I'm still working towards commercial fiction, since I had other goals earlier in life, but I have been studying literature all my life, therefore I have respect for any writer. However, words like "it's a lot of snobbery" and the like, are simply an euphemistic way to put others down. I know making it as a commercial writer is a lot harder than anyone would expect. If there's some respect to be found in the industry, it should especially be found and encouraged from people who have a social networks. Why? Because of its large reach and influence especially on aspiring writers who can either develop respect on both areas and be the bigger men, not the snobs "because they heard the others are snobs." I insist, no disrespect, the following video is really an eye opener on what aspiring new authors can gather from 5 to 10 minute long youtube videos instead of going through the formation that I know you have. Why not pointing them towards preparing themselves, especially knowing that if they strive to be good at literary, they will have no problem - in terms of style - breaking into commercial, but not the other way around. It's known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, people after short videos, think they're at the top, as you can see in the video, without going through the whole process of preparing themselves. Same thing happens with people who have not published Literary fiction, it's easy to dismiss what "they" consider literary just out of "snobbery" if we don't know what is missing from our writing. Thanks for reading, you've found a good platform to make a good career, keep using it for the better. th-cam.com/video/4FGnb2lgPBA/w-d-xo.html
Literary fiction tends to be written by university professors who do not put food on the table with their writing. There is absolutely a sense of elitism here, as there is in most University based areas. No doubt a fair amount of bitterness drives this attitude because they feel their writing is superior, yet not commercially successful.
@@GPadugan I agree with you in terms of attitude from most scholars, that's what drove me to devote my writing towards commercial fiction. However, it could reside in us, the common-sense of not paying back with the same coin, since it only promotes more division. Let smugs be smugs, let writers be fond of writing and not encourage such attitude; that only would confirm their status by being portrayed as martyrs of literature.
Masters of literary fiction, for ages, were once devoted to what, back then, was "commercial", even if never as financially paid as it should have been. However, you can see in the works of Hemingway, Dickens, Wolf, Poe, Bronte etc... the intention to deliver stories rather than style, even when they were impressive wordsmiths. If you take it to these days, you find that even the most commercial authors, like Koontz - one of the most prolific writers, and in a very stigmatized yet commercial genre - , to have in so many of their works enough elements to be considered "literary fiction". Mastering the craft should not be considered elitist. Leave that to critics and professors, who can only teach, but never deliver an original story.
I love your channel! Can I ask for some advice?
How should I make a plot and setting if I’ve created my characters before anything else?
I still don't really understand what the differences are. Ok, literary sell less, but if you pick up a book, how do you know which it is.
Problably too late but.
1. cover, you can spot lit fic book a mile away its very „aestethic“ and „artsy“ (beautiful in they eyes of many people)
2. If the book has those short reviews from other authors or media outlets and they use words like: necessary, vital, haunting etc.
3. Book description, if it highlight how a character feels in this book its litfic
4. Placement in the bookstore, if its not on the „table“ that every bookstore has filled with popular books like twilight and hunger games
Mauler and Questus by english writer Shawn Williamson. Indicated by histórian, writer, cinema director Andrew Sinclair.
Great video. I guess I still understand if there is a difference in the "essence", style, or some word that I can't figure out right now. Is there only difference how marketable a book is or its sales numbers? Are commercial fiction books "dumber" than literary fiction?
Would Tampa by Alissa Nutting be considered literary fiction?
I don’t know how Name dropping is recurved in the writing community, but it would be really helpful if you gave examples for at least the most broad types of books
you mentioned popcorn fiction. what is that, please?
Interesting.
Thanks Alexa for the clarification! :/
YOUR VIDEOS ARE BRILLIANT, THANK YOU.
I HAVE COMPLETED A COMMERCIAL NOVEL GEARED TO WOMEN AND BOOK CLUB READERS. HOW DO I PITCH THAT TO AGENTS? AS WOMEN'S FICTION? IT'S NOT ROMANCE
I admire the way you talk
What literary fiction would you recommend please? :)
I'm not Alexa and also from Middle Europe, so we probably have different books in focus than Americans. ;) But if you want, maybe try Robert Menasse's books if you like social commentary on current society, or try Vicki Baum if you are looking for positive early feminist books from the perspective of a Jewish woman from the early 20th century. You can, of course, always try and get into classics. I personally love Victor Hugo's books and Thomas Mann's novels and novellas
I know this is two years old, but you should read Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski. Best book I've ever read.
Cool! I appreciate it! Haha
This'll be interesting.
TH-cam... you're drunk. It claimed that the video was uploaded 21 hours ago, I click in on it and it says 11 Nov. Hmm... Oh well. *shrugs* I'll watch it anyway. :D
I have no idea if my novel is literary fiction or not I'm only in chapter 1 so we'll see but the concept and outline don't exactly fit in genre fiction, I think. Just because I'm using more Japanese inspired storytelling methods rather than American.
Hi, could you please share a literary fiction book that you really enjoyed? Thanks if you can
OK, random question, but I’ve looked for the video and I can’t find it! What is the candle company that you had candles made with for your book? I want to buy some!
Second Star Lit! It's called Aboard the Rochester and I believe they bring it back regularly for sales :) I also recommend their candle Fairytales.
Is the rate of how often you publish a book a sign of success as a commercial fiction writer?
How do you know which one you're writing?
You just write and see what you get. :)
Pop vs Disco
I always thought that modern literary fiction was all contemporary... is that true? Or does if span any/all genres?
Great topic!
Is this idea of commercial fiction an invention of the book industry? Did it exist say fifty years ago? Was Poe regarded in his time as a horror writer do you know, or just a writer?
WHAT ABOUT UPMARKET? Every agent seems to want that NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Versus 😉
Umberto Eco said he took a couple years just to let the world live in his head before starting writing. Lol.
One has a plot, the other doesn't. :)
I've tried writing commercial fiction but found the result so dull I gave up
So, basically, writing a story about a villain with a negative character arc, making it really long and it's your debut isn't really a good strategy, right? :D